Abstract
A food waste recycling system was constructed using a small-scale methane fermentation system that incorporates hot spring heat. Local people provide the food waste and reap the benefits of the rich liquid byproduct. Biogas produced from food waste using methane fermentation is being used to boil water for the Ene Café METHANE. Instead of money, customers make payment in food waste to drink a cup of tea. The system has gained a following, now with over 1900 club members participating. Community members collect their organic food waste and utilize the liquid fertilizer (i.e. methane fermentation-digested liquid) generated as a byproduct of the system. The system at Ene Café METHANE is a completely interdependent food recycling system that makes customers happy because they can recycle their food waste while enjoying the company of fellow locals over a cup of tea. It has also been developed as a tourism resource and is creating stronger face-to-face communication within the community. This unique system is introduced here, along with a description of possibilities for its future development.
