Fueling the Future With Food Waste

Every day at UC Davis, thousands of pounds of food scraps, expired produce, and organic waste are collected from dining facilities across campus. Most people never think about where that material goes after it leaves their plate. At the READ Facility, however, that waste becomes something entirely different: renewable energy.

Located on the edge of campus, the Renewable Energy Anaerobic Digester (READ) Facility quietly supports some of UC Davis's most ambitious sustainability goals. The facility diverts organic waste from landfills, processes it through a series of digesters, and captures methane-rich biogas that can be converted into electricity. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, a major upgrade project is preparing the facility for its next chapter.

Funded through a CalRecycle grant, the project includes the replacement of aging infrastructure and the addition of new technologies designed to improve efficiency, reliability, and energy production. The upgrades represent years of planning and a shared commitment to finding innovative ways to reduce waste while maximizing resources.

One of the largest improvements is the construction of a new digestion tank. The previous tank had reached the end of its service life after experiencing corrosion issues. Its replacement—a stainless-steel tank designed for durability and long-term performance — will help ensure the facility can continue processing organic material for decades to come. New mixing systems and supporting infrastructure are also being installed as part of the effort.

The project also includes replacing the facility's depackager, a critical piece of equipment that separates food from its packaging before processing begins. The new system will allow operators to handle incoming waste more efficiently and reduce maintenance challenges associated with older equipment. By improving this first step in the process, the facility can better recover organic material that would otherwise be discarded.

Perhaps the most exciting addition is a pair of linear generators that will use biogas produced by the digesters to generate electricity. Once operational, the generators will return renewable power to the UC Davis electrical grid, creating a direct connection between the campus’ food waste stream and its energy infrastructure.

For the project team, the upgrades are about more than replacing equipment. They represent an investment in a more sustainable future for the university.

“People that go to school here or work here should know that the university is trying to utilize the food waste stream that we have and make something positive from it,” said a project manager involved with the upgrade. “We're trying to be responsible with our resources and utilize them the best way we can.”

Although the technology behind the facility is complex, the mission is simple: transform waste into something valuable. Food waste becomes fuel. Organic byproducts can become fertilizer. Materials that once represented a disposal challenge become resources that support campus sustainability efforts.

Facility operators see that impact every day. As READ Facility operator Justin Cunningham explained, “Instead of going to the landfill, we're using it and making energy with it.”

That philosophy is what drives the project forward. The facility's operators and project teams have worked through permitting requirements, equipment deliveries, and construction challenges to bring the upgrades to life. Much of their work happens out of public view, yet it plays a vital role in supporting UC Davis's sustainability goals.

For most people, food waste disappears the moment it leaves the dining hall. At the READ Facility, it a new journey, one that turns yesterday's leftovers into tomorrow's energy.