Compost material collector

Abstract

A method for collecting organic waste including: a) hooking a mounting structure over an edge of an upright planar drawer face of a drawer underlying a work surface, said mounting structure coupled to a container including one or more walls made with a pliable elastomeric material, said container including a top opening and a closed bottom with a side wall enclosing a storage volume; b) supporting said top opening using said hooked mounting structure near a portion of said work surface having a quantity of organic matter; c) scooping said quantity of organic matter into said storage volume; d) unhooking said mounting structure from said drawer face; and thereafter e) freezing said quantity of organic matter while it is in said storage volume.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to collection of organic materials, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a compost collector for storing kitchen organic waste.[0002]As concern about landfill space increases, worldwide interest in recycling by means of composting is growing, since composting is a process for converting decomposable organic materials into useful stable products. Increasingly there is greater attention on the need for composting organic waste generated in households.[0003]One significant drawback for collecting green waste in a household environment is that organic waste can begin to decompose quite rapidly. Traditionally, indoor / countertop storage solutions cover and seal the contents of a “garbage” pail which decreases the oxygen supply to the contents. Putting green waste into such an environment where oxygen is limited initiates a fairly rapid anaerobic decomposition.[0004]It is this anaerobic decomposition that cr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]Embodiments of the present invention provide an easy way to scoop organic matter off of a countertop into a storage volume. Storage of the organic waste in a freezer compartment completely eliminates the drawbacks of organic decomposition associated with countertop collection and storage of organic matter. The storage volume may be removed from the freezer to have more organic matter added, and placed back in the freezer for storage. When full and / or ready for recycling, the container is manipulated (e.g., the bottom pressed towards the top opening) to dislodge the frozen organic waste and remove it from the container. The organic waste may then be put directly on a compost pile or put into green recycling processes. The mounting structure hooks over an edge of drawer or other similar structure to position the top opening near the countertop surface, allowing organic material to be easily scooped into the container. The mounting structure of some implementations permits the drawer to be fully or partially closed to position the top opening at the edge of the countertop to avoid scooping material onto the floor. Preferably the shape of the housing permits multiple housings to be nested together for efficient storage and access.

[0012]This device is not designed as a composter but as a collection apparatus and method to gather and store frozen organic waste for later composting. This eliminates the generation of the compost fluids, odors, and attractiveness of the stored material to pests. Because the drawbacks are removed, the collection and storage of organic waste for compost / recycling is enhanced.

Problems solved by technology

One significant drawback for collecting green waste in a household environment is that organic waste can begin to decompose quite rapidly.

It is this anaerobic decomposition that creates fluids, odors, and potentially toxic bacteria that prevent acceptance of countertop / in-house collection and storage of organic waste in preparation for composting.

The anaerobic decomposition is further undesirable in that the process attracts flies and other pests which can spread disease, and it is better to avoid attracting such pests into a household.

Additionally, the collection and management of in-home organic waste generally requires tools and procedures that can clash with desired design and aesthetic elements.

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