Indoor method and device for treating organic waste

Abstract

Indoor method and device for treating organic waste The present invention relates to an indoor method for treating of organic waste, preferably food waste with a minimal human intervention, wherein the accumulating organic waste is stored and fermented for a given fermentation period under imperfect anaerobic conditions. The method is useful to treat organic waste, preferably food waste in indoor human habitat, e.g. in an office environment. The invention further relates to a waste treating apparatus for carrying out the method.

Description

[0001] Indoor method and device for treating organic waste

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to an indoor method for treating of organic waste, preferably food waste with a minimal human intervention, wherein the accumulating organic waste is stored and fermented for a given fermentation period under imperfect anaerobic conditions. The method is useful to treat organic waste, preferably food waste in indoor human habitat, e.g. in an office environment. The invention further relates to a waste treating apparatus for carrying out the method.

[0004] The idea of the invention comprises the provision of a method wherein organic waste in such environment is treated safely and in a simple manner in a closed device to provide imperfect anaerobic conditions without emitting odour whereas said waste is subjected to a composting process, in particular a fermentation process by administering a microbial preparation multiple times with a frequency to direct fermentation in a direction which can lead to the formation of a product suitable for improvement of soil (soil improvement). In an embodiment the result is a partially fermented product which can be further fermented, optionally in a closed (anaerobic) environment to a material directly applicable to soil improvement. It further comprises a waste treating apparatus for carrying out the method.

[0005] BACKGROUND ART

[0006] Composting is an important and easy way to minimize waste and provide nutrient-rich soil for plants in a number of ways:

[0007] 1. It reduces waste: Composting diverts organic waste from landfills, which reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

[0008] 2. Enriches soil: Composting produces nutrient-rich soil that can help improve the health of plants and gardens.

[0009] 3. Reduces greenhouse gas emissions: When organic waste decomposes in landfills, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Composting reduces the amount of organic waste in landfills, thereby reducing methane emissions.

[0010] 4. Saves money: Composting can save money on fertilizer costs as well as reduce waste disposal costs for municipalities.

[0011] 5. Improves soil structure: Composting helps to improve soil structure and reduce soil erosion.

[0012] 6. Safe and sustainable: Composting is a safe and sustainable way of managing organic waste, as it relies on natural processes to produce usable soil.

[0013] While traditional outdoor composting is both popular and has been used in many forms, indoor composting is increasingly popular and offers the same benefits in a more manageable and convenient form. It is particularly useful for urban dwellers who may not have access to outdoor space or for those looking for a way to recycle food scraps in their homes and or location of work. Indoor composting is also a great educational tool for to learn about environmental sustainability and the importance of reducing waste. Nevertheless, indoor composting is critical from several aspects of environmental psychology. For example an office or workspace environment or a community space is particularly sensitive for aspects environmental hygiene, like odours, accidental contamination or other unpleasant effects. Traditionally indoor composting was reserved for home and educational use as the methods used were not suitable for the office / workspace environment. Most indoor methods require considerable involvement from the user (like Bokashi or aerobic composting methods) or are not available for the office market from a safety standpoint (worm, or larvae composting). Current point-of-disposal indoor electronic composting devices are not robust enough for the professional use and require food waste to be treated relatively immediately and frequently in order to avoid the undesirable effects (e.g. smell, contamination) of untreated leftovers.

[0014] Moreover, most such electronic devices have a considerable high electrical consumption for the treatment of organic material that makes these devices less ecologically suitable. Locations where a substantial amount of food waste is generated on a daily basis can be professionally and sustainably dealt with, as the daily removal of food waste and its treatment on a specialised site is an option, but in areas where the amount of organic waste fails to justify (either from an economical and or a sustainability standpoint) a daily collection, e.g. in urban offices or kitchens, wherein food waste is formed with a varied frequency, but collection is to be carried out locally, traditional methods like vermicomposting or aerobic composting do not offer a viable solution.

[0015] Olle, Margit in her review paper [Margit Olle (2020): Review: Bokashi technology as a promising technology for crop production in Europe, The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology, DOI: 10.1080 / 14620316.2020.1810140] provides an in-depth review of Bokashi technology for food waste recycling and the use of the product in crop production. The author summarizes that “Bokashi fermentation of food waste with effective microorganisms (EM) is a form of biological treatment that stabilizes the bio-waste and provides a nutrient-rich growth-promoting fertilizer for field and greenhouse-based food production systems.”

[0016] In the Bokashi technology, once applied to food wastes, the compost is taken out from Bokashi container (“bin”) after the completion of the bokashi-composting process. Typically, mechanical treatment like spindling and / or pressing is necessary, resulting in a separation of a liquid phase, the “Bokashi tea”. Once the moisture is not lead away it was condensed in the closed vessel of the composting bin, leading to increase of temperature, longer composting times and undesired microbiological processes like mold formation [Citation: L|ew, P.S.; Nik Ibrahim, N.N.L.; Kamarudin, S.; Thamrin, N.M.; Misnan, M.E Optimization of Bokashi-Composting Process Using Effective Microorganisms- 1 in Smart Composting Bin. Sensors 2021, 21, 2847. https: / / doi.org / 10.3390 / S21082847],

[0017] A method adapted to food waste treatment in an office environment was proposed by Compocity Kft. [https: / / www.compocity.help / en / technology; WMN ReStart: A robot, amely forradalmasitja a varosi komposztalast - A Compocity a Best Impact Award jeloltje — Szavazz! 2022. majus 3.]. The method involves using a device including a bin with a closable door to input the food waste, a composting method including a semi- anaerobic technology in a space often contacted with ambient air, whereas in the bin a mechanism serves to collect the removed liquid separately.

[0018] Prior art document WO2016038518A1 discloses a reactor of discontinuous type for the biotransformation of organic substrates in anaerobic conditions and a process for the dark fermentation biotransformation of organic waste in imperfect anaerobiosis conditions. The reactor comprises an external tank and an internal tank coaxially placed within the external tank. A cover hermetically closing the body of the entire reactor is provided with a hinged door. A check valve mechanism placed on the top of the internal tank comprises two openable valve leaflets having an area slightly greater than the cross section of the internal tank and being oriented at a downward angle between 20° and 60°. The holding structure of the check valve mechanism is connected to a lifting mechanism, which lifts the check valve upon opening the door and induces the leaflets to go downward under the effect of gravity. Thus, when the door of the reactor is open for the insertion of waste, the internal tank communicates with the outside through the downwardly tilted leaflets. Moreover, even if the door is closed the internal tank is not completely closed due to the tilted orientation of the leaflets.

[0019] The idea of the present invention comprises the provision of a method wherein organic waste in such environment is treated safely and in a simple manner in a closed device under imperfect anaerobic conditions without emitting odour whereas said waste is subjected to a composting process, in particular a fermentation process by administering a microbial preparation multiple times with a frequency to direct fermentation in a direction which can lead to the formation of a product suitable for improvement of soil (soil improvement).

[0020] The idea of the invention further comprises the provision of a waste treating apparatus for carrying out the method comprising multiple barriers for maintaining the waste in an imperfect anaerobic environment.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] In an aspect of the invention relates to an indoor method for treatment of organic waste, preferably food waste comprising multiple random additions of portions of organic waste to a closed or sealed container in a waste treating apparatus, wherein the accumulating organic waste is stored and fermented for a given fermentation period under imperfect anaerobic conditions near random opening and closing cycles.

[0023] The solution may be used in any type of indoor space of human presence wherein organic waste, preferably food waste is produced, in particular workspace environment, office environment, community spaces, institutions e.g public institutions like schools, museums, etc., as weel as spaces wherein food is produced or consumed, like in restaurants, hotels etc.

[0024] The method of the invention preferably comprises the provision of a method wherein organic waste in such environment is treated safely and simply in a closed device under imperfect anaerobic conditions without emitting odour whereas said waste, added in portions into the device at different times, is subjected to a composting process, in particular a fermentation process by administering a microbial preparation multiple times to maintain an appropriate environment for anaerobic fermentation, including imperfect anaerobic fermentation.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment the microbial preparation is administered (added) with a given frequency.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment the microbial preparation is administered depending on the measured parameters of fermentation, to assure fermentation quality. In other words, the fermentation process is to be maintained in an anaerobic, even if imperfect anaerobic conditions to arrive at a fermented product. If a measured parameter, like temperature is increased over a threshold a sufficient amount of microbial preparation is administered.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment microbial preparation is administered at a time of feeding the portion of organic waste into the apparatus.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment microbial preparation is administered at a time of feeding the portion of organic waste into the apparatus.

[0029] In the method fermentation is maintained in a direction which leads to the formation of a product suitable for improvement of soil (soil improvement). In an embodiment the result is a partially fermented product which can be further fermented, optionally in a closed (anaerobic) environment to a material directly applicable to soil improvement.

[0030] The invention preferably relates to a method for indoor treatment of organic waste, preferably food waste, under imperfect anaerobic conditions to provide a fermented organic waste product suitable for improvement of soil, optionally by further fermenting, said method comprising: feeding a portion of organic waste, preferably food waste, into a waste treating apparatus, multiple times, said waste treating apparatus comprising a closable, removable waste container, holding said portion of organic waste in the waste treating apparatus in a supported position, closing the waste treating apparatus, while said portion of organic waste remains in the supported position, opening the removable waste container which is closable from ambient air or oxygen, forwarding said portion of organic waste being in the supported position into the removable waste container, optionally closing the removable waste container, handling the waste by administering a microbiological preparation to the waste, multiple times, maintaining the stored waste in the removable waste container, once closed, under imperfect anaerobic condition for an anaerobic fermentation period, thereby obtaining a fermented organic waste product, particularly a partially fermented organic waste product, after the imperfect anaerobic fermentation period removing the closed container , and optionally further fermenting the fermented organic waste product to obtain a final fermented organic waste product suitable for improving soil.

[0031] Preferably indoor treatment is carried out in an office environment.

[0032] Preferably indoor treatment is carried out in a workspace environment.

[0033] Preferably indoor treatment is carried out in a community space.

[0034] Preferably indoor treatment is carried out in a human habitat.

[0035] Preferably indoor treatment is carried out in an institutional environment.

[0036] Preferably indoor treatment is carried out in a home environment.

[0037] Preferably indoor treatment is carried out in a kitchen environment.

[0038] Preferably, the invention relates to a method for indoor treatment of organic waste, preferably food waste, under imperfect (or suboptimal) anaerobic conditions to provide a fermented organic waste product suitable for improvement of soil, optionally by further fermenting, wherein: handling the waste by administering a microbiological preparation to the waste is performed in the waste treating apparatus by administering a microbiological preparation: in the removable waste container and / or in the supported position. Preferably, the invention relates to a method for indoor treatment of organic waste, preferably food waste, under imperfect (or suboptimal) anaerobic conditions to provide a fermented organic waste product suitable for improvement of soil, optionally by further fermenting, said method comprising: handling the waste by administering a microbiological preparation to the waste in the removable waste container, and, optionally, further handling the waste being in the supported position in the waste treating apparatus, by administering a microbiological preparation.

[0039] Preferably, the invention relates to a method for indoor treatment of organic waste, preferably food waste, under imperfect (or suboptimal) anaerobic conditions to provide a fermented organic waste product suitable for improvement of soil, optionally by further fermenting, said method comprising: feeding a portion of organic waste, preferably food waste, into a waste treating apparatus, multiple times through a feeding mechanism of the waste treating apparatus having a first openable closing means, holding said portion of organic waste on a waste holding element of the feeding mechanism, closing the waste treating apparatus by closing the first openable closing means of the feeding mechanism, said portion of organic waste remaining in the supported position, opening the second openable closing means of the feeding mechanism and forwarding therethrough said portion of organic waste being in the supported position on the waste holding element into a removable waste container via a waste container inlet, preferably into a removable sealed waste container having a sealing layer sealing the waste container inlet, closing the second openable closing means of the feeding mechanism, handling the waste by administering a microbiological preparation to the waste stored in the removable waste container multiple times to maintain a fermenting process of the waste in the container: preferably o to initiate anaerobic fermentation, o at a time when the waste portion is added, optionally spayed onto the waste portion, o at times when quality assurance requires, to ensure a controlled anaerobic condition, regularly, to provide a constant anaerobic condition, maintaining the stored waste in the closed removable waste container, under imperfect anaerobic condition for an imperfect anaerobic fermentation period, after the imperfect anaerobic fermentation period removing the closed container, and optionally further fermenting the fermented organic waste product to obtain a final product suitable for improving soil, optionally a fully fermented organic waste product.

[0040] Preferably, the invention relates to a method for indoor treatment of organic waste, preferably food waste, under imperfect (or suboptimal) anaerobic conditions to provide a fermented organic waste product suitable for improvement of soil, optionally by further fermenting, wherein: opening the closable removable waste container is carried out after the waste treating apparatus is closed. Preferably the invention relates to a method for indoor treatment of organic waste, preferably food waste, under imperfect (or suboptimal) anaerobic conditions to provide a fermented organic waste product suitable for improvement of soil, optionally by further fermenting, wherein: after closing the first openable closing means of the feeding mechanism and before forwarding said portion of organic waste into the removable waste container via the second openable closing means of the feeding mechanism additionally handling said portion of organic waste supported on the waste holding element by administering a microbiological preparation to the waste supported on the waste holding element.

[0041] Preferably the moisture is collected in the waste container, preferably absorbed in an absorbent layered previously in the container; or the moisture may be collected in a moisture-storing compartment formed within the container. The removable sealed waste container may comprise an absorbent to absorb moisture from the stored waste in the container. Alternatively, the moisture may be collected in a moisture-storing compartment formed within the container.

[0042] Preferably the absorbent may be able to act in co-operation, or in synergy during operation with the waste material stored in the waste container. Alternatively, the absorbent layered may be layered on the bottom of the waste container having double walled structure, i.e. on the top of the moisture-storing compartment. Preferably the imperfect anaerobic fermentation period is at least 3 days, at least 5 days, or at least one week, preferably at least two weeks.

[0043] Preferably the imperfect anaerobic fermentation period is at most 2 months, at most 3 months, at most 4 months, at most 6 months or at most one year.

[0044] Preferably the imperfect anaerobic fermentation period last till the stored waste container exceeds or reaches a predefined weight limit. Preferably the imperfect anaerobic fermentation period last till the stored waste container exceeds or reaches a pre-defined volume limit. In an embodiment the limit is given as a threshold.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment the moisture is not drained away but simply absorbed in an absorbent layered previously in the waste container. The absorbent is preferably an absorbent suitable for addition to the soil, e.g. straw, hay, sawdust, ground corncobs, wooden flake flitter, etc.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment the stored waste is not moved in the imperfect anaerobic fermentation period in the removable waste container, preferably removable sealed waste container. In particular, the stored waste is not mixed, e.g. not stirred in the imperfect anaerobic fermentation period in the removable waste container; and / or the stored waste is not pressed in the removable waste container, preferably removable sealed waste container.

[0047] The stored waste is treated by a microbial preparation comprising microorganisms operably under anaerobic conditions and useful in fermentation, in particular lactate fermentation.

[0048] In an embodiment the stored waste is treated from time to time with the microbial preparation. In an embodiment the surface of the stored waste is treated by the microbial preparation comprising microorganisms from time to time whereby the surface of the stored waste is covered by the microbial preparation, preferably is maintained as covered to avoid direct contact with ambient air.

[0049] In a particular embodiment the stored waste is treated with the microbial preparation at least daily, preferably at least two times a day, at least three times a day or at least four times a day.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment the portion of organic waste added is treated upon addition. In a preferred embodiment the stored waste is treated upon addition of the portion of the organic waste added.

[0051] In a particular embodiment the stored waste is maintained operably under anaerobic conditions and the microbial agent useful in fermentation, in particular lactate fermentation.

[0052] The stored waste is treated by a microbial preparation comprising microorganisms operably under anaerobic conditions and useful in fermentation, in particular lactate fermentation.

[0053] In a particular embodiment the method of the invention is carried out in a device which is a waste treating apparatus, said device comprising

[0054] - a housing,

[0055] - a waste treating apparatus inlet provided on the housing,

[0056] - a waste container provided with a waste container inlet configured to store organic waste feed, the waste container being placed removably within the housing,

[0057] - a feeding mechanism located in the housing between the waste treating apparatus inlet and the waste container inlet, and isolating the waste container inlet from the waste treating apparatus inlet, wherein the feeding mechanism comprises:

[0058] - a feeding mechanism inlet with a first openable closing means, and

[0059] - a waste holding element configured to receive a waste portion,

[0060] - a spraying means for spraying a microbial preparation, e.g. microbiological solution,

[0061] - a sealing layer sealing the entire projected surface of the waste container inlet,

[0062] - an opening (preferably feeding mechanism outlet) provided on the sealing layer (or cover) for the passage of the waste portion from the feeding mechanism to the waste container, the opening (or feeding mechanism outlet) having a second openable closing means closing the opening (or feeding mechanism outlet).

[0063] In a preferred embodiment the method of the invention comprises the following steps

[0064] - An organic portion of organic waste, typically composed of household organic waste is inserted in the housing of the waste treating apparatus through the waste treating apparatus inlet by a user.

[0065] - The portion of organic waste enters then the feeding mechanism located within the housing through the feeding mechanism inlet upon opening the first openable closing means provided on the feeding mechanism inlet. The feeding mechanism inlet which may correspond or fit to the waste treating apparatus inlet.

[0066] - Within the feeding mechanism the feed waste is supported or held by the waste holding element at least until the closure of the first openable closing means.

[0067] - The first openable closing means is closed.

[0068] In an embodiment, the second openable closing means is closed after the closure of the first openable closing means.

[0069] In an embodiment, the second openable closing means is opened after the opening of the first openable closing means.

[0070] In a highly preferred embodiment, the second openable closing means is opened after the closure of the first openable closing means. - Highly preferably, after the first openable closing means, constituting a barrier between the inside of the feeding mechanism and the outside environment, is closed, the second openable closing means provided on the feeding mechanism outlet opens.

[0071] - Preferably the portion of the organic waste being supported by the waste holding element is forwarded into the waste container.

[0072] - Preferably the portion of organic waste placed on the waste holding element is routed from the feeding mechanism into the waste container through an opening or feeding mechanism outlet on the sealing layer or cover on the removable container, preferably the feeding mechanism outlet provided on the sealing layer sealing the waste container inlet.

[0073] - In a preferred embodiment the organic waste stored in the waste container is handled by administrating the microbial preparation, preferably a microbiological solution from time to time (e.g. as given above).

[0074] - In a further preferred embodiment the portion of organic waste added to the waste container is handled by administrating the microbiological solution to the waste stored in the removable sealed waste container multiple times to maintain an anaerobic fermenting process of the waste in the waste container with the spraying means located in the feeding mechanism, the removable sealed waste container being closed or open.. The organic waste portion may also in addition to the handling in the waste container be handled with the microbiological solution within the feeding mechanism when placed on the waste holding element of the feeding mechanism, the first and the second openable closing means being closed.

[0075] - The portions of organic waste are maintained in the closed removable sealed waste container under imperfect anaerobic condition for an anaerobic fermentation period, preferably under imperfect anaerobic fermentation (may be called as imperfect anaerobic fermentation period).

[0076] After the imperfect anaerobic fermentation period the waste container containing a fermented organic waste product is removed from the housing.

[0077] After the removal of the waste container from the housing the fermented organic waste product present in the waste container may be further fermented to obtain a final product suitable for improving soil.

[0078] DEFINITIONS

[0079] Fermentation is a metabolic process that produces chemical changes in an organic substance through the action of microorganism; preferably fermentation comprises the metabolism of carbohydrates via enzymes of microorganisms in an environment which is closed, at least in the majority of time of the fermentation period, from ambient oxygen. In case fermentation is carried out in a closed environments which is opened from time to time to add portions of feed, e.g. waste feed, the fermentation is carried out under anaerobic conditions, in particular imperfect anaerobic conditions, wherein anaerobic processes prevail.

[0080] In an embodiment fermentation relates herein to food waste fermentation which comprises a process in which the activity of microorganisms brings about a desirable change to the food waste and avoid putrefaction processes.

[0081] Suboptimal or imperfect anaerobic fermentation is an anaerobic process, carried out in a container which is closed in most of the time, wherein the fermented substance temporarily is contacted with ambient air or oxygen for example when a waste portion is disposed at a random time in the container, however, anaerobic processes prevail. Thus, aerobic processes do not divert the fermentation from a basically anaerobic character. Imperfect anaerobic fermentation is characterized by oxygen depleted conditions.

[0082] In an embodiment suboptimal or imperfect anaerobic fermentation takes place when the waste container is in direct contact (i.e. when both the first and second openings, e.g. both the first openable closing means 41 and the second openable closing means 42 are open) with the environment, i.e. ambient air, in less than 5%, or less than 4%, or less than 3% or less than 2% or less than 1 % or less than 0,5% or less than 0,25% or less than 0, 1 % of the operation time in an indoor environment.

[0083] In an embodiment the apparatus or device of the invention is used (opened and closed) irregularly, e.g. in a random manner, even if in certain days or periods more often than in other, whereas the suboptimal or imperfect anaerobic fermentation is still maintained.

[0084] Composting, as used herein, is understood a process of transforming a waste material into a material useful for improving soil. While traditionally composting comprises aerobic processes as used herein this is not a requirement under the present invention. Thus, anaerobic processes, even if suboptimal or imperfect anaerobic processes like fermentation, as used herein, is a preferred variant of composting.

[0085] At a time, with as used herein are equivalents and mean that two events, e.g. acts are linked or connected, e.g. logically or operably in time, and when one happens, the other event happens too or will happen within a limited time-period e.g. within an hour or within 10 minutes or less. In a particular variant the two events happen or acts are carried out via moving parts of the device of the invention which are operably connected. In a particular embodiment the two events happen or the acts are carried out sequentially, wherein the second follows, preferably directly follows the first one. At the same time or simultaneously are particular or preferred variants for “at a time” and imply that there is a time 30 overlap between the two events or acts.

[0086] Sweeping as used herein is understood as removing with a continuous forceful action, preferably with a single continuous forceful action.

[0087] As used herein the indefinite article, even if used in singular form, "a", "an", and if context allows, e.g. in a back- reference the definite article "the", include plural forms as well; i.e. involves the meaning: “one or more”, unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0088] The term “comprises” or “comprising” or “including” are to be construed here as having a non-exhaustive meaning and allow the addition or involvement of further features or method steps or components to anything which comprises the listed features or method steps or components.

[0089] The expression “consisting essentially of’ or "comprising substantially" is to be understood as consisting of mandatory features or method steps or components listed in a list e.g. in a claim whereas allowing to contain additionally other features or method steps or components which do not materially affect the essential characteristics of the use, method, composition or other subject matter. It is to be understood that “comprises” or “comprising” or “including” can be replaced herein by “consisting essentially of’ or "comprising substantially" if so required without addition of new matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0090] The present inventors have created an indoor method for treating of organic waste, preferably food waste with a minimal human intervention, and with low energy consumption, wherein the accumulating organic waste is stored and fermented for a given fermentation period under anaerobic, in particular imperfect anaerobic conditions characterized by a given oxygen depletion. The method is useful to treat organic waste, preferably food waste in indoor human habitat, in particular workplace environment, like office, kitchen, manufactory, factory, laboratory, workshop, entertainment facility, school etc., in particular office environment or in home environment, wherein the food waste is disposed at a random time.

[0091] The invention is also useful to provide a platform that can educate / involve users to lead a more eco-conscious lifestyle.

[0092] In the method organic waste is treated in a closed or closable device having an inlet opened for a limited time to allow addition of the portion of the organic waste whereas said waste is subjected to a composting process, in particular a fermentation process by administering a microbial preparation potentially or preferably multiple times. In an embodiment the microbial preparation is administered, i.e. added, upon opening the device.

[0093] In a further embodiment the microbial preparation is administered, i.e. added regularly, e.g. once or multiple times a day.

[0094] In an alternative embodiment the microbial preparation is administered depending on the fermentation process requirement(s), e.g. depending on one or more measured parameter(s). This embodiment is based on the condition of the fermented material and when fermentation requires a portion (or dose) of microbial preparation is added. Once addition depends on measured parameter(s), such parameters may be e.g. temperature, wherein temperature may be measured e.g. in the removable waste container, or upstream in the feeding mechanism.

[0095] In any case, the microbial preparation is administered with a frequency to maintain an anaerobic condition wherein anaerobic processes prevail, i.e. at least an imperfect anaerobic condition, or to direct fermentation in a direction which can lead to the formation of a product suitable for improvement of soil (soil improvement). In an embodiment the result is a partially fermented product which can be further fermented, optionally in a closed (anaerobic) environment to a material directly applicable to soil improvement.

[0096] Thereby

[0097] - the environment is disturbed at random time intervals,

[0098] - organic waste is collected in an environment wherein said organic waste is formed, e.g. in a random manner, e.g. in an office environment,

[0099] - users have the possibility to feed the apparatus at any time,

[0100] - any type of organic waste, e.g. vegetal, meat waste or rests of processed food having various degree of humidity can be added and composted, preferably fermented,

[0101] - contact with ambient air is minimized to arrive at imperfect anaerobic conditions, in a room (indoor) environment,

[0102] - fermentation is started and maintained in a fermentation period by adding a microbial preparation comprising various sorts of or a consortium of microorganisms.

[0103] The present invention provides a solution for indoor handling of organic waste like food waste. The invention relates to a fermentation method which is used instead of traditional composting. The present inventors have developed a method and device to treat organic waste operably linked to its introduction to the device and also stores it in a controlled environment to avoid aerobic harmful, e.g. putrefactive processes and for long enough such that it can be sustainably collected, and, if necessary, further manipulated, to turn into a valuable resource for the soil, preferably material comprising valuable components for improving the soil, e.g. a soil fertiliser. Controlled environment is anaerobic, albeit necessarily imperfect, taking into account and depending on the frequency of addition of the organic waste.

[0104] The invention provides an easy to use stand-alone automated indoor composting solution combined with energy efficiency and natural methods similar to that of the bokashi system with significantly less human intervention, adapted to an environment where users do not wish to be involved with the process. The technology furthermore provides the necessary data for consumers to evaluate their ecological impact or gains related to composting. This way it arrives at a solution that requires minimal energy and human input during use but is still safe and odorless enough to be used in an indoor environment, e.g. in an office or workplace or household environment.

[0105] The invention is described below via particular exemplary embodiments.

[0106] The device treats and optionally measures (and potentially treats based on measured parameters) certain parameters of the food waste that is introduced through an opening, in particular (preferably?) a waste holding element which is kept clean through either surface treatment and or a mechanical cleaning procedure.

[0107] The food waste gets introduced to a container that is sealed from other parts of the device. The organic waste enters the removable container through an opening or feeding mechanism outlet to keep the inside of the container as isolated from the outside as possible to ensure one hand an imperfect anaerobic environment sufficiently depleted in oxygen and on the other hand to prevent the escape of moisture and odors and to keep the inside.

[0108] In a preferred embodiment the maximum mass of waste to be handled in the range of 10 to 100 kg, preferably 15 to 50 kg, more preferably 20-25 kg, stored in a container having a volume of 10 to 100 1, preferably 20 to 60 1, more preferably 35-40 1.

[0109] Storage and fermentation period up to removal of the container is typically 1 to 8 weeks, preferably 1 to 4 weeks, preferably 1-2 weeks.

[0110] In an initial step, the waste feed is inserted by a user in a feeding mechanism of a waste treating apparatus. The feeding mechanism is provided with an openable feeding mechanism (optionally a potentially automatically actuated openable feeding mechanisms) inlet in communication with the outside of the waste treating apparatus and an openable feeding mechanism outlet in communication with an organic waste container housed in the waste treating apparatus. The feeding mechanism constitutes an antechamber or a lock gate isolating the waste container from the ambient air.

[0111] In an embodiment both the inlet and outlet of the feeding mechanism are closed in their resting position.

[0112] In a further preferred step once the inlet of the feeding mechanism is closed after insertion of the waste material, a microbiological solution containing anaerobic bacilli and anaerobic bacilli nutrient (in a particularly preferred embodiment EM-BIO 1 base solution and EM-BIO 1 activated microbiological preparation can be used, can be purchased e.g. from Multicraft Productions- und HandelsGmbH) is administered on the waste material by means of a spraying means provided in the feeding mechanism in order to start the fermentation process of the waste material. The volume of solution administered is preferably adjusted according to the mass of the inserted waste material measured with a sensor integrated in the feeding mechanism.

[0113] In a particularly preferred embodiment “Effective microorganisms” (EM) are applied which also may be applied in Bokashi technology. The mixed culture called EM comprises beneficial microorganisms such as lactobacilli, Actinomycetes, purple non-Sulphur bacteria and yeasts, derived from Nature. During operation organic matter like molasses is to be added. Variants may comprise other products like leaf material.

[0114] Waste treatment is usually carried out in closed bioreactors or unaerated piles in order to create anaerobic conditions and to suppress pathogens for the fermented compost. Thus, mostly lactic acid fermentation is carried out.

[0115] In a further step the outlet of the feeding mechanism is open, and the waste material is routed through it to the organic waste container.

[0116] Preferably routing may be via gravity or forced means like sweeping etc. Sweep” as used herein is understood as removing with a continuous forceful action, preferably with a single continuous forceful action.

[0117] The waste materials inserted successively may form a pile on the bottom of the waste container. In an embodiment in order to cover the upper surface with an additional protective microbiological film layer the upper surface of the pile is sprayed by the spraying nozzle of the feeding mechanism with a predetermined volume of the microbial preparation (e.g. microbiological solution). After solution spraying the outlet of the feeding mechanism and / or the opening on the sealed (covered) waste container is closed again. The outlet and the opening may be the same or different parts. This mechanical separation contributes to the development of an aerobic environment within the waste container. In parallel, inner parameters of the waste treating apparatus may be measured continuously in further steps. For example weight sensors and humidity sensors continuously measure the mass and the humidity level of organic waste stored in the waste container, a temperature sensor monitors the temperature within the waste treating apparatus outside or inside the waste container. A preferred range of the target temperature value is 20-35 °C. E.g. the level of the stored waste in the container can be monitored by a camera or by weight measurement.

[0118] Humidity (moisture) may be drained either by a water-absorbing layer placed on the bottom of the waste container or by a moisture-storing compartment formed within the container formed as a double walled structure of the waste container.

[0119] In a preferred embodiment humidity is absorbed by an absorber material placed in the waste container.

[0120] Preferably the absorbent may be able to act in synergy during operation with the waste material stored in the waste container. Alternatively, the absorbent layered may be layered on the bottom of the waste container having double walled structure, i.e. on the top of the moisture-storing compartment described above.

[0121] If the measured humidity level is outside the target interval suitable for the fermentation process a dry material such as powder may be administered on the waste material. For that purpose a second spraying means e.g. a spraying nozzle (or group of nozzles) can be placed at the top of the waste container.

[0122] The temperature within the waste treating apparatus and the visual data may be registered by the camera. By this method there is provided an indicator of the activity of the anaerobic bacilli within the waste container and thus of their competitive advantage over other competing microorganisms unfavourable to the fermentation. These competing microorganisms present on the surface of the inserted waste material and in the ambient air and may be responsible for rottenness or mould. For example, an elevation of temperature beyond the target interval reflects a start of undesired rottenness. In this case further amount of microbiological solution and / or dry material is added to the stored waste material in order to bring back the fermentation in its equilibrium state. In an embodiment the container is removed and replaced.

[0123] The product is a stable fermented intermediate product suitable to be further transformed into a soil improver material. The fermentation stage depends on the time period of storage within the waste treating apparatus, which is typically 10-15 days.

[0124] The waste treating apparatus device of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0125] Fig. 1 is a perspective sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the waste treating apparatus according to the invention in a closed state.

[0126] Fig. 2A is a perspective top view of a preferred arrangement of spraying means above the removable waste container of the waste treating apparatus according to the invention in a closed state.

[0127] Fig. 2B is a perspective top view of the removable waste container of the waste treating apparatus according to the invention.

[0128] Fig. 2C is a perspective top view of the removable waste container of the waste treating apparatus according to the invention in an open state.

[0129] Fig. 3A is a rear perspective top view of a drawer of a feeding mechanism with a sweeping element of a preferred embodiment of the waste treating apparatus according to the invention, the drawer being in an open position.

[0130] Fig. 3B is a rear perspective top view of the drawer of the feeding mechanism with the sweeping element of a preferred embodiment of the waste treating apparatus according to the invention, the drawer being in a closed horizontal position and the sweeping element being in a resting position.

[0131] Fig. 3C is a front perspective top view of the drawer of the feeding mechanism with the sweeping element of a preferred embodiment of the waste treating apparatus according to the invention, the drawer being in a closed tilted position and the sweeping element being in a resting position.

[0132] Fig. 3D is a front perspective top view of the drawer of the feeding mechanism with the sweeping element of a preferred embodiment of the waste treating apparatus according to the invention, the drawer being in a closed tilted position and the sweeping element being in a sweeping position.

[0133] Fig. 4A is a schematic section view of the waste holding element of the feeding mechanism provided conveying means in an open state, during operation, at the time of the insertion of a waste portion into the feeding mechanism. Fig. 4B is a schematic section view of the waste holding element of the feeding mechanism provided conveying means, during operation, in a closed state, at a time of routing the waste portion from the waste holding element toward the feeding mechanism outlet.

[0134] Housing

[0135] As shown in figure 1, the waste treating apparatus comprises a housing 1 of for example a spherical shape and a waste treating apparatus inlet 11 provided on the housing 1 for the insertion of an organic waste portion. The housing 1 may comprise two regions namely a housing base 12 configure to rest on a floor and a housing top 13. For ergonomic use, the waste treating apparatus inlet 11 may be preferably located on the housing top 13 and the housing base 1 may be raised from the floor by means of legs 14.

[0136] A waste container 2 having a waste container inlet 21 is installed removably within the housing 1 for storing the organic waste. The removable waste container 2 may be maintained in position with respect to the housing 1 with for example a holding element 121 fixed to the inner wall of the housing base 12.

[0137] The housing 1 may be openable for removing the waste container 2 and for maintenance purposes preferably along the surface physically separating the housing base 12 from the housing top 13. The housing base 12 and the housing top 13 are preferably connected by a hinge and a closing latch. The housing 10 may be also openable by means of an additional trapdoor not shown in figure 1.

[0138] Feeding mechanism

[0139] As shown in figure 1, the waste treating apparatus comprises a feeding mechanism 3 located in the housing 1 between the waste treating apparatus inlet 11 and the waste container inlet 21 for routing the organic waste portion inserted through the waste treating apparatus inlet 11 to the waste container 2. The feeding mechanism also isolates the waste container inlet 21 from the waste treating apparatus inlet 11. Th inside of the waste container is as isolated from the outside as possible to ensure on the one hand an imperfect anaerobic environment with oxygen depleted conditions and on the other hand to prevent the escape of moisture and odours and to keep the inside.

[0140] The feeding mechanism 3 has a feeding mechanism inlet 31 for the insertion of the waste portion in the feeding mechanism 3. The feeding mechanism inlet 31 is provided with a first openable closing means 41 constituting a barrier between the inside of the feeding mechanism 3 and the waste treating apparatus inlet 11 , in particular a first barrier between the environment outside of the waste treating apparatus and the waste container inlet 21. As it can be seen in figure 1, the feeding mechanism inlet 31 may correspond or fit to the waste treating apparatus inlet 11, thus the first openable closing means 41 may also close the waste treating apparatus inlet 11. A particular embodiment of the first openable closing means 41 will be described further below in figures 3A-3C.

[0141] The feeding mechanism 3 includes a waste holding element 5 configured to receive the inserted waste portion. The useful surface of the waste holding element 5 may be coated with a hydrophobic or water-repellent layer to facilitate the transfer of the waste portion toward the waste container 2 in a later stage. The waste holding element 5 may be provided with sensors for sensing parameters of the inserted waste portion. For example, weighing sensors may be placed on the waste holding element 5 for weighing each waste portion individually. Alternatively, such weighing sensors may also be provided on the holding element 121. Thus, it may be possible to monitor the total mass of organic waste inserted or stored within the waste container 2.

[0142] The feeding mechanism 3 comprises a spraying means 6 for handling the waste feed by administrating a microbiological solution. The spraying means 6 may be placed above the waste container inlet 21. The spraying means 6 may also be placed above the feeding mechanism outlet 32. Further spraying means 6 may be arranged upstream, for example directed to the waste holding element 5 for handling the waste portion individually before entering the waste container 2. Further spraying means may be connected to the waste container 2 for adding dry material to the stored waste material.

[0143] Finally, the feeding mechanism 3 has a feeding mechanism outlet 32 provided on a sealing layer 7 for the passage of the waste portion from the feeding mechanism 3 to the waste container 2. The sealing layer 7 seals the entire projected surface of the waste container inlet 21. Similarly to the feeding mechanism inlet 31, the feeding mechanism outlet 32 is provided with a second openable closing means 42 closing the feeding mechanism outlet 32 on its entire area. Consequently, the sealing layer 7 and the second openable closing means 42 constitutes a second barrier between the environment outside of the waste treating apparatus and the waste container inlet 21. The first openable closing means 41 and the second openable closing means 42 acting as a barrier contribute to ensure an imperfect anaerobic environment with oxygen depleted conditions within the removable waste container 2.

[0144] Sealed waste container

[0145] Figures 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate a preferred embodiment of the removable waste container 2 with the sealing layer 7, the feeding mechanism outlet 32 and the second openable closing means 42 being respectively in a closed state and in an open state. The waste container 2 may have typically a cylindrical shape or a flared cylindrical shape. The sealing layer 7 may be a plate arranged in a sealed contact with the waste container inlet 21 at its circumference. The feeding mechanism outlet 32 arranged on the sealing layer 7 may have an area smaller than the area of the waste container inlet 21. The sealing layer 7 may also be provided with further through orifices 71, 72, with a sealing for arranging sensors configured to monitor the inner space of the waste container 2 or for connecting the spraying means 6 or the conduit of the spraying means 6. As shown in figure 2B the sealing layer 7 may be provided with three spraying means 6 provided in a respective orifice 71 for a suitable distribution of the microbiological preparation in the waste container 2. The second openable closing means 42 may consist for example of two complementary shaped wings 421 and 422 rotatably connected to the sealing layer 7 on the side adjacent to the waste container inlet 21 or on the opposite side and adjoining along their respective contact surfaces in the closed state. The rotation axis of the wings 421 and 422 may be perpendicular to the feeding mechanism outlet 32, so that the wings 421 and 422 may be configured to rotate in a plane parallel to the feeding mechanism outlet 32 between the closed state and the open state defined by an opening angle a. The planar motion trajectory prevents the second openable closing means 42 from being in contact and thus soiled by the waste stored in the waste container 2. In addition, it allows saving space either in the feeding mechanism or in the waste container 2 and thus contributes to the compact design of the waste treating apparatus. In other embodiments the second openable closing means 42 may consist of one single wing or a plurality of complementary shaped wings. The at least one wing may be slidably connected to the sealing layer 7.

[0146] The first openable closing means 41 and the second openable closing means 42 may have their own manual or electrical driving means.

[0147] Alternatively, the second openable closing means 42 may be connected to first openable closing means 41 by an energy storing mechanism, which stores kinetic energy of the first closing means 41 for actuating in a next step the second closing means 42.

[0148] The waste container 2 may comprise a compartment for collecting moisture (humidity) from the waste. In an embodiment, it may be provided on its bottom with a moisture-storing compartment formed within the container as a double walled structure of the waste container for collecting humidity. Preferably the walls are horizontal. One of the walls is in contact with the organic waste; for example the upper wall. Preferably, the double walled structure has a hole or holes (e.g. it is perforated) on the wall being in contact with the organic waste, to drain humidity into the compartment. Preferably the perforations allow only one direction for the transfer of moisture, such that it limits the re-entry of humidity into the main container. Preferably the compartment for humidity may be drained separately form the main compartment of the container after the container is removed from the apparatus. In an embodiment the moisture collecting compartment may be removed in a separate step.

[0149] Alternatively, the removable sealed waste container 2 may comprise an absorbent to absorb moisture from the stored waste in the container. Alternatively, the moisture is not drained away but simply absorbed in an absorbent layered on the bottom of the waste container 2. The absorbent may be preferably an absorbent suitable for addition to the soil, e.g. hemp, straw, hay, sawdust, ground corncobs, wooden flake flitter, etc, preferably hemp or wooden flake flitter. Preferably the absorbent may be able to act in co-operation or in synergy during operation with the waste material stored in the waste container 2. Alternatively, the absorbent layered may be layered on the bottom of the waste container 2 having double walled structure, i.e. on the top of the moisture-storing compartment described above.

[0150] Drawer

[0151] As shown in figures 3A-3D, the first openable closing means 41 and the waste holding element 5 may be part of a slidable and tiltable drawer 9. The drawer 9 may be slidably and tiltably connected to the housing 1 via a guiding system 95. The front face of the drawer 9 may form the first openable closing means 41. The tray of the drawer 9 may form the waste holding element 5. The rear part of the drawer 9 may be exposed in order to enable the passage of the waste portion placed on the waste holding element 5.

[0152] Alternatively, the drawer 9 may be a closed cassette having a closable opening in order to enable the passage of the waste portion toward the waste container 2.

[0153] The guiding system 95 is configured to guide the drawer 9 between a horizontal starting position and an inclined end position with respect to the feeding mechanism. It may comprise guiding rails and / or a cam-slot for receiving a corresponding cam of the drawer 9 or / and an actuator. The cam-slot of the guiding system 95 may have at least a downwardly curved portion and at least a horizontal portion, e.g. in the form for example of a switch curve, to provide a sliding motion and a tilting motion of the waste portion for entering (or routing or forwarding) it to the container.

[0154] Sweeping element

[0155] The feeding mechanism 3 may include a sweeping element 55 for clearing the waste holding element 5. The sweeping element 55 may have a contour line at least partially complementary to the waste holding surface of the waste holding element 5. The sweeping element 55 may be rotatably connected to the feeding mechanism 3, for example to the guiding system 95 of the drawer 9. The sweeping element 55 is thus configured to clear efficiently the waste holding surface of the waste holding element 5.

[0156] As shown in figures 4A-4B, in an alternative embodiment the waste holding element 5 may be provided with a conveying means 8 for routing the waste portion toward the waste container 2. The conveying means 8 may be connected to electronic or manual actuating means.

[0157] The configuration of the sealed waste container 2 and the waste holding element 5 of the feeding mechanism 3 prevent the disposed waste from splashing in the inner space of the waste treating apparatus. Controlling, sensing

[0158] The waste treating apparatus may be provided with sensors for measuring parameters within the feeding mechanism 3 and the waste container 2, such as weighing sensors as described above, humidity sensor, pH measuring means, temperature sensor and a camera.

[0159] The waste treating apparatus may comprise a control unit 15 for receiving, storing, and processing measurement data of the sensors arranged preferably in the feeding mechanism 3 and for controlling the electrically actuated parts of the waste treating apparatus. However manual actuating means and kinetic energy storing means are preferred for the actuation in order to guarantee the lowest energy consumption. A user interface panel 16 in communication with the control unit may be arranged on the housing 1.

[0160] The operation of the waste treating apparatus according to the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0161] - A portion of organic waste, typically composed of household organic waste is inserted in the housing 1 of the waste treating apparatus through the waste treating apparatus inlet 11 by a user.

[0162] - The portion of organic waste enters then the feeding mechanism 3 located within the housing 1 through the feeding mechanism inlet 31 upon opening the first openable closing means 41 provided on the feeding mechanism inlet 31. The first openable closing means 41 may be open manually or automatically actuated by an actuator. Preferably the feeding mechanism inlet 31 may correspond or fit to the waste treating apparatus inlet 11. In this case, the feeding mechanism inlet 31 and the waste treating apparatus inlet 11 may be open in a single step by opening the first openable closing means 41. The waste portion inserted in the feeding mechanism 3 is supported by the waste holding element 5.

[0163] In a preferred embodiment as shown in figures 3A-3D the first openable closing means 41 and the waste holding element 5 may form respectively the front face and the tray of the slidable and pivotable drawer 9. As shown in figure 3A, the open position of the drawer 9 is horizontal with respect to the feeding mechanism. The user can then place the waste portion on the tray of the drawer.

[0164] As shown in figure 3B, the drawer 9 is then slid horizontally with respect to the feeding mechanism 3 actuated manually or by electrical driving means along the guiding means 95, for example along the horizontal portion of the cam-slot until the drawer 9 reaches a horizontal closed position. The first openable closing means 41 which is part in the present case of the drawer 9 is thus in a closed position. The mass of the waste portion may be measured by weighing sensors arranged on the waste holding element 5. The portion of organic waste may be handled by administrating the microbiological solution with the spraying means 6 when placed on the waste holding element 5 of the feeding mechanism 3, which is in the present case illustrated in figure 3A the tray of the drawer 9.

[0165] Within the feeding mechanism 3 the portion of organic waste is supported by the waste holding element 5 in a horizontal position at least until the closure of the first openable closing means 41. The first microbial handling and the measurement of some of the parameters of the waste portion are carried out on the waste portion being in the supported position on the waste holding element 5. The feeding mechanism 3 closed by the first openable closing means 41 and the second openable closing means 42 constitutes a closed antechamber for the waste feed upstream of the waste container 2. The antechamber supports the imperfect anaerobic environment and the oxygen depleted conditions within the inner space of the waste container 2.

[0166] - Preferably, after the first openable closing means 41 constituting a barrier between the inside of the feeding mechanism 3 and the outside environment is closed, the second openable closing means 42 provided on the feeding mechanism outlet 32 opens, said opening driven by manual or electrical actuating means or via the kinetic energy storing mechanism.

[0167] In an embodiment, after the first openable closing means 41 constituting a barrier between the inside of the feeding mechanism 3 and the outside environment is opened, the second openable closing means 42 provided on the feeding mechanism outlet 32 opens; in a less preferred embodiment the latter opens before the first openable closing means 41 is closed.

[0168] In an embodiment, after the first openable closing means 41 constituting a barrier between the inside of the feeding mechanism 3 and the outside environment is closed, the second openable closing means 42 provided on the feeding mechanism outlet 32 closed; in a preferred embodiment the first openable closing means 41 is closed before the second openable closing means 42 is closed; more preferably before the second openable closing means 42 is opened.

[0169] In a particular embodiment the opening and closing is / are driven by manual or electrical actuating means or via the kinetic energy storing mechanism.

[0170] - As shown in figure 2C, in a preferred embodiment the wings 421 and 422 may rotate until reaching an open state defined by the opening angle a.

[0171] - It can be noted that the first openable closing means 41 and the second openable closing means 42 are never in an open position simultaneously in order to maintain the waste container 2 separated from the outside environment by at least one layer, namely the first openable closing means 41 or the second openable closing means 42 of the sealing layer 7, or both.

[0172] - It can be also noted that the separate waste holding element 5 placed upstream of the second openable closing means 42 of the sealing layer 7 prevents cross-contamination between the waste stored in the waste container 2 and the currently disposed waste portion.

[0173] - The portion of organic waste placed on the waste holding element 5 can be then routed from the feeding mechanism 3 into the removable waste container 2 through the feeding mechanism outlet 32 provided on the sealing layer 7.

[0174] - As shown in figure 3C, the drawer 9 may be therefore pivoted so that the tray is inclined from its initially horizontal position to a tilted position oriented downward in the direction of the feeding mechanism outlet 32. The waste holding element 5 may be tilted by an actuator or by displacing the guided cam from the horizontal portion to the downwardly curved portion of the guiding means 95 by the actuator or via the switch curve configuration of the guiding means 95. In this case routing may be operated via gravity. The waste portion slides on the hydrophobic or water-repellent layer coating of the waste holding portion 5. As shown in figure 3D, the sweeping element 55 may sweep the waste holding surface of the waste holding element 5 in order to force the waste portion toward the feeding mechanism outlet 32. The waste holding element 5 is then cleared from waste. - If the waste holding element 5 is provided with a conveying means 8 as illustrated in figures 4A-4B the first openable closing means 41 may be pulled together with the waste holding element 5 until an open state in which the waste portion is inserted on the conveying means 8 through the feeding mechanism inlet 31. The first openable closing means 41 and the waste holding element 5 may be pushed back with the waste portion, until a closed state illustrated in figure 4B. After closing of the first openable closing means 41, the waste portion is conveyed by the conveying means 8 to the feeding mechanism outlet 32, thus toward the waste container 2 placed underneath by simply actuating the conveying means 8.

[0175] - After entry of the waste portion in the waste container through the feeding mechanism 32 and the waste container inlet 21, the second openable closing means 42 is closed. The waste materials inserted successively may form a pile on the bottom of the waste container 2. Parameters of the waste material stored in the waste container 2 or parameters within the waste container 2 may be monitored discretely or continuously as a function of time with sensors such as humidity sensor, pH measuring means, temperature sensor, a camera arranged for example in the orifices 71, 72. Measurement data are received, stored and processed by the control unit 15.

[0176] - The waste portions inserted successively may form a pile on the bottom of the waste container 2. In order to cover its upper surface with a protective microbiological film layer the upper surface of the pile is sprayed by the spraying means 6 of the feeding mechanism 3 with a predetermined volume of the microbial preparation (e.g. microbiological solution).

[0177] - The handling may be carried out with spraying means 6 located above the feeding mechanism outlet 32 when the second openable closing means 42 is open or with spraying means 6 connected to the region of the waste container inlet 21 the openings 71 or 72 of the sealing layer 7 when the feeding mechanism outlet 32 is closed. As described above the organic waste portion may also be additionally handled upstream when placed on the waste holding element 5 of the feeding mechanism 3.

[0178] In any case, the handling operation may be adjusted to the monitored parameters, in particular pH, humidity and waste mass.

[0179] - The user can access the measured data and the handling data through the user interface panel 16.

[0180] - It is suitable to maintain the stored waste as dry as possible within the waste container 2, since moisture leads to the development of competing microorganisms unfavourable to the fermentation. Humidity (moisture) of the waste material stored in the waste container 2 may be thus absorbed by the absorbent layered for example in the bottom of the waste container 2. Alternatively, the moisture may be collected by the compartment provided on the bottom of the waste container 2. The absorbent layer may work in synergy with the waste material stored in the waste container 2. In another embodiment, the moisture may be collected by the absorbent layered in the waste container together with the moisture-storing compartment formed within the container. If the measured humidity level is outside the target interval suitable for the fermentation process a dry material such as powder may be administered on the waste material through the additional spraying means. This solution enables to minimise the intervention of the user since there is no need to evacuate the collected liquids separately during a complete collection cycle.

[0181] - The portions of organic waste are maintained in the removable sealed waste container 2 under imperfect anaerobic and oxygen depleted conditions for an imperfect anaerobic fermentation period. In parallel further organic waste portions can be disposed within the waste treating apparatus 2 at random time. The user interface panel 16 may provide the user with further information related to the advancement of the composting process

[0182] - Within the waste container no compression or stirring is required.

[0183] - After the imperfect anaerobic fermentation period the waste container 2 containing a fermented organic waste product is removed from the housing 1. The waste container 2 may be removed together with the sealing layer 7. It may be also removed individually and sealed with a disposable layer. The housing 1 may be open by separating the housing top 13 from the housing base 12.

[0184] - After the removal of the waste container 2 from the housing 1 the fermented organic waste product present in the sealed waste container 2 may be further fermented to obtain a final product suitable for improving soil.

[0185] In a preferred embodiment the device allows the multi-stage indoor method for treating of and disposing organic waste, said device comprising a feeding mechanism 3, preferably comprising a drawer 9 that can open while the (sealed or sealable) waste container 2 is left closed and thus separated.

[0186] Preferably, the feeding mechanism 3 is at the right height for the user to operate, alleviating risk of spillage and items bouncing that may happen if dropped from a greater height.

[0187] Preferably the waste container 2 is sealed by a sealing layer 7, i.e. the surface or lid of waste container.

[0188] As a further stage when the user closes the first openable closing means 41 (of the feeding mechanism inlet 31), the organic waste “portion” is forwarded into the waste container 2, preferably by a guiding system 95, by a gravity assisted emptying of the feeding mechanism 3, preferably “drawer” 9 into a sealable waste container through a second openable closing 42 that opens and closes in a synchronised way with the drawer preferably via two complementary shaped wings 421 and 422 rotatably connected to the sealing layer 7 on the side adjacent to the waste container inlet 21 or on the opposite side and adjoining along their respective contact surfaces in the closed state. The working of the wings 421 and 422 may be as described in the Examples.

[0189] As to the feeding mechanism 3, preferably comprising a drawer 9 an additional sweeping element 55 may sweep the surface of the waste holding element 5, preferably the surface of the “drawer” 9 to be devoid of stains and to prepare it for the next user interaction (i.e. opening of the drawer.) This later can be further enhanced when adding a non-stick surface treatment to the waste holding element 5, preferably the “drawer” 9.

[0190] Note that when the drawer is open the container containing the rest of the waste is closed, and it is only opened once the closing drawer blocks the path of air from the waste area to the outside, keeping the system in a suboptimal anaerobic state and preferably as odourless as possible.

[0191] This way a) the area the user places the waste is always clean, b) there is no clear path for the air to enter or escape the system, c) with no air introduced aerobic rotting of the introduced organic waste is minimised, the conditions within the waste container 2 being thus kept as oxygen depleted as possible.

[0192] The container can then be emptied by removing the sealed waste container 2 thereby further reducing the possibility of unfavourable odours entering the environment.

[0193] The manipulation of the “sweeper” device and the opening of the second openable closing means 42, providing the seal to the sealed waste container, can be synchronised both mechanically and electronically with the closure and opening of the feeding mechanism 3, preferably drawer 9. List of reference number:

[0194] 1 housing ,

[0195] 2 waste container

[0196] 3 feeding mechanism ()

[0197] 5 waste holding element

[0198] 6 spraying means

[0199] 7 sealing layer

[0200] 8 conveying means

[0201] 9 drawer

[0202] 11 waste treating apparatus inlet

[0203] 12 housing base

[0204] 13 housing top

[0205] 14 legs

[0206] 21 waste container inlet

[0207] 31 feeding mechanism inlet

[0208] 32 feeding mechanism outlet

[0209] 41 first openable closing means

[0210] 42 second openable closing means

[0211] 421 shaped wing

[0212] 422 shaped wing

[0213] 55 sweeping element

[0214] 71 orifice

[0215] 72 orifice

[0216] 95 guiding system

[0217] 121 fixed holding element

[0218] The device of the present invention has an efficient and ergonomic design and enables to carry out the method in a suitable environment with minimal intervention of the user and minimal energy consumption. It ensures the collection and the storage of the organic waste in an imperfect anaerobic environment with oxygen depleted conditions.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for indoor treatment of organic waste, preferably food waste, under imperfect anaerobic conditions to provide a fermented organic waste product suitable for improvement of soil, optionally by further fermenting, said method comprising: feeding a portion of organic waste, preferably food waste, into a waste treating apparatus, multiple times, said waste treating apparatus comprising a closable, removable waste container, holding said portion of organic waste in the waste treating apparatus in a supported position, closing the waste treating apparatus, while said portion of organic waste remains in the supported position, opening the removable waste container which is closable from ambient air or oxygen, forwarding said portion of organic waste being in the supported position into the removable waste container, optionally closing the removable waste container, handling the waste by administering a microbiological preparation to the waste, multiple times, maintaining the stored waste in the removable waste container, once closed, under imperfect anaerobic condition for an anaerobic fermentation period, thereby obtaining a fermented organic waste product, particularly a partially fermented organic waste product, after the imperfect anaerobic fermentation period removing the closed container , and optionally further fermenting the fermented organic waste product to obtain a final fermented organic waste product suitable for improving soil.

2. The method of claim 1 for indoor treatment of organic waste, preferably food waste, under imperfect anaerobic conditions to provide a fermented organic waste product suitable for improvement of soil, optionally by further fermenting, wherein handling the waste by administering a microbiological preparation to the waste is performed in the waste treating apparatus by administering a microbiological preparation: in the removable waste container and / or in the supported position.

3. The method of any of claims 1 to 2 for indoor treatment of organic waste, preferably food waste, under imperfect anaerobic conditions to provide a fermented organic waste product suitable for improvement of soil, optionally by further fermenting, said method comprising handling the waste by administering a microbiological preparation to the waste in the removable waste container, and, optionally, further handling the waste being in the supported position in the waste treating apparatus, by administering a microbiological preparation.

4. The method of any of claims 1 to 3 for indoor treatment of organic waste, preferably food waste, under imperfect anaerobic conditions to provide a fermented organic waste product suitable for improvement of soil, optionally by further fermenting, said method comprising: feeding a portion of organic waste, preferably food waste, into a waste treating apparatus, multiple times through a feeding mechanism of the waste treating apparatus having a first openable closing means, holding said portion of organic waste on a waste holding element of the feeding mechanism, closing the waste treating apparatus by closing the first openable closing means of the feeding mechanism, said portion of organic waste remaining in the supported position, opening the second openable closing means of the feeding mechanism and forwarding therethrough said portion of organic waste being in the supported position on the waste holding element into a removable waste container via a waste container inlet, preferably into a removable sealed waste container having a sealing layer sealing the waste container inlet, closing the second openable closing means of the feeding mechanism, handling the waste by administering a microbiological preparation to the waste stored in the removable waste container multiple times to maintain a fermenting process of the waste in the container, maintaining the stored waste in the closed removable waste container, under imperfect anaerobic condition for an imperfect anaerobic fermentation period, after the imperfect anaerobic fermentation period removing the closed container, and optionally further fermenting the fermented organic waste product to obtain a final product suitable for improving soil, optionally a fully fermented organic waste product.

5. The method of any of claims 1 to 4 for indoor treatment of organic waste, preferably food waste, wherein opening the closable removable waste container is carried out after the waste treating apparatus is closed.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein: after closing the first openable closing means of the feeding mechanism and before forwarding said portion of organic waste into the removable waste container via the second openable closing means of the feeding mechanism additionally handling said portion of organic waste supported on the waste holding element by administering a microbiological preparation to the waste supported on the waste holding element.

7. The method of any of 1 to 6, wherein the moisture is collected in the waste container, preferably absorbed in an absorbent layered previously in the container, wherein the removable sealed waste container comprises an absorbent to absorb moisture from the stored waste in the waste container, or collected in a moisture storing compartment formed within the waste container.

8. The method of any of 1 to 7, wherein the stored waste is maintained operably under anaerobic conditions and the microbial agent is useful in anaerobic fermentation, in particular lactate fermentation.

9. The method of any of 1 to 8, wherein the stored waste is not moved in the imperfect anaerobicfermentation period in the removable waste container, preferably the stored waste is not mixed, and / or the stored waste is not pressed in the removable waste container.

10. The method of any of 1 to 9, wherein the stored waste is treated from time to time with the microbial preparation, preferably the stored waste is treated with the microbial preparation at least daily, preferably at least two times a day, at least three times a day or at least four times a day.

11. The method of any of 1 to 10, wherein the anaerobic fermentation period is at least one week, preferably at least two weeks, and / or wherein anaerobic fermentation is imperfect anaerobic fermentation.

12. A waste treating apparatus for carrying out the method according to any of claims 1-11, comprising a housing (1), a waste treating apparatus inlet (11) provided on the housing (1), a waste container (2) provided with a waste container inlet (21) configured to store organic waste, the waste container (2) being placed removably within the housing (1), a feeding mechanism (3) located in the housing (1) between the waste treating apparatus inlet (11) and the waste container inlet (21) and isolating the waste container inlet (21) from the waste treating apparatus inlet (H), characterized in that the feeding mechanism (3) comprises: a feeding mechanism inlet (31) with a first openable closing means (41), a waste holding element (5) configured to receive a waste portion, a spraying means (6) for a microbial preparation, e.g. microbiological solution, a sealing layer (7) sealing the entire projected surface of the waste container inlet (21), a feeding mechanism outlet (32) provided on the sealing layer (7) for the passage of the waste portion from the feeding mechanism (3) to the waste container (2), the feeding mechanism outlet (32) having a second openable closing means (42) closing the feeding mechanism outlet (32).

13. The waste treating apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises spraying means for spraying dry material on said portion of organic waste supported on the waste holding element (5).

14. The waste treating apparatus according to any of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the waste container (2) is provided with an absorbent.

15. The waste treating apparatus according to any of claims 12-14, characterized in that the waste holding element (5) is slidable and tiltable.

16. The waste treating apparatus according to any of claims 12-15, characterized in that the waste holding element (5) is provided with a conveying means (8) for displacing waste.

17. The waste treating apparatus according to any of claims 12-16, characterized in that the feeding mechanism (3) is provided with a sweeping element (55) configured to clear the waste holding element (5).

18. The waste treating apparatus according to any of claims 12-17, characterized in that the feeding mechanism inlet (31) corresponds to the waste treating apparatus inlet (11).

19. The waste treating apparatus according to any of claims 12-18, characterized in that the feeding mechanism outlet (32) has an area smaller than the area of the waste container inlet (21).

20. The waste treating apparatus according to any of claims 12-19, characterized in that it comprises sensors for measuring one or more parameter(s) within the feeding mechanism (3) and / or the waste container (2), preferably selected from the group consisting of waste mass, humidity, temperature and pH.

21. The waste treating apparatus according to any of claims 12-20, characterized in that it comprises further spraying means for spraying dry material.

22. The method of any of claims 1 to 11 for indoor treatment of organic waste, said method comprising: feeding a portion of organic waste, preferably food waste, into a waste treating apparatus, multiple times through a feeding mechanism inlet (31) of the feeding mechanism (3) of the waste treating apparatus having a first openable closing means (41), holding said portion of organic waste, preferably food waste on a waste holding element (5) of the feeding mechanism (3), closing the waste treating apparatus by closing the first openable closing means (41) of the feeding mechanism (3), said portion of organic waste remaining in the supported position on the waste holding element (5), opening the second openable closing means (42) of the feeding mechanism (3) forwarding therethrough said portion of organic waste being supported on the waste holding element (5) into the removable waste container (2) via a waste container inlet (21), preferably into a removable sealed waste container having a sealing layer (7) sealing the waste container inlet (21), closing the second openable closing means (42) of the feeding mechanism, handling the waste by administering a microbiological preparation through a spraying means (6) to the waste stored in the closed removable sealed waste container (2) multiple times to maintain an anaerobic fermenting process of the waste in the waste container (2), maintaining the stored waste in the closed removable waste container (2) under imperfect anaerobic condition for an imperfect anaerobic fermentation period, after the imperfect anaerobic fermentation period removing the container, and optionally further fermenting the fermented organic waste product to obtain a final product suitable for improving soil.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the entering of said portion of organic waste into a removable waste container (2) is carried out via a feeding mechanism outlet (32) provided on the sealing layer (7) for the passage of the waste portion from the feeding mechanism (3) to the waste container (2), the feeding mechanism outlet (32) having a second openable closing means (42) closing the feeding the feeding mechanism outlet (32).

24. The method of any of claims 22 or 23 wherein the closing of the first openable closing means (41) of the feeding mechanism (3) is followed by additionally handling the said portion of organic waste supported on the waste holding element (5) by administering a microbiological preparation to the waste supported on the waste holding element (5).

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