AU4123899A - A composting apparatus - Google Patents

Description

WO 99/62844 PCT/AU99/00415 1 A COMPOSTING APPARATUS The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for converting waste into compost and has been designed especially, as a composting apparatus which houses worms for use in the composting process. The 5 invention has particular application to a composting apparatus for domestic use to treat household organic kitchen waste and is herein described in that context. However, it will be appreciated that the invention has broader application and is not limited to that particular use. The benefits of using worms in treating organic matter is well known. 10 Worms are known to be able to keep compost from compacting, and enable it to break down faster than traditional composting processes. Further, vermicast produced from worms is an extremely good plant food. Whilst worm farms have been used on large scale operations in the treatment of organic waste, previously they have not been suitable for use in domestic situations as worms 15 are prone to attract vermin and require controlled climatic conditions to survive. An aim of the present invention is to ameliorate this problem and provide a composting apparatus which is ideally suited to use worms in the composting process. A further aim of the invention is to provide an apparatus that is durable and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. 20 In its broadest terms, the present invention provides composting apparatus including a receptacle defining a chamber for containing material to be composted, the receptacle incorporating a first opening for obtaining access to the chamber, a lid movably mounted to the chamber and operative to open and close the first opening, aerating .means disposed within the receptacle to 25 facilitate circulation of air within the chamber, and liquid discharge means operative to remove liquid from the chamber. The composting apparatus of the present invention is ideal for housing worms for use in the composting process as an environment within the receptacle can be obtained which is required for worm survival. Further, the 30 apparatus can be closed off to the outside environment thereby inhibiting the likelihood of infestation by vermin.

WO 99/62844 PCT/AU99/00415 2 In a preferred form, the aerating means includes a perforated pipe disposed within the chamber. Preferably the pipe includes an inlet which is arranged to be located outside the composting material in the chamber. In a preferred form, the inlet is located at one end of the pipe which is disposed at or 5 adjacent the first opening. In an alternative form the inlet is in fluid communication with the exterior of the receptacle and extends through an aperture in the receptacle. Typically the perforated pipe is formed from a plastics material and incorporates perforations along its length. Agricultural pipe is ideal for this 10 application as it is widely available, inexpensive and durable. The use of a perforated pipe to aerate the chamber has the advantage that it is relatively inexpensive and durable. A further advantage is that the volume of air introduced into the composting material through the aerating pipe can be regulated to some extent by the length of the aerating pipe within the 15 chamber as well as the size of the pipe and the number or size of the perforations. In this way, a configuration of the pipe can match the volume of the receptacle so that the environment in the chamber can accommodate worms. In a preferred form, the liquid discharge means includes at least one aperture which extends through the receptacle and a valving arrangement which 20 is operative to control the flow of liquid through that aperture. In a preferred form, the valving arrangement is a tap which can be manually operated but it is to be appreciated that other arrangements may be used. Preferably the perforated pipe is in fluid communication with the liquid discharge means and operative to drain liquid to the outlet aperture. In an 25 alternative form the liquid discharge means may include a separate perforated pipe or other facility to drain the liquid to the tap of the composting apparatus. In a preferred form, the composting apparatus is relatively light weight and transportable. In one arrangement, the receptacle is a modified mobile garbage bin which is commonly used for domestic waste disposal and recycling 30 purposes. In that form, the receptacle is formed from a high density plastics and incorporates a base and a circumferential side wall which extends upwardly from the base to an upper end which defines the first opening. The lid is hingedly WO 99/62844 PCT/AU99/00415 3 mounted to the upper end of the receptacle and in this arrangement the liquid discharge means is located at or adjacent the base. The size of the receptacle may vary depending on the application. For domestic use, typically the volume of the receptacle is within the order of 150-300 litres. 5 Preferably a second opening is disposed within the side wall of the receptacle adjacent the base. In this arrangement a movable cover is mounted to the receptacle and operable to open and close the second opening. When in its opened position, composting material is then able to be removed through the second opening. The advantage of this arrangement is that it provides a cycle 10 for composting with new material being added to the receptacle via the first opening at the top of the receptacle and material which has been composted being accessed from the second opening located adjacent the base. Preferably the aerating means further includes at least one vent which is incorporated in the side wall of the receptacle to further assist in introducing air 15 into the receptacle chamber. In a preferred form, the drainage pipe extends adjacent the base of the chamber and is located within a filter material. In one form the filter material is formed from a course particular material such as gravel, or screenings. In another form, polystyrene is used. The advantage of polystyrene is that as its 20 light weight, it enables the composting apparatus to be more easily transported. The purpose of the filter material is to allow the liquid to drain into the pipe without causing blocking of the pipe apparatus. To further assist in this process, a finer filter cloth may overlay the particulate material. Preferably the perforated pipe is secured to the inner surface of the 25 receptacle wall. In this position, the piping has minimal impact on the addition or removal of the composting material. Furthermore, the pipe can be easily secured to the receptacle wall using appropriate fasteners such as brackets or ties or the like. It is to be appreciated that the aerating pipe may extend vertically within the receptacle chamber or may be spirally wound within the wall 30 chamber if required to further assist in the introduction of air into the chamber. Preferably the composting apparatus is arranged to be easily moved and incorporates at least one pair of wheels disposed at the base. Further a handle WO 99/62844 PCT/AU99/00415 4 extends outwardly at or adjacent the upper end of the circumferential wall. In this arrangement the wheels are suitable placed so that once tilted the receptacle can move freely on the wheels and when in an upright position, the base is arranged to engage the ground so as to prevent inadvertent movement. 5 It will be convenient to hereinafter describe a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The particularity of the drawings is to be understood as not limiting the preceding broad description of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a front view of the composting apparatus according to an 10 embodiment of the invention with the lid in an closed position; Figure 2 is a rear view of the composting apparatus illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the composting apparatus illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the composting apparatus illustrated in Figure 1; 15 Figure 5 is a top view of the composting apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 with the lid in an open position but excluding the filter material in the base of the receptacle; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the composting apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 with the lid in an open position. 20 Referring to the drawings, a composting apparatus 10 is disclosed which includes a receptacle 11 for containing material to be composted and which is specially designed to house worms to aid in the composting process. The receptacle 11 is a modified version of a mobile garbage bin which in the illustrated embodiment is formed of high density plastic and has a capacity of 25 approximately 240 litres. Such bins are commonly used for the collection of garbage and recycling materials. The receptacle 11 includes a base 12 and side walls (13, 14, 15, 16) which extend upwardly from the base to an upper open end 17. A lid 18 is provided which is mounted to receptacle 11 by hinges 19, such that the lid is 30 movable between a closed and an open position. In the closed position the lid covers the opening 17, whereas in the open position the lid folds back against the rear wall 14 so as to be remote from the open end 17. The receptacle 11 is WO 99/62844 PCT/AU99/00415 5 arranged to be easily transported and incorporates a pair of wheels 20 which depend from the base 12. Handles 22 are also provided and extend from an upper region of the rear wall 14. With this arrangement, when the receptacle 11 is in upright configuration as illustrated, it is relatively stable, as the base 12 is in 5 engagement with the ground. However the receptacle can be easily moved by tilting it in a rearward direction so that the receptacle is supported solely on the wheels 20. The composting apparatus 10 is designed to circulate air within the interior chamber 23 which is defined by the receptacle walls. This is required to 10 provide an environment where worms can survive in the receptacle. To allow this air to circulate, exterior vents 24, 25, 26 are provided in the receptacle walls. In the illustrated form, a large vent 24 is provided on the rear wall 14, whereas two smaller vents 25, 26 are included at the side walls 15, 16. Each vent includes a mesh cover to act as a barrier to prevent vermin and the like entering 15 the receptacle chamber 23 while still allowing adequate air flow. A perforated pipe 27 is also provided to further aid in the circulation of air in the chamber 23. In the illustrated form, the perforated pipe used is 50mm plastic agricultural pipe. The pipe 27 is secured to the rear wall 14 of the receptacle 11 and has one end 28 located at the open upper end 17 of the 20 receptacle. This end 29 of the pipe 27 acts as an inlet to the pipe and is arranged to be disposed above the level of composting material designed to be held within the receptacle chamber 23. The pipe 27 runs down the back of the receptacle 12 and extends across to the front wall 13. With this arrangement, the pipe 27 also forms part of a 25 drainage system for draining liquid from the receptacle chamber 23 as discussed below. To drain liquid from the receptacle chamber, a tap 30 is disposed in the front wall 13 adjacent the base 12. The tap 30 is in communication with the chamber 23 and is coupled to the bottom end 29 of the pipe 27. With this 30 arrangement, the pipe 27 is arranged to drain liquid to the tap. The tap is manually operable so that the discharge of liquid from the chamber can be controlled.

WO 99/62844 PCT/AU99/00415 6 To assist in drainage of liquid from the chamber 23, the lower part of the receptacle includes a filter material 32 in which the pipe 27 is located. In the illustrated form, the filter material includes a coarse particulate material 33 which in the illustrated form is polystyrene and finer mesh covering 34 which overlays 5 the coarser particulate material 33. With this arrangement, liquid flow can pass through the filter material into the pipe 27 whilst larger particles are inhibited from passing through to the pipe. A second opening 35 is provided in the front wall 13 of the receptacle 11. The purpose of the second opening 35 is to allow access to composting material 10 located in the lower portion of the chamber 23 so that that material can be removed. The second opening 35 includes a cover which is operable to open and close the opening 34. In the illustrated form, the cover 36 incorporates a sliding door 37 which is movable within rails 38 provided on the front wall 13. The door 37 includes a mesh face to further aid in circulation of air in the 15 chamber. It is to be appreciated that other arrangements could be used. As mentioned above the composting apparatus 10 is designed to house worms to convert domestic organic waste to compost. The air vents 24, 25, 26 together with the aerating pipe 27 aid in circulation of air within the compost within the chamber 23 which is essential for worm survival particularly in a 20 relatively deep receptacle such as that of the preferred embodiment. The tap 30 is arranged to drain off liquid vermicast produced by the worms which is a very rich plant food. Further, drainage of the liquid vermicast ensures that the compost does not become too wet which is another critical factor for worm survival. The lower opening 34 enables the composted material to be removed 25 without disrupting the worm farm. In use, all organic kitchen and garden waste can be composted. These include vegetable and fruit scraps, tea bags, vacuum cleaner dust, torn up and soaked newspapers and other paper products and animal manure. The organic material is located in the opening in the upper end of the container. The worms 30 congregate in the mid section of the receptacle and in general will double their population about every two months. As they eat through the composting material they produce vermicast which settles towards the bottom of the WO 99/62844 PCT/AU99/00415 7 container which in a liquid form can be drained from the tap 30 and in a solid form, can be removed by the lower opening 29. One of the advantages of the composting apparatus 10 is both the liquid vermicast as well as the fully composted material can be removed without disrupting the worms. 5 The composting apparatus requires little maintenance. In general the lid is kept closed except for about four hours per week and it is necessary that the receptacle is placed in the shade during summer and in the sun during winter. Typically the liquid vermicast should be removed about once a week. To avoid compacting from time to time a garden fork is used to loosen the contents within 10 the receptacle chamber. The advantage of the composting apparatus 10 is that the worms remain wholly within the receptacle which during the majority of its use is fully closed thereby minimising the likelihood of infestation by vermin. The composting apparatus is of simple design and relatively inexpensive to manufacture and 15 uses a receptacle which is a modified form of mobile garbage bin which is commonly used in the domestic environment. Finally it is to be appreciated that variations and or additions may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention as defined in the following statement of claim.

Claims (17)

1. A composting apparatus including a receptacle defining a chamber for containing material to be composted, the receptacle incorporating a first opening for obtaining access to said chamber, a lid movably mounted to said chamber 5 and operative to open and close said first opening, aerating means disposed within said receptacle to facilitate circulation of air within said chamber, and liquid discharge means operative to remove liquid from said chamber.

2. A composting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the aerating means includes a perforated pipe disposed within said chamber. 10

3. A composting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said pipe includes an inlet which is arranged to be disposed outside the composting material in said chamber.

4. A composting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said inlet is located at one end of said pipe and is disposed at or adjacent said first opening. 15

5. A composting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said liquid discharge means includes at least one aperture extending through said receptacle and a valving arrangement operative to control the flow of liquid through said at least one aperture.

6. A composting apparatus according to claim 5 when dependant on claim 2, 20 wherein said pipe is in fluid communication with said liquid discharge means and operative to drain liquid to said at least one aperture.

7. A composting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the receptacle includes- a base and a circumferential side wall which extends upwardly from said base to an upper end, said first opening being disposed at 25 said upper end, and said liquid discharge means being located at or adjacent said base.

8. A composting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the receptacle further includes a second opening disposed in said side wall adjacent said base, and a movable cover mounted to said receptacle and operable to open and 30 close said second opening, wherein when in its open position, composting material is able to be removed through said second opening. WO 99/62844 PCT/AU99/00415 9 and close said second opening, wherein when in its open position, composting material is able to be removed through said second opening.

9. A composting apparatus according to either claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the aerating means further includes at least one vent incorporated in said side 5 wall.

10. A composting apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9 when dependent on claim 2, wherein at least part of said pipe extends adjacent said base and is located within a filter material.

11. A composting apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said filter 10 material includes a coarse particulate material.

12. A composting apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the coarse particulate material is selected from the group comprising: gravel, screenings, or polystyrene.

13. A composting apparatus according to either claim 11 or claim 12, 15 wherein the filter material further includes a filter cloth which overlies said particulate material.

14. A composting apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein at least part of said pipe is secured to an inner surface of the circumferential side wall of the receptacle. 20

15. A composting apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein the apparatus is arranged to be easily moved and incorporates at least one pair of wheels disposed at said base, and a handle which extends outwardly at or adjacent the upper end of said circumferential side wall.

16. A composting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the 25 receptacle is formed from a high density plastics material.

17. A composting apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. OflDnrTmir fe u Irr-r ni in r rn Wn/AII