Anaerobic digesters

We provide support for the development and use of technologies like anaerobic digestion, which helps extract value from organic waste and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. We also assist local governments in overseeing anaerobic digesters and conduct inspections. Learn about anaerobic digesters and how to qualify for a solid waste permit exemption.

Cattle and dairy farming creates manure and other wastes that can impact the environment. By using anaerobic digesters, dairy farmers can convert these wastes into a source of renewable energy. The technology produces biogas, which can be combusted to generate electricity and heat, or can be processed into natural gas and transportation fuels.


What is anaerobic digestion?

Anaerobic digestion is the process through which organic materials break down in the absence of oxygen (as opposed to composting, which is the controlled break down of material in the presence of oxygen). This process produces a gas, sometimes called biogas, primarily composed of methane and carbon dioxide. This gas production occurs naturally in decomposition, but by controlling the process and collecting the biogas, it can be used for energy. When the biogas is not collected, it escapes into the atmosphere, where it contributes to climate change.

Anaerobic digesters have been around for hundreds of years and come in all shapes and sizes. Most are designed to process organic materials, extracting energy in the form of biogas, and producing by-products that can be land applied to improve soil health. Anaerobic digestion can reduce harmful pathogens in waste, making it safer to use as a beneficial soil amendment.

Anaerobic digesters are in use around the world at many wastewater treatment plants and at dairies, where they are used to generate energy and improve manure management.

Anaerobic digester regulations

In 2013, we updated the Solid Waste Handling Standards, Chapter 173-350 WAC, to include permitting requirements for solid waste anaerobic digesters. You can find these regulations at:

Solid waste permit exemption

Washington law provides an exemption from solid waste permitting for dairy manure anaerobic digesters that meet certain conditions. The permit exemption conditions are detailed in Table 250-A (3) of WAC 173-350-250.

The conditions for a permit exemption:

  • Comply with the restrictions on the types of acceptable organic wastes (see Table 250-A)
  • Notify Ecology 30 days before importing organic waste of the intent to operate under the exemption (submit this notification form to Ecology)
  • Comply with the requirements for onsite storage and handling of organics (see Table 250-A)
  • Submit an annual report to Ecology by April 1 for each calendar year (submit this annual report form to Ecology)
  • Dairy digesters operating under a conditional exemption must also meet the following conditions:

Additional information