Circular Economy Thesis: small scale anaerobic digestion to process waste in Amsterdam
From waste to work! How innovation led to knowledge diffusion.
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is one way of capturing more value from organic waste. Three projects in Amsterdam have aimed to collect and process waste this way. This study aimed to uncover how innovation in these projects occurred. In particular, the study tested how innovation led to knowledge diffusion. Evidence suggests that knowledge diffusion took place through policies of the local government and the design of a novel waste collection system. This thesis also discusses the significance of AD for the future of waste treatment in Amsterdam. The significance of AD for waste handling in the city remains unpredictable. A lack of space in the city and a questionable business case contribute to this uncertainty. These doubts may dissolve if transporting waste via road transport becomes undesirable or if higher value applications of digestate become available.