How a manure digester works

Animal waste washed from the barn floor is processed and used for fertilizer, while captured methane is used to generate electricity, among other uses.

Diagram showing how a cattle manure digester works

Manure is pumped into a machine that separates out the solids.

Liquid waste is pumped into a digester.

Separator

Digester

Processed solids are used to make bedding for cattle.

Liquids are sprayed on fields as fertilizer.

Generator uses methane from bacteria in digester to make electricity.

Diagram showing how a cattle manure digester works

Manure is pumped into a machine that separates out the solids.

Liquid waste is pumped into a digester.

Separator

Digester

Processed solids are used to make bedding for cattle.

Liquids are sprayed on fields as fertilizer.

Generator uses methane from bacteria in digester to make electricity.

Paul Duginski LOS ANGELES TIMES