Improving the stability of thermophilic anaerobic digesters treating SS-OFMSW through enrichment with compost and leachate seeds

► Enrichment of thermophilic AD with compost and leachate reduced VFA and ammonia accumulation. ► Removal of COD and TS improved with lower VFA-to-alkalinity ratio. ► System failure was prohibited under organic shock-load with improved stability. ► Functionality was restored with 90% recovery of pre-shock CH4 generation at stable pH.