WO1995001294A1

WO1995001294A1 - Storage unit for organic refuse

Info

Publication number: WO1995001294A1
Application number: PCT/SE1994/000642
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nils Holmberg
Original assignee: Internat. Info. Förmedling Nils Holmberg Ab
Priority date: 1993-07-02
Filing date: 1994-06-29
Publication date: 1995-01-12
Also published as: SE9302292L; SE9302292D0; EP0702654A1; SE507984C2; AU7134694A

Abstract

A storage unit (1) and methods to be used to reduce nuisance from the contents, for instance from organic waste from households sorting the waste according to kind, said unit comprising an outer receptacle (2), usually provided with at least one openable lid (3), and a bottom member (10). The outer vessel (2) is provided with a number of air vents (4) to allow circulation of air in the receptacle interior, and further with a suspension device (5) which is attached to the receptacle (2) or is in the form of a separate insert (6) incorporating said suspension device (5). This suspension device allows attachment of on the one hand at least one outer supporting bag (7) and on the other at least one inner paper bag (8) in such a manner that when the lid (3) has been opened organic waste may be deposited inside the paper bag (8) which is enclosed and is supported by the supporting bag (7). The latter is constructed in a manner, for instance by having a woven or perforated structure, to allow air and gases to enter into and/or leave the paper bag through said supporting bag. Upon emptying, the paper bag is closed so that together with its contents it forms a package that easily slides out of the supporting bag.

Description

STORAGE UNIT FOR ORGANIC REFUSE

TECHNICAL FIELD The subject invention refers to a storage unit which is used to reduce nuisance from the contents, such as organic domestic waste having been sorted according to kind, and which comprises an outer vessel, usually pro¬ vided with an openable lid, and to storage methods uti- lizing the storage unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sorting and collection of biologically degradable organic domestic waste to be treated centrally, that is to be transported for composting or gasification, is an im¬ portant issue today within the waste management and re¬ covery systems in many countries. In e.g. Germany and the Netherlands it is estimated that within three years be¬ tween 50 and 75% of all households will collect organic waste. In these countries the waste is collected largely in tight containers of plastic. In our country and in the other Scandinavian countries we are headed in the same direction, albeit not at the same speed. Also local com¬ posting of waste of this nature is effected to some extent.

Organic waste, which possesses a high content of moisture, often is deposited in plastic bags suspended in stands in the kitchen or inserted in tight plastic buckets with lids thereon. The plastic bags are then closed and put into tight plastic vessels which are later emptied into a collection vehicle. In some cases a paper bag, in¬ serted into a tight plastic bucket with a lid thereon, is used in the kitchen. The paper bags are closed and then often are positioned in a larger tight plastic vessel. In some cases a tight plastic bucket is used in the kitchen of a kind having no plastic or paper bag. In this case the waste is emptied from the bucket directly into the larger plastic receptacle. When bags and sacks of plastics are used they usually cause problems in the treatment of the waste, centrally, and not degradable plastic pieces in the end product (the compost) affect the quality negatively. Moisture from the organic waste easily penetrates through the paper bag and as a consequence thereof the strength of the bag sometimes is reduced to the extent that the bag will burst. The plastic receptacles used are as a rule air tight or else the ventilation is extremely limited. The result is an an aerobic environment, i.e. an oxygen-deficient milieu, in the containers. Since the receptacle becomes soiled very easily and addition is difficult to keep sufficiently clean it is the source of an intensive development of bacteria, unpleasant smells, etc, particularly during the hot season. Experiences gained from Copenhagen indicate that receptacles intended for sorted organic waste would have to be cleaned twice a week in the summer, and during the rest of the year, per¬ haps once a week. The costs involved in such frequent cleaning would be extremely high. The most common solution therefore is to neglect the cleaning and thus the require¬ ments of maintaining a high standard of the sanitary con¬ ditions in the containers.

In Denmark, some cases of illness have been found among refuse collectors in connection with organic waste. When handling the containers and emptying them into the refuse collection vehicle some hazardous substances are likely to be emitted in a gaseous as well as particle form. Cases of similar illnesses have occurred also in con¬ nection with the handling of residue refuse, also known as combustible waste. An important explanation for this phe¬ nomenon is that after removal of the wet organic fraction the residue refuse becomes very dry and therefore more likely to form dust than ordinary, mixed refuse. The con¬ clusion from the Danish studies is that no really satis¬ factory type of container for organic waste exists today, either to collect sorted domestic waste in which case usually containers holding 8 to 15 liters are used or for collection externally of the building in which case con¬ tainers holding between 60 and 160 liters are used. The collection of residue waste could not either be said to be satisfactorily solved. The Environmental Protection Agency in Denmark prescribes high and sealed-off emptying, poss¬ ibly in combination with a suction pressure inside the space into which the waste is emptied. This results in the waste collection vehicle becoming a great deal more expen¬ sive. However, also with this solution, the problems con¬ cerning cleaning of the receptacle remain, which as indi¬ cated above are very serious.

THE PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the subject invention is to consider¬ ably reduce the above problems by creating a storage unit and methods for its exploitation allowing the waste both to emit water vapour and other gases and to be supplied with air (oxygen). This arrangement considerably improves the hygienic and sanitary conditions connected with the sorting in the home-kitchen as well as the subsequent handling of the waste. The storage unit in accordance with the invention thus may be available in a smaller version for kitchen use and in a larger version to be used in the subsequent handling.

Existing plastic receptacles may easily be converted into the storage unit described herein by equipping it with the required ventilation means and by supplementing it with the described equipment (insert).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose outlined above is achieved by imparting to the storage unit and the method for its exploitation the characteristic features defined in the appended claims. To this end the storage unit in accordance with the invention thus is essentially characterized in that the outer receptacle is provided with a number of air perfora¬ tions or air vents allowing air to be circulated inside the receptacle, and further it is provided with a suspen¬ sion device which is attached to the receptacle or is in the form of a removable insert incorporated said suspen¬ sion device, the latter allowing fastening of both an outer supporting bag and an inner paper bag in such a man- ner that when the lid is open organic waste is deposited in the paper bag which is enclosed by and supported by the supporting bag, the latter being arranged in such a man¬ ner, either owing to its woven or perforated structure, that air and gases may be supplied to and/or leave the paper bag via the supporting bag.

The resulting construction provides for excellent ventilation of the waste contained inside the paper bag. The outer receptacle and an insert (if any) positioned in said receptacle will not become dirty because the paper bag is enclosed by the supporting bag. Because the sup¬ porting bag is permeable to gases good ventilation of the paper bag and its contents is provided. Should the moi¬ sture from the contents inside the paper bag wet through the paper bag walls, the supporting bag will in time become dirty. This is true particularly if the paper bag bursts. Should this happen the supporting bag could be removed, after emptying of its contents, and be washed in a hand basin or a washing machine. Normally, the outer receptacle or insert need to be washed only very rarely. Obviously this is a considerable advantage. The good ven¬ tilation of the waste reduces the development of bacteria and unpleasant smells to a high degree.

As evident from the above the excellent ventilation of the waste is of fundamental importance. The ventilation is ensured on the one hand by the use of an inner paper bag which is surrounded by a perforated supporting bag, for instance a supporting bag of a synthetic-fiber fabric, and enclosing the supporting bag in a manner ensuring good ventilation thereof. In many cases it might be interesting to use already existing, essentially air-tight plastic receptacles. Often, such receptacles are available in large quantities and the waste collection equipment is particularly designed for adaptation to such receptacles. Such adaptation is effected by providing considerable air vents in the outer receptacle, for instance in the form of insert valves provided with fly protection means or the like, e.g. in the form of a fabric e.g. a non-woven fabric, or a net. An insert having gas permeable side as well as bottom walls of a design specially adapted to the receptacle in question is then developed. This insert is designed in such a manner that it can secure the support- ing bag and a paper bag in the desired manner, whereupon the insert is lifted in position inside the outer recept¬ acle and anchored thereto. Also inserts of kit construction may be of interest.

The handling of the storage unit in use can be de- scribed in the following manner. The paper bag in the storage unit in the kitchen (containing 8-15 liters) is closed and deposited in the larger storage unit (contain¬ ing 60-160 liters) in the backyard or in the refuse stor¬ age chamber. The supporting bag incorporated in the stor- age unit is anchored not only at its upper part but also at its bottom part to the outer receptacle (direct or via the insert) to ensure that in connection with the emptying into the garbage collection vehicle it is not turned in¬ side out with respect to the receptacle. For the central treatment of the waste the latter must be collected by means of a suitable vehicle (refuse collection vehicle), in which case the following method could be used to handle the waste. Domestic waste, prefer¬ ably enclosed in a paper container, such as a paper bag, is deposited inside a storage unit. The storage unit is in the form of an inner paper bag which is enclosed by a supporting bag, the latter in turn being surrounded by an outer receptacle, and an insert, if any. The supporting bag, the receptacle and the insert are designed in such a manner as to allow air and gases to penetrate into and/or be emitted from the paper bag through the supporting bag. At its lower part the supporting bag is secured to the outer receptacle, direct or via the insert.

Before emptying the inner paper bag is closed allow¬ ing it, when being emptied for instance into a refuse collection vehicle, to slide easily out of the supporting bag which is not turned inside out. When an outer recept¬ acle or bag holder is used which are specially designed and adapted to the method, only a supporting bag and a paper bag are used, that is no specially designed insert. In this case the lower part of the supporting bag is attached to the outer receptacle or the bag holder to limit tendencies of the bag being turned inside out. If, on the other hand an insert is used, the supporting bag is attached in a similar way to the lower part of the insert which is then lifted into the outer receptacle and an- chored thereto.

When the storage unit is to be used for local com¬ posting a somewhat different method is used and the requirements on the storage unit deviate somewhat from those described above. In this case it is suitable to use a storage unit without an insert and the storage unit is to be provided at its lower end with an openable portion. Alternatively, a unit having a removable bottom portion is used. Upon emptying, the upper part is then removed from the bottom portion, exposing the supporting bag (with its contents). No anchoring of the lower portion of the sup¬ porting bag to the outer receptacle is required, since there is no need to empty the container. The method is characterized in that the domestic waste, preferably en¬ closed in a paper bag, is deposited in the storage unit which is in the form of an inner paper bag enclosed by a supporting bag the latter in turn being surrounded by an outer receptacle, which is provided with an openable por- tion, and the supporting bag, the receptacle and the in¬ sert are designed in a manner allowing air and gases to penetrate into and/or leave the paper bag via the sup¬ porting bag, and when the paper bag is approximately half filled its upper portion is rolled together and the sup¬ porting bag is separated from its suspension device is closed, whereupon it rests on the bottom of the recept¬ acle, whereafter a fresh supporting bag with an internal paper bag is lowered into the receptacle so as to be sup- ported on top of the previous bag, and when the fresh bag is half full the openable portion is opened (alternatively the upper portion is lifted off a separate bottom portion) and the free lower bag is pulled out and transported to be composted, for instance in the garden, and after approxi- mately one year its contents have decomposed sufficiently to allow the supporting bag to be reused.

Additional characeristics of the invention and its advantages will appear from the following detailed de¬ scription of embodiments thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

Fig. 1 illustrates a storage unit in accordance with the invention comprising an outer receptacle and an inter¬ nal insert. The inner insert comprises a supporting bag and a paper bag arranged inside the supporting bag. This arrangement appears from the right hand portion of this drawing figure whereas in the center portion thereof the paper bag is cut away and in the left hand part both bags are cut away. Fig. 2 shows an insert constructed in accordance with a kit method. This allows the user in a simple manner to adapt the size of the insert to the size of an existing outer receptacle.

Fig. 3 illustrates the insert in accordance with fig. 2, positioned in an outer receptacle which is adapted for automatic emptying. Fig. 4 illustrates an inner paper bag provided with a closure strap.

Fig. 5 illustrates the manner in which the upper part of the paper bag has been rolled together and the closure strap carried around the upper part of the bag to close the latter in a simple and safe manner.

Fig. 6 illstrates an outer receptacle designed in such a manner that no removable insert is required. The lid attachment of this receptacle is designed so as to allow the lid to be turned with respect to the receptacle.

Fig. 7 illustrates in a perspective view an outer receptacle provided with a bag holder to support one or several paper bags. The receptacle can be divided into vertical compartments.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

In fig. 1 numeral reference 1 indicates a storage unit which is primarily intended to hold domestic organic waste classified according to kind. However, the unit could also be used to reduce storage nuisance from other types of refuse or from products the storage of which in an aerobic environment is an advantage. The storage unit 1 accordance with fig. 1 consists of an outer receptacle 2 in which a removable insert 6 is positioned. The fundamen- tal idea is in this case that the insert 6 is to be used to convert an already existing outer receptacle in such a manner that it may be used in the performance of one or several of the storage methods in accordance with the in¬ vention. The insert rests on a shoulder or on the recept- acle bottom wall 10. The containers used today for hand¬ ling organic waste are not ventilated at all or to a very limited degree. The storage method in accordance with the invention, on the other hand, are based on the conception that air and gases are to be allowed to enter and/or be emitted from the waste inside the storage unit 1. For this reason, a number of air vents 4 are made in the already existing outer receptacle 2 allowing air to penetrate into the receptacle and air or gases to leave the receptacle. The arrows in this drawing figure illustrate how air penetrates through the air openings or vents 4 at the lower part and travels further through the removable in- sert 6 and also through the perforated bottom wall 10' thereof. Air and gases leave the insert 6, passing through the air openings 4 at the top. The air openings 4 are shown in the drawing as circular inset valves but actually they could also be designed in some other suitable way. In this case apertures are made, for instance by means of a cylinder-blade saw, whereupon the valves are pressed into position. They are retained in position through snap fric¬ tion between the valve and the aperture walls. Preferably, the valves are provided with means for protection against flies and the like, for instance in the form of a fiber fabric or a fine-mesh net. To protect e.g. the fibre fab¬ ric from damages the air vents 4 are provided with protec¬ tion means 9. These could be of plastic or in the form of a metal grid. In accordance with the embodiment shown the protection means 9 preferably are provided with a fibrous fabric which is glued to the inner face of its square pattern.

The waste, usually organic waste, which is deposited in the storage unit 1, lands in the interior of the paper bag 8. Air and gases may pass out or through the paper of the paper bag 8. Because the waste inside the paper bag often is moist the paper bag 8 runs the risk of being wetted through and thus to lose part of its strength. However, this is no problem since the paper bag is sur- rounded by the supporting bag 7, the latter being so con¬ structed, e.g. having a woven or perforated structure, that gas and air are allowed to enter into and/or leave the paper bag through the supporting bag. Some drying-out of the paper bag also occurs in this case. Usually, a supporting bag of synthetic-fiber fabric is used. In other words, the supporting bag is designed in such a manner that it allows emission of air and gases while at the same time it retains its strength, also in a wet condition. The air-permeable supporting bag 7 thus is effective as a lining of the insert 6. It is folded over the upper edge of the insert and clamped in position by means of a thightening strap 28. This is important since upon empty¬ ing only the inner paper bag 8 is to be removed from the insert. The paper bag 8 is folded over the edge of the insert 6 and the supporting bag 7. Before emptying, the paper bag is unfolded form the edge and closed, for in- stance in the manner appearing from figs. 4 and 5.

The insert 6 in accordance with fig. 1 is specially designed for adaption to a specific outer receptacle 2. For instance, the insert could be made from plastics in approximately the same manner as a laundry basket. Norm- ally, it is also anchored to the external receptacle 2 to insure that it remains in position when the receptacle is emptied into a garbage collection vehicle. In such empty¬ ing operations it is also important that the supporting bag 7 is not turned inside out, out of the insert, when the paper bag 8 falls out of the insert. Various methods for attachment of respectively the insert 6 and the sup¬ porting bag 7 appear in closer detail from fig. 2 showing an alternative insert. The latter is of "kit" type and consequently may be adapted to fit different existing outer receptacles 2. This is particularly interesting when the number of existing receptacles of a certain type is too low to warrant the tool costs involved in producing a fully adapted insert in accordance with fig. 1.

Fig. 2 thus shows an insert 6 of kit modell, provided with its matching supporting bag 7. The insert 6 thus com¬ prises three principal components, a base or bottom por¬ tion 10, a supporting bag 7 and a number of supporting legs 12, in the illustrated embodiment in the number of 4. The base 10 is made up of sections in the transversal and longitudinal directions. It is formed with a number of attachment holes 11 for the supporting legs 12. In accord¬ ance with the embodiment shown one or two sections in the longitudinal direction could be removed. Still, attachment holes for the support legs remain. Naturally, there may be a larger number of attachment holes transversally, allow¬ ing also sections to be removed transversally. The inter- faces between the sections are made to allow sections to be cut or sawn off in a simple manner. In this manner it thus becomes possible to adapt the size of the base or bottom portion to fit various, already existing outer receptacles 2. Preferably, the supporting legs 12 are made of a plastics or a metal material, such as aluminium. Each leg is pressed down into its associated attachment hole 11 in the base or bottom portion 10' . By thus pressing each supporting leg into its associated attachment hole 11 alignment of the support legs therewith is achieved. The reason therefore is that the attachment hole is formed with a supporting leg guiding face and is shaped as a blind bore. In other words, the supporting leg is depress¬ ed into engagement with the bottom face of the bore. As an additonal locking measure a screw may be screwed into the leg from underneath the bottom portion or base. The screw preferably is of self-tapping type, abutting against the internal face of the tubular leg. The bottom face of the insert often is provided with a support transferring the weight of the waste to the bottom portion of the outer receptacle, alternatively the bottom portion of the insert is secured to the sides of the receptacle by means of screws or it is supported in straps which are anchored in the upper edge of the outer receptacle. The height of the insert 6 is adjusted to the outer receptacle by cutting the supporting legs 12 to the desired length. Alternativ¬ ely, instead of having a riged base 10', a mesh-type of bottom portion could be used, which is suspended in straps anchored to the upper edge of the receptacle and the length of which may be adjusted. The supporting bag 7 is available in a number of different sizes to allow adopta- tion to outer receptacles 2 of various sizes. The support¬ ing bag 7 is formed with one tunnel 16 for each supporting leg 12. The tunnels are formed by folding the upper edge of the bag in the downwards direction whereupon a seam is produced by gluing or welding on either side of the in¬ tended tunnel. When the insert is used in a receptacle that is emptied it is important the supporting bag 7 is attached to the insert 6 and that in turn the insert 6 is attached to the outer receptacle 2. Emptying into a garbage collec¬ tion vehicle is effected by performing the method describ- ed before. For this purpose the supporting bag 7 is pro¬ vided with a number of attachment loops 13, which are secured in attachments 14 formed in the bottom portion 10. In accordance with the embodiment shown the base 10' is provided with a number of recesses whereby attachment tongues 14 are formed. Each attachment loop 13 is inserted into a suitably positioned attachment tongue 14. In this manner the supporting bag bottom portion is securely an¬ chored to the base 10' of the insert, ensuring that the supporting bag will not be turned inside out during empty- ing operations.

Usually, the same supporting bag 7 may be used over long periods of time, since it is protected by the inner paper bag 8. However, in case the supporting bag should become worn-out or soiled, for instance as a result of the paper bag bursting, it may easily be replaced. In this case the attachment loops 13 are loosened and the support¬ ing bag 17 is pulled upwards and is removed. A fresh supporting bag is then pushed downwards to ensure that each supporting leg 12 is received in its associated tunnel 16, whereupon the attachment loops 13 are secured to the base 10'. The entire insert is then lifted and is positioned inside the outer receptacle 2, as illustrated in fig. 3. The figure also illustrates the manner in which attachment means 15 with which the insert is provided are tightened to the corners of the outer receptacle 2. This tensions the insert itself inside the receptacle. Upon emptying, the insert attachment means 15 prevent the in- sert from falling out of the external receptacle 2 and down into the refuse collection vehicle. Obviously the supporting bag attachment means 13 and the insert attach¬ ment means 15 may be shaped in many different ways, pro- vided that they fill their intended function. Fig. 1 does not show these attachment means for the sake of clarity. But if the storage unit 1 is to be emptied, for instance into a refuse collection vehicle, such means obviously must be provided. The supporting bag could be positioned in the insert and the associated attachment loops 13 be carried through an opening in the square pattern of the insert, close to the bottom thereof. It could then be locked in any suitable way, for instance by being carried around one section of bottom rim 17 on which the insert rests. The bottom rim is made as spaced-apart sections to allow air to enter through the interspaces and to pass further to the perforated base or bottom portion 10' . It is likewise possible to provide the insert 6 with one or several hatches that could be opened or removed. In this case they are preferably positioned at the bottom portion or close to the bottom portion of the insert and they simplify the handling of the supporting bag 7 and the locking of the latter to the insert. To secure the insert 6 to the outer receptacle 2 it is preferable to use an attachment device positioned at a high level in the asso¬ ciated receptacle. This makes it more comfortable to handle the device. For instance screws threaded through the outer receptacle 2 could cooperate with matching holes in the insert 6. It has also proved possible to attach the supporting bag 7 directly to the inner faces of the outer receptacle 2 or the insert 6 without using the base or bottom portion 10' on which the supporting bag rests. In this case no base 10' and supporting legs 2 are provided. In this case attachment wires or loops on the supporting bag, similar to the insert attachments 15 according to fig. 2 are carried through a number of holes provided in the side wall of the outer receptacle 2 or the insert 6 and are secured in position. This means that the supporting bag is suspended, preferably without touching the bottom of the outer receptacle or the insert 6. A thin wire is prefer- ably arranged between the supporting bag 7 and the bottom portion 10, 10' of the receptacle of the insert to prevent the supporting bag 7 from being turned inside out when the receptacle 2 is emptied. In addition, the outer receptacle or the insert can be formed with one or several, laterally delimited compartments. One example of this arrangement is shown in fig. 7, in which an imaginary partition wall is indicated in dash-and-dot lines. In this case a supporting bag 7 may be attached in each compartment in the manner described above. Each compartment is provided with a paper bag which is attached to the bag holder 24. The latter could for instance be made from a coarse metal wire, as illustrated in fig. 7. The bag holder essentially com¬ prises two parallel portions 25, 26 extending transversely across the receptacle opening, and each portion is formed with a number of depressions 27. When the partition wall shown is used, a larger paper bag 8 is attached in the front compartment and a smaller one in the rear compart¬ ment. Organic waste could then be deposited in the smaller bag and other refuse in the larger one. Obviously, the outer receptacle 2 could be formed without a partition wall and the partition wall instead be provided in an insert 6. At one of its ends, the bag holder is articulated to the outer receptacle, preferably to the same articulation joint as the receptacle lid 3. Before emptying, the paper bags 8 are detached from the bag holder 24 and the latter is folded away together with the lid so as not to intefere with the emptying operation. The bag holder could be formed with a larger number of depressions 27 than is illustrated in the drawing figure. This makes it possible to use one or several paper bags of various sizes. In the example shown paper bags of three various sizes could be used, for instance, provided there is no partition wall. As illustrated in fig. 3 the outer receptacle is formed on its front face with an attachment device allow¬ ing automatic emptying of the receptacle. The attachment device could be designed in many different ways but in the case illustrated it is in the form of a transverse stay 19 bridging a depressed portion 18 of the front wall. Owing to this arrangement a hook in the gripper device can en¬ gage the transverse stay 19. For reasons of clarity no lid is shown in this drawing figure but normally a lid is used. It is attached to the rear of the receptacle, above the wheels, just like in accordance with the alternative in Fig. 1. In this way the lid will be out of the way during the automatic emptying into the refuse collection vehicle. Figs 4 and 5 illustrates an inner paper bag 8 pro¬ vided with a special closure strap 20. As appears from fig. 1 the paper bag is positioned inside the supporting bag 7 and its upper marginal portion is folded over the edge of the insert 6. When it is time for disposal of the bag the marginal portion of the paper bag is unfolded and removed from the insert edge and the marginal portion of the bag is then rolled over. The closure strap is then carried over the rolled-over marginal portion of the bag to ensure the closed position of the latter. The closure strap 20 has a predetermined length and its two end por¬ tions are attached to the paper bag 8. Preferably, the strap attachment is approximately vertically as illustrat¬ ed in the drawings. Preferably, the closure strap is made from a paper material just like the bag 8. This means that it will decompose as rapidly as the bag itself. Owing to the closure strap 20 the paper bag may be closed and seal¬ ed in a simple and safe manner. Owing to the closure the waste remains inside the bag during the entire emptying process, which reduces the sanitary risks to which the re- fuse collectors are exposed. Fig. 6 illustrates a storage unit 1 which is speci¬ ally designed and manufactured for the storage method in accordance with the invention. It is designed so as not to require an insert 6 and merely consists of an outer re- ceptacle 2. The receptacle could for instance be manufac¬ tured from expanded metal, which offers the advantage of preventing rodents and other animals from gnawing holes in the container. However, it is likewise possible to make the receptacle from plastic, provided that it is made to ensure that it cannot be damaged by rodents and other ani¬ mals. Preferably, the receptacle has a round cross-sec¬ tional shape since this configuration agrees with the basic configuration of the supporting bag 7. In the case of round receptacles it also becomes particularly simple to manufacture the turnable lid 3 illustrated in the draw¬ ing figure. The lid is in the conventional manner articu¬ lated to a lid attachment 21. The latter is in turn slid- ably secured to a supporting profile member 22 which is secured around the receptacle. In the drawing figure the carrier profile member 22 is in the shape of T-profile but obviously other shapes are conceivable. Owing to this arrangement the lid thus may be rotated around the recept¬ acle 2. Normally, the wheels and the lid attachment are both positioned or the same side of the receptacle 2. This means that the receptacle must be turned when put in posi¬ tion or else the lid will be in the way when the refuse is to be deposited inside the receptacle. Owing to the dis- placeable lid attachment 21 however, the lid need only be rotated over half a turn, which obviously is a more simple operation that turning the entire receptacle 2.

This eliminates the drawback found in the receptacles of today, where the receptacle need to be turned over 180° on the site of use, on the one hand in connection with the collection and on the other in connection with replacing the receptacleto the site of use. In accordance with the new arrangement the receptacle will be ready for emptying by merely turning the lid over 180°. When the receptacle has been emptied the lid is again rotated over 180° and the receptacle is then ready for refilling. The lid may be blocked in its "emptying" and "refilling" positions re¬ spectively. The new arrangement also provides for improved usage of available container volume. The above mentioned advantage in handling could also be obtained if the unit were to be provided with an additional lid, formed in the ordinary lid and attached by means of a pivot shaft which considerably deviates from the pivot shaft of the ordinary lid. This lid is then used when refuse is to be filled into the container whereas the larger lid is used only during emptying operations. Its pivot shaft is then posi¬ tioned to allow collection and emptying to be effected in a simple manner. For mechanical emptying into collection vehicles, certain reinforcements and fittings adapted to the lifting devices on the collection vehicles are required. These reinforcements and fittings are not shown in the drawing figure since they are without importance to illustrate the principles of the new storage unit. Just like in earlier cases an attachment is required, for instance including attachment loops 13, to fasten the lower portion of the supporting bag 7 to the outer receptacle 2. In mechanical emptying, an attachment device 19 similar to the one in fig. 3 may be required. The attachment of the bags to the upper portion of the receptacle is for instance effected in the same way as in the case of the insert in accordance with fig. 1.

On the other hand, when the storage unit 1 is to be used for local composting no such lower attachment of the support bag 7 is required. Nor are rotatable lid or wheels required. On the other hand, an openable hatch 23 is required in the lower portion of the receptacle. Through the opening thus exposed when the hatch 23 is opened or removed the lowermost, closed supporting bag with the paper bag positioned inside should be removed and trans¬ ported to post-composting. Alternatively, the upper part of the storage unit could be lifted away from a separate bottom member, when the lowermost supporting bag is re¬ moved. The aspects of ventilation of the waste described in connection with the previous drawings figures obviously apply also in this case. Alternatively, two or several storage units could be used for composting, in the case of larger amounts of waste. In this case it is more rational to manufacture the outer, ventilated container with a conical shape and a separate bottom member. Upon emptying, the outer container is lifted off the separate, perforated bottom part and the supporting bag with its paper bags deposited inside and pre-composted waste is closed and transported to a suitable place for post-composting, for instance adjacent the garden plot. The fundamental principle of the storage methods in accordance with the invention is to provide satisfactory ventilation of the waste. For this reason all embodiments show a ventilated bottom member. Obviously a non-ventilat¬ ed bottom or base could be used but then the method does not work as satisfactorily, e.g. because of the risk that the bottom wall of the paper bag will absorb such large amounts of liquid that it will burst. In addition, the attachments of the supporting bag at the top and the bottom thereof could be effected in many various ways within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A storage unit (1) to be used to reduce nuisance from its contents, for instance from organic domestic waste sorted according to kind, said unit comprising an outer receptacle (2), usually provided with at least one openable lid (3), and a bottom member (10), c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the outer receptacle (2) is pro- vided with a number of air vents (4) to allow circulation of air in the receptacle interior, and further with a suspension device (5) which is attached to the recept¬ acle (2) or is in the form of a separate insert (6) in¬ corporating said suspension device (5), said suspension device allowing attachment of on the one hand at least one outer supporting bag (7) and on the other at least one inner paper bag (8) in such a manner that when the lid (3) has been opened organic waste may be deposited inside the paper bag (8) which is enclosed and is supported by the supporting bag (7), the latter being constructed in a manner, for instance by having a woven or perforated structure, to allow air and gases to enter into and/or leave the paper bag through said supporting bag.

2. A storage unit as claimed in claim 1, c h a r - a c t e r i z e d in that the air vents (4) in the outer receptacle (2) are provided with means for protection against flies and the like, for instance in the form of a fabric or a net.

3. A storage unit as claimed in claim 2, c h a r - a c t e r i z e d in that protection means (9) are arranged externally of the air vents (4) to protect e.g. the fabric against damages, which protection means (9) may be made from plastics or be in the form of a metal grid.

4. A storage unit as claimed in claims 1-3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that at least one air vent (4) is in the form of an inset valve which is pressed into position in a round aperture and is retained through snap action between the valve and the wall of the aperture.

5. A storage unit as claimed in claim 1-4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the separate insert (6) including the suspension device (5) is arranged in such a way that once it has been introduced into the receptacle (2) it rests on a shoulder or on the bottom member (10) of the receptacle (2), whereby the insert (6) can be provided with bags (7, 8) and then be lifted into the outer receptacle.

6. A storage unit as claimed in any one of the pre- ceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the outer receptacle (2) is formed with one or several later¬ ally delimited compartments, or in that the insert (6) is formed with such compartments, whereby each compartment in the outer receptacle (2) or the insert (6) may be provided with supporting bags and paper bags (7, 8), allowing waste to be deposited in several pairs of bags (7, 8).

7. A storage unit as claimed in any one of the pre¬ ceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the sus¬ pension device (5) is configured in such a way that the upper edge of the respective supporting bag (7) is attach¬ ed directly to the inner faces of the outer receptacle (2) or the insert (6) by means of a number of attachment means, for instance by means of attachment wires or loops on the supporting bag which are passed through a number of holes formed in the side wall of the outer receptacle (2) or the insert (6) and are secured in position, such that each supporting bag is suspended, preferably without touching the associated bottom member, and an attachment, for instance a thin wire, is provided between the support- ing bag and the bottom member such that the supporting bag (7) will not be turned inside out when the receptacle (2) is being emptied.

8. A storage unit as claimed in any one of the pre¬ ceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the sus- pension device (5) for at least one paper bag (8) is con¬ figured as a bag holder (24), which is articulated at one of its ends to the receptacle (2), preferably to the same pivot shaft as the lid (3) of the receptacle, and in that said bag holder (24) comprises two essentially parallel sections (25, 26) which extend transversely across the receptacle opening, and in that each portion is provided with a number of depressions (27), allowing one or several paper bags (8) of different sizes to be attached to the bag holder (24) by folding part of the upper marginal por¬ tion of the bag over projecting portions, separated by two depressions, in the associated parallel portions (25, 26) of the bag holder.

9. A storage unit as claimed in any one of the pre¬ ceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the unit is provided with an additional lid formed in the ordinary lid, and in that the additional lid is articulated to the ordinary lid by means of a pivot shaft which deviates con¬ siderably from the pivot shaft of the ordinary lid, where¬ by collection and emptying of said receptacle considerably facilitated.

10. A storage unit as claimed in claim 5, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the insert (6) is pro¬ vided with supporting legs (12) extending vertically down¬ wards, or is configured in such a way that part of said insert (6) results in a corresponding operational posi¬ tion, whereby insertion of bags into the insert (6) is considerably facilitated.

11. A storage unit as claimed in claim 10, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the insert has a base (10') on which the supporting bag (7) rests.

12. A storage unit as claimed in claim 11, c h a r - a c t e r i z e d in that the insert (6) is of kit-type and consists of a base (10' ), which is formed with separ¬ able sections in at least one of its extensions and is provided with a plurality of securement apertures (11) for the supporting legs (12), which legs may be cut to the desired length, whereby the height, length and/or width of the insert could be easily adjusted to outer, already existing receptacles (2).

13. A storage unit as claimed in claim 12, c h a r ¬ a c t e r i z e d in that the insert (6) is formed with a mesh bottom wall, which is suspended in straps anchored to the upper edge of the outer receptacle (2) and the length of which may be adjusted.

14. A storage unit as claimed in any one of the pre¬ ceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the insert (6) is provided with an attachment device (15) allowing it to be attached to the outer receptacle (2) to prevent the insert from being pulled out of the receptacle (2) without the attachment device having first been loosene .

15. A storage unit as claimed in any one of the pre¬ ceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the outer receptacle (2) is provided with a suspension device (5), for instance in the form of a tightening strap, which is positioned below an outwardly folded upper edge of the receptacle (2) and the receptacle is provided with a carrier profile member (22) to which a lid attachment mem- ber (21) is slidably secured to allow the lid (3) to be rotated.

16. A storage unit as claimed in any one of the pre¬ ceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the inner paper bag (8) is provided with a closure strap (20) both ends of which are attached to the paper bag (8) so as to permit the bag (8) to be easily closed by means of said strap (20).

17. A method of handling waste, such as organic domestic waste, in order to reduce nuisance from said waste, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by depositing the waste, preferably enclosed in paper bags, in a storage unit (1), the latter consisting of an inner paper bag (8) surrounded by a supporting bag (7), the latter in turn being sur¬ rounded by an outer receptacle (2), and possibly an insert (6), and said supporting bag (7), said receptacle (2) and said insert (6) are formed in such a manner as to allow air and gases to enter and/or leave said paper bag through the supporting bag, and by securing said supporting bag (7) at its lower portion to said outer receptacle (2), directly or via said insert (6), and by closing said inner paper bag (8) prior to emptying, so as to assure that upon emptying, for instance into a refuse collection vehicle, said paper bag slides out of said supporting bag which is not turned inside out.

18. A method of handling waste, such as organic domestic waste, in order to reduce nuisance from said waste, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by depositing said waste, preferably enclosed in a paper container, in a storage unit (1), said storage unit consisting of an inner paper bag (8) which is surrounded by a supporting bag (7) which in turn is surrounded by an outer receptacle (2), the latter being provided with an openable portion (23), or else the receptacle (2) is formed with a separate bottom wall so to allow the entire upper part of said receptacle to be lifted off, and said supporting bag (7), said receptacle(2) and said insert (6) are designed to allow air and gases to enter into and/or leave said paper bag via said supporting bag, and when said paper bag (8) is approximately half filled it is rolled into said supporting bag (7) which is detached from its suspension and closed, whereafter it rests on the bottom wall of said receptacle (2), whereupon a fresh supporting bag (7) to¬ gether with an inner paper bag (8) is attached to the receptacle and rests on top of the earlier bag, and when said fresh bag (7) is half filled, said openable portion (23) is opened and the lower bag is transported away to be composted, for instance in the garden, and its contents are decomposed after approximately one year, so that the supporting bag (7) may be reused. Alternatively, instead of an openable portion (23) a separate bottom member may be used and a continuous upper portion with a lid thereon. Upon emptying the upper portion is then lifted away and the supporting bag with its contents are removed for post- composting.