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People are getting more aware of the importance of recycling. In many
countries, government and non-government bodies are campaigning for the
recycling of the mountains of waste that modern living generates. It is
heartening to note that many households are turning their kitchen waste into
compost. This practice involves a simple process that recycles uneaten food
into fertiliser.
Recently, a lightweight machine was developed by the Japanese for the
instant composting of household waste products. It is the size of an average
waste bin. It comes fitted with electrical components that enable it to turn
kitchen and garden waste into crumbly, dry fertiliser. This is done with the
help of a special composting substance available in stores selling the
electrical compost bin. When the bin is full, it is switched on and within
minutes, it has recycled its contents.
While domestic scale composting has become common in many households, the
agricultural community is coming up with more efficient ways to recycle
their waste products. In Taiwan, a new system of composting has been
developed by farmers. This system recycles almost every item of waste
produced.
Firstly, farm waste products in their mixed solid and liquid form are
collected in a large vessel. This vessel is connected to a chute along which
the waste products are channeled into a large container called the
separator.
The separator has two large pipes attached to it. The function of the
separator is the important one of sorting the solid waste from the liquid.
This highly-automated machine squeezes the waste matter until it is almost
80% dry. After this has been accomplished, it pushes the solid material down
the vertical pipe on its right while directing the liquid waste through the
horizontal pipe on its left.
After going down the vertical pipe, the solid waste material goes through
its final stage of processing. It is collected in large cylindrical
containers. These containers are made of a porous material that acts with
the contents to produce a final product that is peaty, dry and crumbly in
texture. It is now in a completely biodegradable form and is re-used as
fertiliser.
The liquid waste is collected in barrels. At this stage of the process,
the liquid waste contains less than 20% of solid particles. This is a
measure of the efficiency of the machine in separating the solid from the
liquid waste matter. The end-product of the liquid waste is further refined
for farming purposes. In its refined form it can be used in animal feed and
for irrigation purposes.
This machine has attracted the attention of many parties in the
agricultural sector of the country. Farmers find it easy to manage and
economical. they can safely re-introduce farm waste products into the soil. |
