Current State of Greenhouse Waste Biomass Disposal Methods, with a Focus on Essex County Ontario

Abstract

Managing organic waste produced from agricultural greenhouse production is becoming an increasing concern for growers and communities that contain significant greenhouse production. Currently, in North America, the waste vines, leaves and stems, and fruit grade-outs that are produced during in-season greenhouse production and post-harvest processes are most commonly sent to local landfills. With landfills rapidly filling and increasing pressures to improve the sustainability and circularity of greenhouse production, alternative waste management solutions are needed. This review examines greenhouse organic waste characteristics and composition, focusing on Essex County, Ontario, Canada, which has the highest density of greenhouse production in North America. Current worldwide research on greenhouse waste disposal methods is reviewed, including landfilling, land application, incineration and waste-to-energy, anaerobic digestion, char production, organic fertilizer production and composting, and insect digestion. Seasonal timing, waste composition, cost, space, and the state of research influence the feasibility of implementing these solutions on an industrial scale. This review also contains a case study of greenhouse organic waste characteristics and quantity, and the most suitable management strategies for Essex County (containing the Leamington and Kingsville areas) in southern Ontario, Canada, where this issue is becoming an increasing concern to the local community. Gaps in policy and data are highlighted, including barriers that may limit the adoption of the innovative solutions proposed.