Co-composting as a management strategy to reuse the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor after its use in a biotechnological process

White-rot fungi are extensively used in biotechnological processes but little is known about the disposal of fungal biomass after its use. Final products stability parameters (self-heating test and respiration index) indicate that co-composting of the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor with Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Wastes (OFMSW) ensure a higher stable final product than that obtained in OFMSW composting. Results suggested that the absence of fungus in the final product is probable owing to the thermophilic temperatures achieved during the composting process. These results indicate that composting may be extended to other residual biomass produced in biotechnological processes with white-rot fungi, considering spent biomass as a useful resource and minimising its risks for soil application. Copyright © 2013 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.