The hybrid anaerobic solid-liquid (HASL) system was a modified two-phase anaerobic digester developed for bioconversion of food waste. The aim of this study was to estimate the feasibility of the HASL system for the treatment of food waste with a high content of lipids. The presence of lipids in food waste increased the energy value of nutrients but could inhibit growth of methanogens. The positive effect of lipids on the performance of anaerobic digestion dominated when the contents of lipids were in the range from 20 to 30% of total solids of food waste. Lipid contents of 40% diminished the production of volatile fatty acids in the acidogenic reactor as well as biogas production and the concentration of total bacteria and methanogens in the methanogenic reactor. Therefore, the HASL system can be used for the treatment of lipid-containing food wastes if the lipid content is below 40% of total solids. (c) 2005 Society of Chemical Industry.