Large quantities of organic materials are wasted, which then turn into unwanted waste even from a distance; in the past, they were left to meet their fate in nature and decompose. However, with the world's awakening to environmental issues, these organic residues have become more important, and they can be utilized to generate energy instead of just being disposed of without benefit.

Organic wastes refers to any product made from plant and animal materials that are thrown in the trash, including food waste, paper, wood, some fabrics, sewage, and compost. Cities are usually responsible for the bulk of the waste.

Multiple effects

There are many negative impacts of organic waste on the environment, including:

• Greenhouse gas emissions

Organic waste causes the release of greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane, which is one of the strongest greenhouse gases, with a warming potential 80 times that of carbon dioxide. Anaerobic conditions cause organic waste to decompose, releasing methane.

• Water and soil pollution

Often, improper management of organic waste leads to its settling in water bodies and soil, which negatively impacts soil health and agricultural quality. Pollution also affects marine life.

• Diseases

As organic waste breaks down, it attracts insects, small animals like mice, and other disease-carrying organisms.

• Biodiversity

Pollution resulting from organic waste affects biodiversity in marine or terrestrial life at a time when biodiversity is facing continuous threats due to human activities and natural disasters.

Energy generation

Renewable energy is the most common way to use organic waste instead of letting it harm the environment. Bacteria carry out the anaerobic digestion of organic waste, producing biogas, a renewable alternative to natural gas. This biogas can be used to produce renewable energy for electricity generation.

Thus, organic waste can be utilized to solve the electricity crisis through a sustainable energy source, which helps achieve sustainability, protect the environment, and avoid the harmful effects of that waste.