Table 1.

Technologies used in several countries around the world for the re-use of food waste.

Technology	Countries	Advantage	Disadvantage	Product	References
Anaerobic digestion	United States, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Norway	An utterly harmless end product rich in nutrients is obtained and can be used in agriculture. Solid matter is reduced in the digestion. The gas generated in the stabilization of solids can be used as an energy source. As the tanks are closed, there are no terrible odors outside the premises. During the stabilization process, pathogens and individual parasitic organisms are eliminated	Requires high amounts of water. It is a slow process that requires more time. Requires more energy in processes	Biogas and liquid effluent used as compost	[60,63,64,65]
Composting and vermicomposting	Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Norway, South Korea, Japan, and several Latin American countries	Reduces the use of inorganic fertilizers. Saves irrigation water due to the water holding capacity of the compost. Provides the necessary nutrients for the development of plants naturally	In the more advanced industrial processes, the use of energy can be considerable, presenting high costs	Fertilizer and compost for crops	[60,63,65]
WTE-Waste to Energy	Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Norway, South Korea, and Japan	Avoid methane emissions caused by landfills. They offset greenhouse gas emissions caused by the production of electricity from fossil fuels. Recover/recycle valuable resources	It is an expensive process. It pollutes the environment due to incinerators that produce smoke during the combustion process	Energy	[60,66,67]
MBT- Mechanical Biological Treatment	Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Korea, and Japan	Confined material is inert. Conservation of resources and reduction of emissions harmful to the environment	Potential for odor problems. A variety of occupational health and safety problems	A stabilized organic fraction, recovered combustible solid products, materials ferrous/non-ferrous and biogas	[60,68,69]
Feed production	Germany, France, Italy, Korea, and Japan	Reduce pollution and environmental impact that these products generate when they are thrown away as waste. Possibility of reducing production costs in specific diets. Provide the animal with a rich source of protein and energy	Seasonality and variability of production There must be a previous study for the compatibility between the animal and the feed. There must be a regulation for detailed control of food, traceability, and food safety	Animal feeding	[60,63,65]