GB2570649A - Compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

A waste remediation composition comprising un-germinated seeds of at least one grass incorporated within a biodegradable carrier material and at least one additional component selected from fungi, bacteria, and un-germinated seeds of at least one further plant species. The biodegradable carrier may comprise paper, cardboard and/or other cellulose-based materials, or biodegradable polymers of plastics. The biodegradable carrier is ideally chosen to be compostable. The composition may further comprise a binding agent selected from sawdust, coconut, straw, peat, plant hides, cardboard, clay, flour, sugar, starch and clay. The composition is used to treat waste disposed to a landfill site. The preferred grasses exhibit rapid growth to stabilize the top layer of the landfill site and a useful product, such as a source of biofuel, is obtained. A device for accelerating the regeneration of a waste site or landfill site, ideally in the form of a briquette, dowel, pellet or ball, comprising the composition. A method of using the device comprising the composition comprises adding the device to waste material prior to, simultaneously or after disposal of the waste material at a landfill site, allowing the device to break down and release the remediation composition and allowing the components of the composition to decompose waste material at the landfill site to produce organic matter. The organic matter may be the recovered and used as biofuel. Devices for accelerating the regeneration of a waste site and methods for regenerating waste sites are also provided.

Description

COMPOSITIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to waste remediation compositions comprising ungerminated seeds of at least one grass incorporated within a biodegradable carrier material and at least one additional component selected from fungi, bacteria, and ungerminated seeds of at least one further plant species. The compositions of the invention are useful in regenerating waste sites as well as having the potential to allow waste sites to be repurposed as sources of useful by-products such as fuels, in particular biofuels. The present invention also relates to delivery systems comprising such waste remediation compositions. The invention also relates to methods of regenerating waste sites using such compositions or delivery systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consumers generate huge amounts of waste annually. Whilst consumers are more conscious than ever of the need for recycling, some waste is inevitably sent to landfill. Landfill sites typically contain a mixture of organic materials (food waste, paper, cardboard, etc.) and inorganic materials (metals, plastics etc.). Certain landfill sites may focus on a particular type of material (e.g. organic matter).

Landfill sites are not only unsightly but the rubbish is generally left to break down on its own accord which can take a long time. This leaves large amounts of land offlimits for long periods of time and not providing anything useful in the meantime. It would be desirable if the decomposition process could be accelerated so that the land could be reclaimed more quickly, whilst ideally at the same time providing something useful as a by-product from the waste in the landfill.

Decomposition at landfill sites is aided by breaking down the rubbish into smaller components. This can be achieved by mechanical action on the rubbish prior to delivery at the landfill site and/or at the landfill site. Decomposition of the rubbish is achieved by microorganisms which gradually permeate the site and decompose the rubbish. This can be a slow process.

-2US2006/0265952 describes a biodegradable container comprising seeds which may germinate when disposed on a top layer of a waste disposal site and thereby improve its aesthetic appearance.

US2005/0176583 describes a delivery system for mycotechnologies comprising a biodegradable material, a fungal inoculant of saprophytic and mycorrhizl fungi, and seeds

There is a need to further enhance the rate of decomposition at landfill sites. In particular, it would be desirable to provide a composition which could promote decomposition throughout a larger proportion of the landfill site, not only the top layer. Accelerating and increasing the rate and extent of decomposition and rejuvenation of the landfill site allows the land to be reclaimed for other uses more quickly while minimising the duration and extent of ecological damage. The present invention addresses a number of deficiencies in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terms “landfill remediation composition”, “waste remediation composition” or “composition” as employed herein each interchangeably describe a composition as described herein which is suitable for accelerating the decomposition of waste, e.g. at a landfill site.

The term “waste” means discarded organic and/or inorganic matter.

The term “mycoremediation properties” relates to the ability of a fungus to decompose a waste product.

In a first aspect the invention provides a waste remediation composition comprising ungerminated seeds of at least one grass incorporated within a biodegradable carrier material and at least one additional component selected from fungi, bacteria, and ungerminated seeds of at least one further plant species.

- 3The ungerminated grass seeds should be capable of germinating in situ in the landfill site, e.g. once exposed to moisture as a result of biodegradation of the carrier material.

The grass may serve a number of purposes. Firstly, the grass aids in decomposition of organic waste at the waste site as it consumes the waste as a source of nutrients. Secondly, the grass may assist in breaking up large masses of waste as it grows through the waste. Thirdly, the grass may form a network of roots which not only break up large masses of waste but also help to stabilize the landfill site. In some embodiments the grass may suitably be a source of biofuels so that when the grass has grown to the desired extent it can be harvested and used to produce biofuels. In some embodiments the grass may be chosen to provide an improved aesthetic appearance as the landfill site is colonised by the grass.

The grass thereby assists in regeneration of the waste site, both visually and ecologically. In embodiments where the grass is a source of biofuel, the grass also offers a useful output from the waste site and thereby assists in repurposing the site.

The ungerminated grass seeds may preferably be ungerminated seeds of a grass of at least one of the following genera:

Aciachne, Acidosasa, Acostia, Acrachne Acritochaete, Acroceras, Actinocladum, Aegilops, Aegopogon, Aeluropus, Afrotrichloris, Agenium, Agnesia, Agropogon, Agropyron, Agropyropsis, Agrostis, Agrostopoa, Aira, Airopsis, Alexfloydia, Alloeochaete, Allolepis, Alloteropsis, Alopecurus, Altoparadisium, Alvimia, Ammocalamagrostis, Ammochloa, Ammophila, Ampelocalamus, Ampelodesmos, Amphicarpum, Amphipogon, Anadelphia, Ancistrachne, Ancistragrostis, Andropogon, Andropterum, Aniselytron, Anisopogon, Annamocalamus, Anomochloa, Anthaenantia, Anthaenantiopsis, Anthephora, Anthochloa, Anthoxanthum, Antinoria, Apera, Aphanelytrum, Apluda, Apochiton, Apoclada, Apocopis, Arberella, Arctagrostis, Arctophila, Aristida, Arrhenatherum, Arthragrostis, Arthraxon, Arthropogon, Arthrostylidium, Arundinaria, Arundinella, Arundo, Arundoclaytonia, Asthenochloa, Astrebla, Athroostachys, Atractantha, Aulonemia, Austrochloris, Austroderia, Austrofestuca, Avena, Axonopus, Bambusa,

- 4Baptorhachis, Bashania, Beckmannia, Bergbambos, Bewsia, Bhidea, Blepharidachne, Blepharoneuron, Boissiera, Bonia, Bothriochloa, Bouteloua, Brachiaria, Brachyachne, Brachychloa, Brachyelytrum, Brachypodium, Briza, Bromuniola, Bromus, Brylkinia, Buchloe, Buchlomimus, Buergersiochloa, Calamagrostis, Calamovilfa, Calderonella, Calyptochloa, Cambajuva, Canastra, Capeochloa, Capillipedium, Casteilia, Catabrosa, Catalepis, Catapodium, Cathariostachys, Cathestecum, Cenchrus, Centotheca, Centropodia, Cephalostachyum, Chaetium, Chaetobromus, Chaetopoa, Chaetopogon, Chamaeraphis, Chandrasekharania, Chasmanthium, Chasmopodium, Chevalierella, Chikusichloa, Chimaerochloa, Chimonobambusa, Chimonocalamus, Chionachne, Chionochloa, Chloothamnus, Chloris, Chlorocalymma, Chondrosum, Chrysochloa, Chrysopogon, Chusquea, Cinna, Cladoraphis, Clausospicula, Cleistachne, Cleistochloa, Cleistogenes, Cochinchinochloa, Coelachne, Coelachyrum, Coelorachis, Coix, Colanthelia, Coleanthus, Colpodium, Cornucopiae, Cortaderia, Corynephorus, Cottea, Craspedorhachis, Crinipes, Crithopsis, Crypsis, Cryptochloa, Ctenium, Cutandia, Cyathopus, Cyclostachya, Cymbopogon, Cynodon, Cynosurus, Cyperochloa, Cyphochlaena, Cyrtochloa, Cyrtococcum, Dactylis, Dactyloctenium, Danthonia, Danthonidium, Danthoniopsis, Dasypyrum, Davidsea, Decaryella, Decaryochloa, Dendrocalamus, Deschampsia, Desmazeria, Desmostachya, Deyeuxia, Diandrolyra, Diarrhena, Dichaetaria, Dichanthium, Dichelachne, Didymogonyx, Dielsiochloa, Digitaria, Dignathia, Diheteropogon, Dilophotriche, Dimeria, Dinebra, Dinochloa, Dissanthelium, Dissochondrus, Distichlis, Drake-brockmania, Dregeochloa, Drepanostachyum, Dryopoa, Dupoa, Dupontia, Duthiea, Eccoptocarpha, Echinaria, Echinochloa, Echinolaena, Echinopogon, Ectrosia, Ehrharta, Ekmanochloa, Eleusine, Elionurus, Ellisochloa, Elymandra, Elymus, Elytrophorus, Elytrostachys, Enneapogon, Enteropogon, Entolasia, Entoplocamia, Eragrostiella, Eragrostis, Eremitis, Eremocaulon, Eremochloa, Eremopoa, Eremopyrum, Eriachne, Erianthecium, Eriochloa, Eriochrysis, Erioneuron, Euclasta, Eulalia, Eulaliopsis, Eustachys, Exotheca, Fargesia, Farrago, Ferrocalamus, Festuca, Filgueirasia, Fimbribambusa, Fingerhuthia, Froesiochloa, Gaoligongshania, Garnotia, Gastridium, Gaudinia, Gelidocalamus, Geochloa, Germainia, Gerritea, Gigantochloa, Gilgiochloa, Glaziophyton, Glyceria, Glyphochloa, Gouinia, Graphephorum, Greslania, Griffithsochloa, Guadua, Guaduella, Gymnopogon, Gynerium, Habrochloa, Hackelochloa, Hainardia, Hakonechloa, Halopyrum, Harpachne, Harpochloa,

- 5Helictotrichon, Hemarthria, Hemisorghum, Henrardia, Heterachne, Heteranthelium, Heteranthoecia, Heteropholis, Heteropogon, Hibanobambusa, Hickelia, Hilaria, Himalayacalamus, Hitchcockella, Holcolemma, Holcus, Holttumochloa, Homolepis, Homopholis, Homozeugos, Hordelymus, Hordeum, Hubbardia, Hubbardochloa, Humbertochloa, Hydrothauma, Hygrochloa, Hygroryza, Hylebates, Hymenachne, Hyparrhenia, Hyperthelia, Hypseochloa, Ichnanthus, Imperata, Indocalamus, Indopoa, Indosasa, Isachne, Ischaemum, Iseilema, Ixophorus, Jansenella, Jouvea, Kalinia, Kampochloa, Kaokochloa, Kerriochloa, Kinabaluchloa, Koeleria, Koordersiochloa, Kuruna, Lachnagrostis, Lagurus, Lamarckia, Lasiacis, Lasiurus, Lecomtella, Leersia, Leptagrostis, Leptaspis, Leptocarydion, Leptochloa, Leptocoryphium, Leptothrium, Lepturidium, Lepturopetium, Lepturus, Leymus, Libyella, Limnas, Limnodea, Limnopoa, Lindbergella, Lintonia, Lithachne, Littledalea, Loliolum, Lolium, Lophacme, Lophatherum, Lopholepis, Lophopogon, Loudetia, Loudetiopsis, Louisiella, Loxodera, Luziola, Lycochloa, Lycurus, Lygeum, Maclurochloa, Maclurolyra, Maltebrunia, Manisuris, Megalachne, Megaloprotachne, Megastachya, Melanocenchris, Melica, Melinis, Melocalamus, Melocanna, Merostachys, Merxmuellera, Mesosetum, Metcalfia, Mibora, Micraira, Microbriza, Microcalamus, Microchloa, Micropyropsis, Micropyrum, Microstegium, Milium, Miscanthus, Mnesithea, Mniochloa, Molinia, Monachather, Monanthochloe, Monelytrum, Monocymbium, Monodia, Mosdenia, Muhlenbergia, Mullerochloa, Munroa, Myriocladus, Myriostachya, Narduroides, Nardus, Nassella, Nastus, Neesiochloa, Nematopoa, Neobouteloua, Neohouzeaua, Neololeba, Neomicrocalamus, Neostapfia, Neostapfiella, Nephelochloa, Neurachne, Neuropoa, Neyraudia, Nianhochloa, Notochloe, Ochlandra, Ochthochloa, Odontelytrum, Odyssea, Oldeania, Oligostachyum, Olmeca, Olyra, Ophiuros, Opizia, Oplismenopsis, Oplismenus, Orcuttia, Oreobambos, Oreochloa, Oreopoa, Orinus, Oropetium, Ortachne, Orthoclada, Oryza, Oryzidium, Oryzopsis, Otachyrium, Otatea, Ottochloa, Oxychloris, Oxyrhachis, Oxytenanthera, Panicum, Pappophorum, Parabambusa, Paractaenum, Parahyparrhenia, Paraneurachne, Parapholis, Paratheria, Pariana, Parodiolyra, Paspalum, Pennisetum, Pentameris, Pentapogon, Pentarrhaphis, Pereilema, Periballia, Perotis, Perrierbambus, Peyritschia, Phacelurus, Phaenanthoecium, Phaenosperma, Phalaris, Pharus, Pheidochloa, Phippsia, Phleum, Pholiurus, Phragmites, Phyllorachis, Phyllostachys, Pinga, Piptatherum, Piptochaetium, Piptophyllum, Piresia, Piresiella, Plagiantha, Plagiosetum, Pleioblastus, Pleuropogon, Plinthanthesis, Poa, Podophorus,

- 6Poecilostachys, Pogonachne, Pogonarthria, Pogonatherum, Pogonochloa, Pogononeura, Pohlidium, Polevansia, Polypogon, Polytoca, Polytrias, Pommereulla, Porteresia, Potamophila, Pringleochloa, Prosphytochloa, Psammagrostis, Psammochloa, Psathyrostachys, Pseudanthistiria, Pseudechinolaena, Pseudobambusa, Pseudochaetochloa, Pseudodanthonia, Pseudodichanthium, Pseudopentameris, Pseudoraphis, Pseudosasa, Pseudosclerochloa, Pseudosorghum, Pseudostachyum, Pseudoxytenanthera, Pseudozoysia, Psilolemma, Psilurus, Puccinellia, Puelia, Pyrrhanthera, Racemobambos, Raddia, Raddiella, Ratzeburgia, Redfieldia, Reederochloa, Rehia, Reitzia, Relchela, Reynaudia, Rheochloa, Rhipidocladum, Rhizocephalus, Rhombolytrum, Rhynchoryza, Rhytachne, Richardsiella, Rostraria, Rottboellia, Rytidosperma, Saccharum, Sacciolepis, Sarocalamus, Sartidia, Sasa, Sasaella, Sasamorpha, Schaffnerella, Schedonnardus, Schenckochloa, Schismus, Schizachne, Schizachyrium, Schizostachyum, Schmidtia, Schoenefeldia, Sclerochloa, Sclerodactylon, Scleropogon, Scolochloa, Scribneria, Scrotochloa, Scutachne, Secale, Sehima, Semiarundinaria, Sesleria, Setaria, Setariopsis, Shibataea, Silentvalleya, Simplicia, Sinobambusa, Sinochasea, Sirochloa, Snowdenia, Soderstromia, Soejatmia, Sohnsia, Sorghastrum, Sorghum, Spartina, Spartochloa, Spathia, Sphaerobambos, Sphaerocaryum, Spheneria, Sphenopholis, Sphenopus, Spinifex, Spodiopogon, Sporobolus, Stapletonia, Steinchisma, Steirachne, Stenostachys, Stenotaphrum, Stephanachne, Stereochlaena, Steyermarkochloa, Stipa, Stipagrostis, Streptochaeta, Streptogyna, Streptolophus, Streptostachys, Styppeiochloa, Sucrea, Suddia, Swallenia, Symplectrodia, Taeniatherum, Taeniorhachis, Tarigidia, Tatianyx, Teinostachyum, Temburongia, Temochloa, Tenaxia, Tetrachaete, Tetrachne, Tetrapogon, Thamnocalamus, Thaumastochloa, Thedachloa, Thelepogon, Themeda, Thrasya, Thuarea, Thyridachne, Thyridolepis, Thyrsostachys, Thysanolaena, Torreyochloa, Tovarochloa, Trachypogon, Trachys, Tragus, Tribolium, Trichloris, Tricholaena, Trichoneura, Triplasis, Triplopogon, Tripogon, Tripsacum, Triraphis, Triscenia, Trisetaria, Trisetum, Tristachya, Triticum, Tuctoria, Uniola, Uranthoecium, Urelytrum, Urochloa, Urochondra, Valiha, Vaseyochloa, Veldkampia, Ventenata, Vietnamocalamus, Vietnamochloa, Vietnamosasa, Viguierella, Vossia, Vulpia, Vulpiella, Wangenheimia, Whiteochloa, Willkommia, Xerochloa, Yakirra, Yushania, Yvesia, Zea, Zenkeria, Zeugites, Zingeria, Zizania, Zizaniopsis, Zonotriche, Zoysia, and/or Zygochloa.

- 7Preferably the grass seeds are of a genus which is well-suited to growth in the climactic conditions typical at the landfill site. Particularly preferred grasses are those which can grow in inhospitable environments while yielding a significant amount of material. Particularly preferred grass seeds in this regard are those selected from at least one of the following genera: Dactylis, Festuca, Miscanthus, Miscanthus - G4 Hyprod, Panicum, Pennisetum, Phalaris and Spartina, and mixtures thereof. Especially preferred grasses include Miscanthus (Elephant Grass) of all species, including Miscanthus X giganteus or the Miscanthus - G4 Hyprod genus; Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass), Dactylis glomerata, Festuca arundinacea, Phalaris arundinacea, Spartina alterniflora, Phalaris canariensis (Canary grass), Spartina pectinata (Prairie grass), and combinations thereof; and in particular Miscanthus (Elephant Grass) of all species, including Miscanthus X giganteus or the Miscanthus - G4 Hyprod genus; Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass), Dactylis glomerata, Festuca arundinacea, and combinations thereof.

Preferred grasses are those exhibiting rapid growth so that the top layer of the site can be stabilized and a useful product can be obtained from the site quickly. In a preferred embodiment the grasses also have the ability to be used as a source of biofuels. Particularly preferable grass seeds are those of the genera Miscanthus (also known as elephant grass), Dactylis, Festuca, Phalaris and Panicum. In particular, grass seeds of species Miscanthus x giganteus, Panicum virgatum (also known as switchgrass), Dactylis glomerata, Festuca arundinacea and Phalaris arundinacea are preferred.

In an embodiment the compositions of the invention may comprise seeds of two or more grasses. The seeds may be of a single genus or of a single species. However in an embodiment of the invention the seeds may be of two or more species of the same genus. In an embodiment of the invention the seeds may be of two or more different genera. In an embodiment of the invention the seeds may be of a single species of a first genus and of a single species of a second genus. In an embodiment of the invention the seeds may be of a single species of a first genus and of two or more species of a second genus. In an embodiment of the invention

- 8the seeds may be of two or more species of a first genus and of two or more species of a second genus.

In addition to ungerminated seeds of at least one grass, the compositions of the invention include at least one additional component selected from fungi, bacteria, and ungerminated seeds of a further plant species.

Where the at least one additional component is selected from fungi, in some embodiments a mixture of different fungi (e.g. a mixture of fungi of different genera or different species) will be included in the composition in order to enable breakdown of mixed types of waste. The fungi may be of a single genus or of a single species. However in an embodiment of the invention the fungi may be of two or more species of the same genus. In an embodiment of the invention the fungi may be of two or more different genera. In an embodiment of the invention the fungi may be of a single species of a first genus and of a single species of a second genus. In an embodiment of the invention the fungi may be of a single species of a first genus and of two or more species of a second genus. In an embodiment of the invention the fungi may be of two or more species of a first genus and of two or more species of a second genus.

The fungus may be present as spores, mycelium and/or powdered mushrooms.

The purpose of the fungus is to break down organic and/or inorganic material in the waste. Unlike seeds, which typically only grow in the top layer of waste at the waste site, fungi will grow throughout the waste site and thereby allow more thorough decomposition of the waste than is possible by including seeds alone.

Another advantage of certain fungi is to remove harmful substances from the waste site, thereby cleaning the soil and/or any liquids present. This may include removing harmful or unpleasant gases, odours, liquids, and/or harmful bacteria or spores, either by digesting these or by filtering them from their immediate environment.

In embodiments of the invention suitable fungi include saprophytic fungi (including gilled, polypore and other types of mushrooms), mycorrhizal fungi, and fungi imperfect!. All fungi and their spores and hyphae should be considered to be suitable for use in the invention.

- 9Suitable fungal genera for use in the invention include the gilled mushrooms (Agaricales) Agaricus, Agrocybe, Armillaria, Clitocybe, Collybia, Conocybe, Coprinus, Flammulina, Giganopanus, Gymnopilus, Hypholoma, Inocybe, Hypsizygus, Lentinula, Lentinus, Lenzites, Lepiota, Lepista, Lyophyllum, Macrocybe, Marasmius, Mycena, Omphalotus, Panaeolus, Panellus, Pholiota, Pleurotus, Pluteus, Psathyrella, Psilocybe, Schizophyllum, Sparassis, Stropharia, Termitomyces, Tricholoma, Volvariella, etc.; the polypore mushrooms (Polyporaceae) Albatrellus, Antrodia, Bjerkandera, Bondarzewia, Bridgeoporus, Ceriporia, Coltricia, Daedalea, Dentocorticium, Echinodontium, Fistulina, Flavodon, Femes, Fomitopsis, Ganoderma, Gloeophyllum, Grifola, Hericium, Heterobasidion, Inonotus, Irpex, Laetiporus, Meripilus, Oligoporus, Oxyporus, Phaeolus, Phellinus, Piptoporus, Polyporus, Schizopora, Trametes, Wolfipoha, etc.; Basidiomycetes such as Auricularia, Calvatia, Ceriporiopsis, Coniophora, Cyathus, Lycoperdon, Merulius, Phlebia, Serpula, Sparassis and Stereum; Ascomycetes such as Cordyceps, Morchella, Tuber, Peziza, etc.; 'jelly fungi' such as Tremella; the mycorrhizal mushrooms (including both gilled and polypore mushrooms) and endomycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal non-mushroom fungi such as Acaulospora, Alpova, Amanita, Astraeus, Atheiia, Boietineiius, Boletus, Cantharelius, Cenococcum, Dentinum, Gigaspora, Glomus, Gomphidius, Hebeloma, Lactarius, Paxillus, Piloderma, Pisolithus, Rhizophagus, Rhizopogon, Rozites, Russula, Sderocytis, Scleroderma, Scuteliospora, Suillus, Tuber, etc.; fungi such as Phanerochaete (including those such as P. chrysosporium with an imperfect state and P. sordida); the fungi imperfect! and related molds and yeasts including Altemaria, Aspergillus, Botrytis, Candida, Chaetomium, Chrysosporium, Cladosporium, Cryptococccus, Dactylium, Doratomyces (Stysanus), Epicoccum, Fusarium, Geotrichum, Giiodadium, Humicoia, Monilia, Mucor, Mycelia Sterilia, Mycogone, Neurospora, Papulospora, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Scopulariopsis, Sepedonium, Streptomyces, Talaromyces, Torula, Trichoderma, Trichothecium, Verticillium, etc.; and entomopathogenic fungi such as Metarhizium, Beauveria, Paecilomyces, Verticillium, Hirsuteiia, Aspergillus, Akanthomyces, Desmidiospora, Hymenostilbe, Mariannaea, Nomuraea, Paraisaria, Tolypodadium, Spicaria, Botrytis, Rhizopus, the Entomophthoracae and other Phycomycetes, and Cordyceps. It will be noted that some entomopathogenic fungi imperfect! and molds can go through a perfect stage, with the perfect form often getting a new name. It

- 10will also be noted that such fungi imperfect;, molds and yeasts may produce spores, conidia, perithecia, chlamydospores, etc. and other means of generating progeny. All such fungi imperfect!, molds, yeasts, stages, forms and spores should be considered as suitable for the present invention.

Particularly preferred fungal genera include Arbuscular, Aspergillus, Coriolus, Gymnopus, Lentinula, Marasmius, Mucor, Pestalotiopsis, Pleurotus, Polyprous, Psilocybe, Saccharomyces, Stropharia, Tramates (Oyster), and Trichoderma.

Suitable fungal species for use in the invention include Agaricus augustus, A. blazei, A. brunnescens, A. campestris, A. lilaceps, A. placomyces, A. subrufescens and A. sylvicola, Acaulospora delicata; Agrocybe aegerita and A. arvalis; Albatrellus hirtus and A. syringae; Alpova pachyploeus; Amanita muscaria; Antrodia carbonica; Armiilaria buibosa, A. gallica, A. matsutake, A. mellea and A. ponderosa; Astraeus hygrometricus; Athelia neuhoffii; Auricularia auricula and A. poiytricha; Bjerkandera adusta and B. adusta; Boietinelius meruiioides; Boletus punctipes; Bondarzewia berkeleyi; Bridgeoporus nobilissimus; Calvatia gigantea; Cenococcum geophilum; Ceriporia purpurea; Ceriporiopsis subvermispora; Collybia albuminosa and C tuberose; Coitricia perennis; Coniophora puteana; Coprinus comatus and ‘Inky Caps'; Cordyceps variabilis, C. facis, C. subsessilis, C. myrmecophila, C. sphecocephala, C. entomorrhiza, C. gracilis, C. militaris, C. washingtonensis, C. melolanthae, C. ravenelii, C. unilateralis, C. davuiata and C. sinensis; Cyathus stercoreus; Daedalea quercina; Dentocorticium sulphurellum; Echinodontium tinctorium; Fistulina hepatica; Fiammulina velutipes and F. populicoia; Flavodon flavus; Fomes fomentarius; Fomitopsis officinalis and F. pinicola; Ganoderma applanatum, G australe, G. curtisii, G. japonicum, G. lucidum, G. neo-japonicum,

G. oregonense, G. sinense and G. tsugae; Gigaspora gigantia, G. gilmorei, G. heterogama, G. margarita; Gliociadium virens; Gloeophyllum saeparium; Glomus aggregatum, G. caledonius, G. clarus, G. fasciculatum, G. fasiculatus, G. lamellosum, G. macrocarpum and G. mosseae; Grifola frondosa; Hebeloma anthracophilum and H. crustuliniforme; Hericium abietes, H. coralloides, H. erinaceus and H. capnoides; Heterobasidion annosum; Hypholoma capnoides and

H. sublateritium; Hypsizygus ulmarius and H. tessulatus (=H. marmoreus); Inonotus hispidus and I. obliquus; Irpex lacteus; Lactarius deliciosus; Laetiporus sulphureus (-Poiyporus sulphureus); Lentinula edodes; Lentinus lepideus, L giganteus, L ponderosa, L squarrosulus and L. tigrinus; Lentinula species; Lenzites betulina; Lepiota rachodes and L. procera; Lepista nuda (-Ciitocybe nuda); Lycoperdon lilacinum and L perlatum; Lyophyllum decastes; Macrocybe crassa; Marasmius oreades; Meripilus giganteus; Merulius tremeiiosus and M. incarnatus; Morchella angusticeps, M. crassipes and M. esculenta; Mycena citricolor and M. chlorophos; Omphalotus oiearius; Panellus stypticus; Paxillus involutus; Peniciliium oxalicium; Phaeolus schweinitzii; Phellinus igniarius P. linteus and P. weirii; Pholiota nameko; Piioderma bicolor; Piptoporus betulinus; Pisolithus tinctorius; Pleurotus citrinopileatus (~P. cornucopiae var. citrinopileatus), P. cystidiosus, (~P. abalonus, P. smithii), P. djamor (=P. flabellatus, P. saimoneo-stramineus), P. dryinus, P. eryngii, P. euosmus, P. ostreatus, P. pulmonarius (=P. sajor-caju) and P. tuberregium; Pluteus cervinus; Polyporus indigenus, P. saporema, P. squamosus, P. tuberaster and P. umbellatus (-Grifoia umbellata); Psathyrella hydrophila, Psilocybe aztecorum, P. azurescens, P. baeocystis, P. bohemica, P. caerulescens, P. cubensis, P. cyanescens, P. hoogshagenii, P. mexicana, P. peliiculosa, P. semilanceata, P. tampanensis and P. weilii; Rhizopogon nigrescens, R. roseoius and R. tenuis (=Glomus tenuis); Schizophyllum commune; Schizopora paradoxa; Sclerocytis sisuosa; Serpula lacrymans and S. himantioides; Scleroderma albidum, S. aurantium and S. polyrhizum; Scuteliospora calospora; Sparassis crispa and S. herbstii; Stereum complicatum and S. ostrea; Stropharia aeruginosa, S. cyanea, S. albocyanea, S. caerulea and S. rugosoannulata; Suillus cothurnatus; Talaromyces flavus; Termitomyces robustus; Trametes hirsuta, T. suaveolens and T. versicolor; Trichoderma viride, T. harmatum; Tricholoma giganteum and T. magnivelare (Matsutae); Tremella aurantia, T. fuciformis and T mesenterica; and/or Voivariella volvacea.

Particularly suitable fungal species for use in the invention include the saprophytic mushrooms Pomes fomentarius; Fomitopsis officinalis and F. pinicola; Ganoderma lucidum, G. oregonense and G. tsugae; Laetiporus sulphurous; Pleurotus ostreatus and the other Pleurotus species; Polyporus umbellatus; Psilocybe azurescens and P. cyanescens; Stropharia rugosoannulata:, and Trametes versicolor and other Trametes species, Collybia and the similar Marasmius.

In a preferred embodiment the composition comprises spores, mycelium and/or powdered mushrooms of at least one of the following species: Arbuscular

- 12mycrorrhiza, Aspergillus tubingensis, Gymnopus dryophilus, Lentinula edodes (shiitake), Pestalotiopsis microspora, Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom), Stropharia rugosoannulata, Tramates versicolor (turkey tail) and Trichoderma reesie.

The fungus (or fungi) in the composition and devices of the invention will typically not grow or reproduce until they are exposed to the conditions at the waste site. The growth may be prompted by a change in conditions such as moisture, surrounding gas makeup (e.g. changes in O₂ and/or CO₂ content), humidity, temperature and/or exposure to a food source. The change in conditions may activate the fungus directly or the change in conditions may have the effect of releasing the fungus, e.g. by decomposing the biodegradable carrier material and/or binder as is described in later sections.

The choice of appropriate fungus will depend on the nature of the waste at the waste site in which the composition is to be used. For instance, if the waste is primarily organic (e.g. wood chippings) then a fungus which grows on wood may be included, such as oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus). Alternatively, if the waste contains plastic then a fungus which is able to break down plastic may be included. For instance, Pestalotiopsis microspora is known to be capable of breaking down polyurethane and Ideonella sakaiensis is known to be capable of breaking down PET.

In certain embodiments of the invention the composition also includes bacteria in addition to the ungerminated grass seeds. The bacteria may be present together with at least one fungus as described above and/or together with ungerminated seeds of at least one further plant species.

The bacteria may be of a single genus or of a single species. However in an embodiment of the invention the bacteria may be of two or more species of the same genus. In an embodiment of the invention the bacteria may be of two or more different genera. In an embodiment of the invention the bacteria may be of a single species of a first genus and of a single species of a second genus. In an embodiment of the invention the bacteria may be of a single species of a first genus and of two or more species of a second genus. In an embodiment of the invention

- 13the bacteria may be of two or more species of a first genus and of two or more species of a second genus.

The nature of the bacteria is not particularly limited but they should be selected to provide positive benefits in the decomposition and management of organic and/or synthetic waste. For instance, the bacteria may themselves be capable of decomposing waste and the waste site, for example types of waste which cannot be decomposed by the fungus (where present).

Another advantage of certain bacteria is to remove harmful substances from the waste site. This may include removing harmful or unpleasant gases, odours and/or liquids. While certain bacteria may be harmful to humans, they are nevertheless beneficial for the waste decomposition process and may therefore be incorporated into the compositions of the invention.

The bacterial may be aerobic or anaerobic. In an embodiment the bacteria are of the genus Actinomyces, e.g. A. bovis, A. bowdenii, A. canis, A. cardiffensis, A. catuli, A. coleocanis, A. dentalis, A. denticolens, A. europaeus, A. funkei, A. georgiae, A. gerencseriae, A. graevenitzii, A. hongkongensis, A. hordeovulneris, A. howellii, A. humiferus, A. hyovaginalis, A. israelii, A. marimammalium, A. meyeri, A. naeslundii, A. nasicola, A. neuii, A. odontolyticus, A. oricola, A. radicidentis, A. radingae, A. slackii, A. streptomycini, A. suimastitidis, A. suis, A. turicensis, A. urogenitalis, A. vaccimaxillae and A. viscosus.

In some embodiments the bacteria are Psychrophilic, i.e. capable of growth and reproduction at cold temperatures, e.g. ranging from -20 to +10 °C. Suitable psychrophilic bacteria include those of the genera Arthobacter, Psychrobacter, Halomonas, Pseudomonas, Hyphomonas and Sphingomonas.

In some embodiments the bacteria are Mesophilic, i.e. capable of growth and reproduction at moderate temperatures, e.g. ranging from 20 to 45 °C.

In some embodiments the bacteria are Thermophilic, i.e. capable of growth and reproduction at temperatures above 45 °C.

- 14In some embodiments the bacteria are capable of decomposing inorganic materials. For example, the bacteria may be capable of breaking down plastic, such as Ideonella sakaiensis.

In some embodiments the composition comprises microorganism(s) from at least one of the following genera: Actinomyces, Bacillus, Caulobacter, Ideonella, Lactobacillus, Rhodococcus, Rhodopseudomonas and Saccharomyces.

In some embodiments the composition comprises microorganism(s) from at least one of the following species: Bacillus subtilis, Caulobacter crescentus, Ideonella sakaiensis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus plantarum, Rhodococcus jostii, Rhodopseudomonas palustris and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

In certain embodiments of the invention the composition also includes ungerminated seeds of at least one further plant species in addition to the ungerminated grass seeds. The ungerminated seeds of at least one further plant species may be present together with at least one fungus as described above and/or together with bacteria as described above.

Where ungerminated seeds of at least one further plant species are present these are seeds of a non-grass plant species. In an embodiment the seeds may be of a single species. In an embodiment the seeds may be of two or more species of a single genus. In an embodiment the seeds may be of a single species of a first genus and of two or more species of a second genus. In an embodiment the seeds may be of a single species of a first genus and of a single species of a second genus. In an embodiment the seeds may be of two or more species of a first genus and of two or more species of a second genus.

The ungerminated seeds of at least one further plant species are preferably selected to complement the advantages conferred by the grass and/or fungi and/or bacteria, where present. For example, the ungerminated seeds of at least one further plant species may be selected to enhance the extent and/or rate of growth of vegetation once the compositions are introduced to landfill, and/or to improve the stabilisation, aesthetic appearance and/or rate of regeneration of the landfill site.

- 15Preferably the ungerminated seeds of at least one further plant species are seeds of a plant which provides a useful source of biofuels. Preferred examples which are suitable for use in the compositions of the invention include maize (corn), cashew nuts, oats, lupin (lupine), Kenaf, Calendula, Cotton, Hemp, Soybean, Flax (linseed), Hazelnuts, euphorbia, pumpkin seed, coriander mustard seed, camelina, sesame, safflower, rice, tung tree, sunflowers, cacao (cocoa), peanut, opium poppy, rapeseed, castor beans, pecan nuts, jojoba, jatropha, macadamia nuts, brazil nuts, avocado, Chinese tallow, oil palm, Copaifera langsdorffii, Millettia pinnata and algae. Once grown at the waste site these may be harvested, e.g. for use as sustenance or as a biofuel.

In addition to the aforementioned grass seeds and bacteria, fungi and/or seeds of at least one further plant species, the compositions of the invention comprise a biodegradable carrier material.

The biodegradable carrier material may comprise natural fibres such as paper, cardboard and/or other cellulose-based materials. The biodegradable carrier material may also comprise biodegradable plastic or polymers. The biodegradable carrier material is preferably selected such that it is compostable, i.e. that it safely degrades into soil upon exposure to the environment. For example, the carrier material may comprise recycled paper, virgin paper, corrugated cardboard or any combination of these. Plastics/polymers which are suitable for use as biodegradable materials in the present invention include polymers based upon artificially created mers and those based upon naturally occurring products such as com. Bi-polymers, polymers having inclusions and modifiers and other types of polymers may all be used, provided that they are biodegradable. Materials listed below as “binding agents” or “binders” may optionally be employed as a carrier material instead of, or in addition to, the carrier materials mentioned as such herein. In some embodiments of the invention both a carrier material and a binding agent may be present, wherein the binding agent is not the same material as the carrier material.

The biodegradable carrier material may be selected for its ability to serve as a growth medium from which the grass seeds may grow. The material may include

- 16natural fibers such as paper, cardboard and other cellulose-based materials; plastic or other polymers and so on.

The biodegradable carrier material may incorporate fertiliser, germination agents, microbial inoculants, and/or agents to increase the rate of degradation.

The ungerminated grass seeds and fungi, bacteria and/or ungerminated seeds of a further plant species may be embedded within the carrier material during its normal manufacturing processes, e.g. by admixing the grass seeds and additional components during the manufacturing of paper, cardboard etc. For example, ungerminated seeds may be added to cellulose-based pulp during paper or cardboard production to disperse and embed the seeds in the material. In another example, the seeds may be adhered to one or more layers of corrugated cardboard. In this example, the seeds may be affixed to the exterior of one or more of the cardboard layers including the internal fluted layer, for example using biodegradable adhesives. During production of such containers, the seeds may be added in steps where the seed exposure to moisture is insufficient to cause germination. In some cases, this may involve a moisture dehydration step shortly after introduction of the ungerminated seeds. In addition, the ungerminated seeds may be provided with a protective coating prior to introduction into the production process. For example, the seeds may be coated with a biodegradable layer that dissolves after a period of time that is generally longer than the length of time the seeds are exposed to moisture during the production process. In this way, germination of the seeds during production may be avoided while allowing the seeds to germinate when intended by exposing the composition or portions thereof to moisture for several hours or days to begin the germination process. In further aspects, the composition may be produced with fertilizer agents and/or germination agents for facilitating germination and growth of the embedded seed. In addition, agents for facilitating the degradation of the composition may be included in the composition.

The composition may also include a binding agent (also called a binder). The purpose of the binding agent is to temporarily hold all of the components together so that the fungus, seeds (and any other microorganisms) are released at the appropriate time. In some embodiments the binding agent is one which breaks

- 17down under the conditions at the waste site thereby dispersing the fungus and seeds. Suitable binding agents include wheat bran, glucose, blackstrap molasses, water, sawdust, coconut, straw, peat, ceramic powder, plant hides, cardboard, flour, sugar, starch, clay, and mixtures thereof.

Preferably the binding agent comprises at least one of the following: ceramics powder, glucose, wheat bran, red clay, and/or blackstrap molasses.

Certain plant or algal materials may also act as binding agents, including but not limited to algae, Maize (corn), Cashew nuts, Oats, lupin (lupine) Kenaf, Calendula, Cotton, Hemp, Soybean, Flax (linseed), Hazelnuts, euphorbia, pumpkin seed, coriander mustard seed, camelina, sesame, safflower, rice, tung tree, sunflowers, cacao (cocoa), peanut, opium poppy, rapeseed, castor beans, pecan nuts, jojoba, jatropha, macadamia nuts, brazil nuts, avocado, Chinese tallow, oil palm, Copaifera langsdorffii, Millettia pinnata, and mixtures thereof.

In certain embodiments, compositions according to the invention may be prepared comprising, within a biodegradable carrier material, ungerminated seeds of at least one grass selected from Miscanthus (e.g. Miscanthus Xgiganteus or Miscanthus G4 Hyprod genus), panicum virgatum, dactyl is glomerata, festuca arundinacea, phalaris arundinacea and mixtures thereof with:

at least one binding agent selected from wheat bran, red clay and/or blackstrap molasses;

and/or at least one fungus selected from Pestalotiopsis microspore, Saprophytic species, Aspergillus tubingensis, Saccharomyces spp. and/or yeast;

and/or bacteria selected from Ideonella sakaiensis, Rhodococcus jostii, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, other Lactobacilli, and/or Probiotics.

In certain embodiments, compositions according to the invention may be prepared comprising, within a biodegradable carrier material, ungerminated seeds of at least one grass selected from Spartina alterniflora, Phalaris canariensis, Spartina pectinata and mixtures thereof with: microbial inoculants;

- 18and/or at least one binding agent selected from Ceramics powder, Glucose, Maize (corn), Cashew nuts, Oats, lupin (lupine) Kenaf, Calendula, Cotton, Hemp, Soybean, Flax (linseed), Hazelnuts, euphorbia, pumpkin seed, coriander mustard seed, camelina, sesame, safflower, rice, tung tree, sunflowers, cacao (cocoa), peanut, opium poppy, rapeseed, castor beans, pecan nuts, jojoba, jatropha, macadamia nuts, brazil nuts, avocado, Chinese tallow, oil palm, Copaifera langsdorffii, Millettia pinnata, and algae, and mixtres thereof;

and/or at least one fungus selected from Turkey tail, Oyster mushroom, Shiitake, Arbuscular mycorrhiza, Stropharia rugosoannulata, Trichoderma reesie, Gymnopus dryophilus, Marasmius sp, Saprobes, Saprotroph, and/or Mucor,and/or bacteria selected from Phototrophic bacteria, Rhodopseudomonas spp, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Bacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Caulobacter crescentus, Actinomyces and mixtures thereof.

In a further aspect the present invention provides devices for regeneration of waste sites. The devices according to the invention comprise, consist essentially of or consist of the waste remediation composition.

In a preferred embodiment at least the outer surface of the device is a material which breaks down at the waste site thereby releasing the composition contained in the device. Such decomposition may be prompted by a change in conditions such as moisture, humidity and/or temperature at the waste site. Alternatively or additionally, the release of the composition may be achieved via mechanical action on the device prior arrival at the waste site, or at the waste site. For instance, the composition may be released as a result of mechanical agitation (e.g. crushing action in a rubbish truck or by machinery at the waste site).

In the devices of the present invention the ungerminated grass seeds and other components preferably do not grow or reproduce until exposure of the composition contained within the device and/or until exposure to a change of conditions associated with the waste site. This may be achieved, for instance, by depriving the

- 19seeds and other components of one or more nutrients required for growth and/or excluding moisture.

Advantages of providing a device in which the seeds only commence growth and reproduction upon mechanical exposure and/or as a result of changes at the waste site are that the devices have a longer shelf-life (e.g. compared to the fiber mats described in US2005/0176583) and that the growth of seeds can be suppressed until they are actually needed.

The device may also be constructed so as to allow for the release of the contained grasses, seeds and microorganisms (also called “active components” herein) at different times. This may be desirable if, for example, certain of these components are not compatible with one another, or when one or more components are incompatible with the initial environment at the waste site so that it is preferable to release them after a more-compatible component has “primed” the environment. This phased release of the active grasses, seeds and/or microorganisms may be achieved in a number of different ways.

For instance, if the active components (grasses, seeds and microorganisms) are dispersed within the structure of the device (e.g. by dispersing the active components in a binding agent) then selective release can be achieved by appropriate placement of the materials within the device. For instance, those components which are desired to be released first may be placed in a portion of the device near to the external surface, and those components which are desired to be released subsequently may be placed in a portion of the device further away from the external surface. Thus, as the device degrades the active components are released at varying times.

In an alternative embodiment, active components may be kept in different compartments within the device. As used herein a “compartment” is a cavity surrounded by a wall. The cavity comprises an active component which may be ungerminated grass seeds, seeds of at least one plant, or a microorganism (such as bacteria or fungi). The cavity may include a void (e.g. air space) or may be completely filled by the active component).

- 20Variation in the release time of the active components may be achieved by the use of one or more compartments, preferably at least two, having walls of differing resistances to decomposition. Differing resistances to decomposition may be achieved by varying the wall thickness of the compartments (the thicker the wall, the longer the duration before release). Alternatively, differing resistances to decomposition may be achieved by the use of walls made of different materials.

It will be appreciated that the release of the active components at differing times may be achieved by a combination of the above methods.

Preferably the device is able to withstand consumer handling but can be broken up manually or with the aid of machinery, e.g. by being compacted or subjected to a shearing force.

In certain embodiments of the invention the device may be a package (e.g. an envelope, a box (such as a cardboard box), a cup (e.g. a disposable coffee cup) or other food container) having at least a portion comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a composition according to the invention.

In other embodiments of the invention the device may be a briquette, pellet, dowel or ball. Balls and pellets (e.g. cylindrical pellets) are advantageous due to providing optimal distribution and/or internal layering of components within the device. In some embodiments the device is a briquette, pellet, dowel or ball comprising the seeds and other components in a hollow cavity in the interior thereof. In other embodiments the device is a briquette, pellet, dowel or ball which is solid throughout and which comprises the seeds and other components distributed throughout the bulk material, for example within the binding agent.

Optionally the device may be packaged in an airtight container until its use is required, or be coated (for example with a film, seal or membrane) to provide mechanical strength and/or to prevent early activation of the active components.

In a further aspect the invention provides a method of regenerating a waste site, the method comprising the steps of:

- 21 adding a device according to the invention to waste material prior to, simultaneously or after disposal of waste material at the waste site;

allowing the device to break down and release the waste remediation composition;

allowing the components of the waste remediation composition to decompose waste material at the waste site to produce organic matter; and optionally recovering said organic matter, e.g. as a biofuel.

The waste site will typically be a site dealing with the processing of commercial waste, i.e. “landfill”. However, it is also within the scope of the invention for the method to be carried out on a smaller scale. For instance, the device may be added to agricultural waste (e.g. in a compost heap), or to soil to improve the properties of the soil. The device may also be added to domestic waste (e.g. kitchen waste, compost, or other domestic waste), where it may, for example, assist in reducing odours. The device may also be added to soil in non-waste sites to provide an improved aesthetic appearance when the active components encounter the environment.

The device may be added to the waste material prior to, simultaneously or after disposal of waste material at the waste site. Typically, waste is collected from a variety of sources (e.g. individual homes, dumpsters etc...). Devices according to the invention may be added to the waste at or prior to the collection stage, and/or may be added at the waste site. The choice of the number of devices to add will naturally depend on the nature of the waste and the size of the landfill etc.

At the waste site the device will break down thereby releasing the composition. The term “break down” includes both passive and active decomposition of the device. Active break down will typically occur as a result of mechanical action on the device. This may occur, for instance, by a compacting or sheering action on the device at the waste site, which may occur as a result of machinery processing the waste (e.g. excavators driving over the waste). Alternatively or additionally, the break down may be passive, e.g. achieved as a result of a change of conditions at the waste site. For instance the device may break down upon exposure to humid conditions and/or increased temperatures and/or a change in atmospheric

-22conditions at the waste site. In an embodiment the device includes a binder which is chosen to break down under the conditions at the waste site.

The breakdown of the device results in the components of the composition being released into the waste. The components of the composition then begin to decompose the waste. The waste may be agitated, e.g. using an excavator, to further disperse the components of the composition throughout the waste site.

In some embodiments, particularly where the waste includes organic matter, the method may include the additional step of allowing the seeds to grow. It will be appreciated that only seeds towards the top layer of waste will exhibit significant growth at the waste site as light may not be able to penetrate to the lower levels of the site. The growth of the grass provides the waste site with a top layer of grass which improves the aesthetics of the site and improves the stability of the top layer. This grass may also be harvested, e.g. to be used as a biofuel.

EXAMPLES

Example 1: General procedure for preparation of a composition and device

The binding agents are first mixed and allowed to aerate until their structure becomes workable. The organic components (fungi, bacteria, grasses) are then either dispersed within the binding agents or are surrounded by the binding agent (i.e. a cavity is formed around the organic components). The material is then moulded into the desired shape (ball, pellets, dowel etc...). Once moulded, the device is allowed to set, which may be accelerated (e.g. by heating). Once set the device is packaged in an airtight, non-reactive packaging. The packaged device may if desired be kept in a temperature-controlled environment, optionally with additional cooling, in order to prolong shelf life.

Example 2

The following example is illustrative of a composition and device of the invention. According to the procedure of Example 1, fungi, grasses and bacteria were

- 23dispersed throughout the mixture of binding agents. The material was then moulded into a ball shape (diameter ~ 20mm, weight ~ 54 g) and allowed to set.

Ingredient	Material percentage (wt%)
Binding agents/carriers
Wheat bran	6%
Red Clay	56%
Blackstrap Molasses	6%
Water	24%1
Fungi/Spores
Pestalotiopsis microspora	<1%
Saprophytic species	<1%
Aspergillus tubingensis	<1%
Saccharomyces spp.	<1%
Yeast (Various)	<1%
Grasses
Miscanthus X giganteus	1%
Panicum virgatum / Switchgrass	1%
Dactylis glomerata	<1%
Festuca arundinacea	<1%
Phalaris arundinacea	<1%
Miscanthus - G4 Hyprod genus	1%
Bacteria
Ideonella sakaiensis	<1%
Rhodococcus jostii	<1%
Probiotics	<1%

¹ The amount of water listed accounts for drying which takes place during the preparation of the device. The initial amount of water introduced is around double this final amount.

Claims (14)

1. A waste remediation composition comprising ungerminated seeds of at least one grass incorporated within a biodegradable carrier material and at least one additional component selected from fungi, bacteria, and ungerminated seeds of at least one further plant species.

2. The waste remediation composition according to claim 1 further comprising at least one binding agent, preferably selected from sawdust, coconut, straw, peat, plant hides, cardboard, clay, flour, sugar, starch and clay.

3. The waste remediation composition according to any of claims 1 or 2 wherein said at least one grass is selected from Dactylis glomerata, Festuca arundinacea, Miscanthus X giganteus, Panicum virgatum, Pennisetum purpureum, Phalaris arundinacea, Phalaris canariensis, Spartina alterniflora and Spartina pectinata.

4. The waste remediation composition according to any of claims 1 to 3 further comprising at least one fungus.

5 The waste remediation composition according to claim 4 wherein said at least one fungus is selected from Arbuscular mycrorrhiza, Aspergillus tubingensis, Gymnopus dryophilus, Lentinula edodes (shiitake), Pestalotiopsis microspora, Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom), Stropharia rugosoannulata, Tramates versicolor (turkey tail) and Trichoderma reesie.

6. The waste remediation composition according to any of claims 1 to 5 further comprising bacteria.

7. The waste remediation composition according to any of claims 1 to 6 further comprising at least one microorganism selected from Bacillus subtilis, Caulobacter crescentus, Ideonella sakaiensis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus plantarum, Rhodococcus jostii, Rhodopseudomonas palustris and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

8. The waste remediation composition according to any of claims 1 to 7 additionally comprising ungerminated seeds of at least one further plant species.

9. A device for accelerating the regeneration of a waste site, the device comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the waste remediation composition according to any of claims 1 to 8.

10. A device according to claim 9 in the form of a briquette, a dowel, a pellet or a ball.

11. A device according to claim 9 or claim 10 comprising at least one compartment having a cavity and a wall, wherein said compartment contains at least one of said ungerminated seeds of at least one grass, fungi, bacteria or ungerminated seeds of at least one further plant species.

12. A device according to claim 11 comprising a first compartment and a second compartment;

wherein said first compartment comprises at least one of said ungerminated seeds of at least one grass, fungi, bacteria or ungerminated seeds of at least one further plant species; and wherein said second compartment comprises at least one of said ungerminated seeds of at least one grass, fungi, bacteria or ungerminated seeds of at least one further plant species, different to those in said first compartment.

13. A method of regenerating a waste site, the method comprising the steps of: adding a device as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12 to waste material prior to, simultaneously or after disposal of waste material at the landfill site;

allowing the device to break down and release the landfill remediation composition;

allowing the components of the landfill remediation composition to decompose waste material at the landfill site to produce organic matter; and optionally recovering said organic matter, e.g. as a biofuel.

14. A method according to claim 13 wherein the waste site is a landfill site.