While some may have forgotten high school biology, anaerobic digestion is the process where---in this case---bacteria that do not need oxygen to survive transform sludge into electricity by feeding on the waste and producing gas. The gas can then power electric generators.

Akron and KB Compost Services are constructing what will be a $7 million plant similar to the 200 or so operations developed by the German firm, Schmack Biogas AG in Asia and Europe.

It was in Europe, outside of Zurich, that Mayor Don Plusquellic saw a biogas operation first hand several years ago.

"I knew we had the infrastructure largely in place to do this in Akron," said Plusquellic. "I always find opportunities to learn from others about how they do what they do. And in this case, getting the most out of materials we'd otherwise discard has wide-ranging benefits for us.''

While biogas is in its infancy in the U.S., it's booming in Europe, and Schmack---around since 1995--- is competitive. In Akron, it is partnering with KB Compost and forming a new company, Schmack Bio-Energy LLC that will be promoting the German technology here in America. 

Akron Water Pollution Control Administrator Brian Gresser says as the bacteria multiply and consume part of the sludge, a methane-rich burnable gas---biogas---is produced and will help reduce Akron's rising costs for handling solid waste. The electricity that is produced will reduce energy costs and, the City hopes, will allow it to replace its aging composting facility.

"Our composting plant handles 1.2 million gallons of sludge every week," said Gresser. "But, the plant is requiring more and more maintenance and will begin eating up more of our budget in coming years."