Co-Processing of Biosolids and Biomass Food and Garden Organics for Pyrolytic Conversion and Resource Generation

OBJECTIVES

Test the feasibility of co-processing biosolids with biomass and food and garden organics using thermal PYROCO technology

Assess the cost, performance and potential to scale up the full process from pre-treatment to final product

Trial the use of the resulting co-pyrolysed materials in real-world applications

Team

Kalpit Shah

Lead Researcher

Nimesha Rathnayake

Research Fellow

Ibrahim Hakeem

Research Fellow

Partners

South East Water

Mornington Peninsula Shire

Essity Australasia

Australian Pine Nuts (ATPN)

Progress

SUMMARY

This project is developing new thermal technology to convert biosolids from wastewater treatment, along with food and garden organics (FOGO) and other biomass waste, into valuable resources like biochar and bioenergy. It uses a circular economy approach to create a sustainable solution for managing complex waste streams.

In 2024, researchers collected and analysed a wide range of biosolids from South East Water (SEW) facilities and paired them with potential co-feedstocks like coffee grounds, timber, textiles, and even nappies. These were evaluated for their suitability in pyrolysis using a new scoring tool. Strategies for combining and processing these materials—such as direct mixing, pre-treatment, and pelletising—have been tested, with some trials already run in a semi-pilot pyrolysis reactor.

Key partners include SEW, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Australian Pine Nuts (ATPN) and Essity Australasia, who are exploring how this process could help manage local waste streams more sustainably. The project is also laying the groundwork for industrial application through feedstock modelling and testing the performance of the resulting biochar.

OPPORTUNITIES

Research grants available for waste projects

Create valuable products like biochar and energy from difficult-to-manage waste streams

Support councils and industry to reduce landfill and carbon impact through a scalable thermal solution

Local partnerships and commercial pathways for turning waste into useful resources

AS SEEN AT

Sustainability Victoria Speed Networking Workshop – Participants Nimesha Rathnayake and Ibrahim Hakeem

PYROASIA 2024 – Nimesha Rathnayake scientific talk on Carbonisation of FOGO Followed by Anaerobic Co-digestion with Activated Sludge