OhioHealth receives SWACO grant to purchase digester

OhioHealth has been awarded a grant from the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) to purchase a digester, advancing the organization’s commitment to sustainability and community health by reducing methane emissions from food waste.  

The digester will be installed at OhioHealth Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. 

“Our commitment to both patient well-being and environmental responsibility continues to drive innovation at our hospital,” says Lindsey Osting, OhioHealth Doctors Hospital president. “We are proud to take this important step in reducing waste and supporting a healthier community.” 

The digester will be located in the dishwasher room at Doctors Hospital and managed by the food and nutrition team. OhioHealth is currently in the process of selecting a vendor for the digester. 

“SWACO is a wonderful partner to collaborate with to combat waste reduction,” says Terri Scannell, OhioHealth principal advisor of sustainability. “At OhioHealth, we know rotting food waste is the largest source of methane, so that’s why to ensure the safety of our patients and community, we have partnered with SWACO to try to divert organic waste out of our landfill.” 

By lowering local methane emissions, OhioHealth says it aims to alleviate air pollution and decrease the risks of chronic health conditions, including pulmonary and cardiac diseases. OhioHealth already has composting efforts at each care site, but the switch from composting to digestion will reduce physical strain for associates, improve safety and reduce workflow challenges.  

“What occurs with a digester system is it’s not a composting piece of equipment; it will break down the food waste into grey water and that will then be digested, and it will not go into the atmosphere,” Darren Renz, OhioHealth manager of operations says. “So, the digesters really help with our overall mission to protect public safety and to reduce methane gas.” 

As part of OhioHealth’s broader sustainability strategy, digesters will be introduced at more care sites over time to support its mission of protecting public health and safety.