What is anaerobic digestion used for?

Anaerobic digestion is primarily employed for disposing of food waste in a way that reduces its volume and generates usable products. This biological process occurs in the absence of oxygen, where microorganisms break down organic materials—such as food waste—into biogas and digestate. The biogas can be captured and used as a renewable energy source, while the digestate can be used as nutrient-rich fertilizer, thereby reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and providing environmental benefits.

The other options provided do not accurately represent the primary function of anaerobic digestion. While composting is a method for converting organic waste into compost, it typically involves aerobic processes. Cleaning wastewater is a different process that may involve various chemical or biological treatments but is not synonymous with anaerobic digestion. Generating hydration is not a direct outcome of anaerobic digestion; this process is more focused on waste management and energy production. Thus, disposing of food waste is indeed the most accurate representation of anaerobic digestion's primary use.