General Questions

What is organic waste/ wet garbage?

Items that come from nature and decompose are wet garbage. Example – Kitchen waste, garden waste.

What is organic waste converter?

An organic waste converter is a machine used for the treatment and recycling of organic waste or wet garbage. A converter is a self-contained system capable of performing micro-organism based composting in controlled conditions. This technology has found applications in diverse waste-producing industrial segments. Hospitals, clinics, municipal waste facilities, farms, slaughterhouses, supermarkets, ports, sea vessels and airports are the primary beneficiaries of on-site waste conversion.

Organic Waste Converter Technology is an environmentally friendly alternative to other traditional means of waste disposal that includes incineration, plasma arc and landfill dumping. Organic Waste Converter results in a small carbon footprint, thus avoiding polluting emissions into the atmosphere and resulting in a usable end product such as biofuel, soil compost or building material.

Why is food waste a problem?

Food waste landfills are one of the largest man-made sources of methane and H2S (a strong greenhouse gas). Once thrown into a landfill, food waste does not decompose and instead, adds to the toxic soup in the landfill.

Our food waste contains a huge amount of valuable nutrients that should be returned to the soil as compost, which enriches it and helps to grow more food. It is such a natural simple cycle which our ‘developed’ world has lost sight of. TOGO Composter Machine is an ideal solution as it allows us to keep value in our own food ‘waste’.

Laziness and convenience have encouraged people to see leftover food as ‘waste’ but we need to change this view. Composting needs to become the norm for all our society’s food waste.

What are turning units of composting and how do they work?

Turning units are systems designed to be turned or aerated. These units work faster than holding units because aerobic bacteria are provided with the oxygen they need to break down materials. There are two general forms of turning units: either a series of bins, a rotating barrel or rolling ball. When organic materials are turned and mixed on a regular basis (every five to ten days), compost can be made in two months or less (assuming a good carbon/nitrogen mix and proper moisture content). Frequent turning offers important advantages in addition to faster composting. Higher temperatures produced as a result of turning (90° – 140° F) will kill major disease organisms and fly larvae, help kill weed seeds and provide a good environment for the most effective decomposer organisms.

Turning systems typically cost more than holding units and require greater effort to build. Turning composting materials in multiple bins and rolling balls may be difficult for people with back problems or limited physical strength. In contrast, some barrel units are designed for ease of turning and maintenance. These systems may actually be easier to use than holding units for older or physically challenged composters. Barrel units tend to have smaller capacities than most other bins, which make them better suited for people with small amounts of yard trimmings and food scraps.

Materials need to be carefully prepared and added to turning units in stockpiled batches. Materials should be saved until there is enough to fill one bin of a multiple units or to fill a barrel unit to the prescribed level. Food wastes can be accumulated in a pest-proof container such as a plastic five gallon bucket. If necessary, sawdust can be added to the top of each day’s scraps to reduce odour.

What happens if some non-biodegradable like plastic bags etc enter the machine?

Biological processes in the machine are not affected by small quantities of non-biodegradable material. However, these materials occupy valuable space in the machine and should be avoided. These materials may be removed from the machine through observation windows, wherever provided. Otherwise they come out along with the compost from outlet of the machine.

What happens if the machine is loaded with excess material?

TOGO Composter is designed to handle 20% excess material. However, if more organic waste is loaded, output compost will not be fully cured. Also, there are chances of foul smell.

Can the output be used immediately?

The output can be used immediately. However, a further curing period ranging from 2 to 4 weeks is recommended.

Is installation of shredder compulsory?

No, Shredder helps to reduce the size of organic waste and hasten biological process. Large chunks of the organic waste take time for decomposition and may come out as it is from the outlet of the machine, in the absence of a shredder. Then, they will have to be fed again.

How can I make organic compost by bio-degradable waste?

You should go for organic waste composting machine instead of traditional composting techniques. This is the best option for organic composting of bio-degradable waste in your premises. Basic working principle of this machine is that it is an aerobic decomposing process (no odour, no pathogenic activity) occurring in a chamber. The output that we get is nothing but manure, which can be used as fertilizer for gardening.

What is the best way to oxidise organic waste?

Aerobic decomposting process is the best solution for oxidised organic waste. These aerobic microorganisms use the oxygen present and lose hydrogen. All oxidising reactions are exothermic, so we can use thermophilic bacteria (eg. Bacillus species) in a closed vessel with blower. This will mature organic waste to oxidise.