Food Waste Pump Proves Itself at Largest US University Biogas Plant

A food waste pump for use in the anaerobic digestion process is any device that is designed to convey solid food scraps and wastewater as a slurry without clogging up, allowing it to be pumped through pipes to feed biogas digester tanks.

Key Takeaways

• Michigan State University's biogas plant has successfully operated with a Landia Chopper Pump (model DG-I 105) for over 8 years, processing 22,000 tons of food waste annually.
• The Landia pump's unique knife system effectively handles contaminated waste with minimal maintenance, requiring only two rebuilds in 8 years despite harsh operating conditions.
• MSU's biogas facility generates 2.8 million kilowatt-hours of electricity yearly, equivalent to powering 250-300 homes, while processing 5,000-10,000 gallons of waste daily.
• The system combines food waste from campus dining halls with FOG (fats, oils, and greases) from local restaurants, creating a sustainable energy solution that powers south campus buildings.
• Landia's innovative pump design, invented in 1950, continues to prove its durability and efficiency in modern waste-to-energy applications, making it the backbone of successful biogas operations.

Landia Press Release 2016 (Sponsored):

At the largest University campus AD/Biogas plant in the United States, a chopper pump made by Landia has now completed eight years of continuous robust service, despite the very tough environment of being in a food waste and FOG (fats, oils and greases) reception pit.

The facility at Michigan State University (MSU), which converts over 22,000 tons of food waste annually (from campus dining halls and local food processors, plus manure from MSU’s dairy farm) into renewable energy, opened in 2013, complete with the same Landia Chopper Pump (model DG-I 105).

Contributing towards the process of generating 2.8 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year from the organic waste, the Chopper Pump (which was invented by Landia in 1950), reduces particle sizes as it transfers approximately 5,000 to 10,000 gallons per day into the digester mix tank.

‘Durable and low on maintenance’

Louis Faivor, Farm Assistant Manager at MSU (South Campus Anaerobic Digester Operator), said:

“Considering the amount of delivered food waste we receive that is contaminated with gloves, bags, dishes and various other debris, the Landia Chopper Pump continues to prove reliable. In fact, it has only received its second rebuild just recently in the whole of the eight years since it was installed when the AD plant first opened back in 2013, which proves just how durable and low on maintenance it is”.

Designed with a unique knife system at its inlet that continually reduces solids in size and ensures no clogging or blockages, the Landia Chopper Pump is easy to service and also low on energy consumption.

‘Very tough indeed’

Dana Kirk, an Associate Professor from MSU’s Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, who oversees the AD operation, added:

“Since the plant opened eight years ago, we have managed to reduce contamination levels, but food waste is always susceptible to debris that can damage equipment.
The more we can keep the trash out, the longer the time period we can go without replacing worn parts. The second rebuild was common to wear parts, including the impeller and seals. It is very tough indeed”.

A separate reception pit contains cow manure from the MSU Dairy Teaching and Research Center, while the food waste transferred by the Landia Chopper Pump is sourced from several campus dining halls, food processing and manufacturing facilities in southern Michigan – plus fat, oils and grease from local restaurants.

The feedstocks from both the manure and food waste reception pits are pumped into the 10,000-gallon mix tank, where they are blended.

From the power created, only about 20% is needed to sustain the AD process; the rest offsets energy consumption in 10 MSU south campus buildings; equivalent to generating enough energy to power about 250-300 homes. The nutrient-rich fertilizer created through the biogas operation is used on agricultural land.

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If your existing food waste pump applications are troublesome and you would like more durable, lower maintenance, trouble-free pumps, then don't hesitate to contact the Landia team.

More About Food Waste Pumps

8 Years Strong: How Landia's Chopper Pump Powers MSU's Massive Biogas Plant

The Landia Chopper Pump installed at Michigan State University's biogas plant has now completed eight years of continuous robust service – an impressive achievement considering the challenging environment it operates in. Sitting in a reception pit filled with food waste and FOG from various sources, this pump works tirelessly to break down and transfer organic matter for processing.

Despite constant exposure to contaminated waste that often includes foreign materials like gloves, bags, and dishes, the pump has maintained reliable operation with minimal maintenance requirements. For those interested in the broader context of biogas facilities, you can explore a day in the life of an engineer at a biogas facility.

What sets the Landia Chopper Pump apart from standard waste management equipment is its pioneering design, first invented by Landia in 1950. The pump features a unique knife system at its inlet that continuously reduces solids in size as materials pass through.

This clever design ensures that clogging and blockages – common problems in waste processing equipment – are virtually eliminated.

The pump's durability is evidenced by its maintenance record: in eight years of continuous operation, it has required only two rebuilds, a testament to its robust construction and engineering excellence.

Inside MSU's Record-Breaking Biogas Operation

Michigan State University's biogas plant stands as the largest facility of its kind on any university campus in the United States. The operation processes a diverse mixture of organic materials, including food waste from campus dining halls, waste from food processing facilities throughout southern Michigan, and manure from MSU's own dairy farm.

This integrated approach maximises the facility's impact by diverting multiple waste streams from landfills while simultaneously producing renewable energy. The scale of the operation is impressive, handling over 22,000 tons of food waste annually – equivalent to the weight of approximately 1,100 school buses.

22,000 Tons of Campus Food Waste Converted Annually

The sheer volume of food waste processed at MSU's facility highlights the significant potential for waste-to-energy conversion at institutional scales. The 22,000 tons of food waste that would otherwise end up in landfills is instead channelled into productive use through the anaerobic digestion process. The Landia Chopper Pump plays a critical role in this process, efficiently transferring 5,000 to 10,000 gallons of food waste daily into the digester mix tank. The pump not only moves this material but simultaneously reduces particle sizes, which is crucial for optimising the digestion process.

The food waste comes from a variety of sources across the university ecosystem. Campus dining halls contribute a significant portion, with food processing and manufacturing facilities in southern Michigan providing additional feedstock. Local restaurants also participate by contributing fats, oils, and grease that would otherwise create disposal challenges. This diverse mix of organic materials creates an ideal feedstock blend for anaerobic digestion, maximising biogas production while solving multiple waste management challenges simultaneously.

The Landia DG-I 105 Chopper Pump: Built to Last

The Landia DG-I 105 model installed at MSU represents decades of engineering refinement since the original chopper pump was invented by Landia in 1950. The pump's heavy-duty construction features hardened steel components at critical wear points, specifically designed to withstand the abrasive and corrosive nature of food waste processing. This robust build quality explains how the pump has maintained consistent performance despite the challenging operating environment of a food waste reception pit.

Only 2 Rebuilds Needed in 8 Years of Continuous Operation

Perhaps the most telling indicator of the Landia pump's durability is its maintenance record at MSU's facility. Despite running continuously for eight years in an environment where mechanical equipment typically requires frequent servicing, the pump has needed only two rebuilds during this period.

This exceptional reliability translates to minimal downtime for the biogas facility, ensuring continuous waste processing and energy production. For facility managers and operators, this reduced maintenance requirement represents significant cost savings in both parts and labour over the life of the equipment.

The rebuild process itself is streamlined by the pump's serviceable design, allowing maintenance teams to quickly replace wear components and return the unit to operation. When compared to conventional pumps used in waste applications, which often require complete replacement after just a few years of service, the Landia Chopper Pump's longevity demonstrates its superior return on investment despite a potentially higher initial purchase price.

Unique Knife System Design Prevents Clogging

At the heart of the Landia Chopper Pump's effectiveness is its innovative knife system positioned at the pump inlet. Unlike standard pumps that struggle with fibrous and solid materials, this cutting mechanism continuously reduces particle size as waste enters the pump.

The hardened steel knives rotate against a stationary cutting plate, creating a scissors-like action that processes even challenging materials like produce stickers, small packaging fragments, and fibrous food waste that would jam conventional pumps.

This unique design effectively prevents the clogging and blockages that plague most pumps in similar applications. The cutting action not only protects the pump itself but also optimises the downstream digestion process by creating smaller, more uniform particles that are more readily broken down by bacteria. The result is more efficient biogas production and fewer interruptions to address equipment failures – a critical advantage in a 24/7 operation like MSU's biogas plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Since its implementation, MSU's biogas plant featuring the Landia Chopper Pump has generated significant interest from other institutions, municipalities, and waste management professionals. The following frequently asked questions address common inquiries about the system's design, operation, and performance, providing valuable insights for organisations considering similar installations.

These questions reflect real-world considerations that must be addressed when planning food waste-to-energy systems. The answers incorporate lessons learned from MSU's eight years of operational experience, offering practical guidance for those looking to replicate or adapt this successful model.

What makes the Landia Chopper Pump different from standard waste pumps?

The Landia Chopper Pump's defining characteristic is its external knife system positioned at the pump inlet, which continuously cuts solids before they enter the pump housing.

This fundamental design difference allows the pump to process stringy, fibrous materials and contaminated waste that would jam conventional pumps. The cutting action creates a dual benefit: it protects the pump itself from clogging while simultaneously reducing particle sizes to optimise downstream digestion processes.

What types of food waste can the Landia pump process?

The Landia Chopper Pump demonstrates exceptional versatility in processing diverse food waste streams, handling everything from liquid soup residues to dense bread products, fibrous fruit and vegetable trimmings, and even contaminated waste containing small amounts of packaging, utensils, or other non-organic materials.

This broad capability eliminates the need for extensive pre-sorting or screening, simplifying collection logistics and reducing labour costs. The pump's robust cutting system even manages unexpected items like gloves, small bags, and serving ware that occasionally enter the waste stream, though systematic efforts to minimise such contamination remain important for optimal system performance.

How much maintenance does the Landia Chopper Pump typically require?

Based on MSU's eight years of operational experience, the Landia Chopper Pump requires minimal routine maintenance despite its challenging working environment. Regular inspection of the cutting elements is recommended on a quarterly basis, with blade replacement typically needed only once every 12-24 months, depending on waste volume and contamination levels.

The pump's bearings and seals generally require attention during scheduled rebuilds rather than as separate maintenance events, with MSU's experience demonstrating that comprehensive rebuilds have been necessary only twice in eight years of continuous operation – an exceptional record for equipment operating in such harsh conditions.

Can similar systems be implemented at smaller institutions?

Smaller-scale versions of MSU's biogas system are entirely feasible and increasingly common at smaller institutions and commercial facilities. The fundamental technology scales effectively down to processing as little as 1-2 tons of food waste daily, making it viable for small colleges, hospitals, or food processing facilities.

[Published in 2016. Updated in 2022. Edited January 2026.]