Public-Private Interests for a Circular Bioeconomy: Anaerobic Digestion in California’s Food Manufacturing Sector

This thesis argues that California’s next step toward reducing organic waste inefficiency lies in the food manufacturing sector, where integrated anaerobic digestion (AD) systems can turn waste streams into both energy and tools to improve soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and filter water and soil contaminants. Although California leads globally in environmental action, it struggles with fossil fuel reliance and organic waste exceeding the capacity of processing facilities. Encouraging on-site AD within industrial food facilities can substantially boost renewable energy production and grid resilience while advancing the state’s circular bioeconomy goals. To realize this potential, the state should simplify permitting processes, explicitly include AD systems in existing renewable energy funding programs, and strengthen public-private partnerships focused on research and development.