Which process uses anaerobic digestion as a sustainability method?

The use of anaerobic digestion as a sustainability method is most closely associated with composting, particularly in the context of organic waste management. Anaerobic digestion is a biological process that occurs when microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen. This process not only helps to reduce the volume of waste but also converts it into biogas, which can be harnessed as a renewable energy source.

In composting, while aerobic processes are more commonly associated, anaerobic digestion can be viewed as a form of composting that specifically focuses on breaking down organic waste in environments where oxygen is limited. This method is beneficial for sustainability as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions, diverts waste from landfills, and produces useful byproducts such as nutrient-rich digestate and renewable energy.

The other processes listed—recycling, incineration, and landfilling—do not utilize anaerobic digestion as a method for sustainability. Recycling involves converting materials back into usable raw materials, incineration involves burning waste to reduce volume and generate energy, and landfilling is a method of waste disposal that often leads to methane emissions but does not inherently utilize anaerobic digestion as a focused method of waste management.