WO2004083076A2

WO2004083076A2 - Waste processing apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2004083076A2
Application number: PCT/GB2004/001166
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Alun Phillips
Original assignee: Stephen Alun Phillips
Priority date: 2003-03-18
Filing date: 2004-03-18
Publication date: 2004-09-30
Also published as: GB0306125D0; WO2004083076A3; GB2400050A; GB0406086D0

Abstract

A waste processing apparatus (1) comprising a plurality of waste-receiving compartments (2a-d) and a waste processor (8), wherein the waste processor and the plurality of waste-receiving compartments are movable relative to each other from a first position in which waste from one of the plurality of waste-receiving compartments may be transferred to the waste processor to a second position in which waste from another of the plurality of waste-receiving compartments may be transferred to the waste processor. The waste processor may, for example, be a shredder or a compressor.

Description

Waste processing apparatus

The present invention relates to a waste processing apparatus, particularly, but not exclusively, to one that can be used in a domestic setting.

It has become highly desirable, and in some countries a legal requirement, to separate waste such that at least some of the waste may be re-used or recycled. For this purpose, containers have been made with multiple compartments, each compartment being designated for a particular type of waste, such as plastics, glass, metal, paper and organic material. Once full, the compartment is emptied. This is problematical in that many items have a low mass and a high volume (such as plastics bottles, cardboard boxes) and the compartments may become filled very quickly and thus require regular emptying, which is undesirable.

The present invention, at least in one aspect of the invention, seeks to reduce some or all of the problems associated with the above-mentioned prior art.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a waste processing apparatus comprising a plurality of waste-receiving compartments and a waste processor, wherein the waste processor and the plurality of waste-receiving compartments are movable relative to each other from a first position in which waste from one of the plurality of waste-receiving compartments may be transferred to the waste processor to a second position in which waste from another of the plurality of waste-receiving compartments may be transferred to the waste processor. Waste processors of the prior art have previously been used to increase the mass of waste that may be loaded into a given receptacle. In accordance with a typical waste processor of the prior art, a single waste processor unit is mounted in a fixed position over a single receptacle. Thus, in accordance with this prior art, if multiple receptacles were to receive shredded waste, a separate waste processor would need to be provided over each receptacle . Such an arrangement would be expensive to purchase and maintain, would require a lot of power to drive the waste processors and potentially would occupy a large space, given the need for multiple waste processors. In contrast, a waste processing apparatus of the present invention provides a power and space-efficient waste-processing apparatus.

The waste processor is preferably arranged to process waste so that it occupies less volume for a given mass . For example, the waste processor may be a shredder which may shred, cut or grind the waste, preferably into many separate smaller pieces. It will be understood that the waste processor is advantageously, but not necessarily, arranged to cut waste into shreds. The waste processor may be a compactor or crusher which reduces the volume of a given mass of waste by the application of pressure to the waste. The waste processor may act as both shredder and compactor.

The waste processor is conveniently provided with an inlet region arranged such that a waste-receiving compartment may be selectively moved to be in communication with the inlet region, thus permitting the transfer of waste from the compartment to the waste processor via the inlet region. The waste-processing apparatus may be arranged such that each of the plurality of waste-receiving compartments is movable into the first position in which waste may be transferred to the waste processor. This allows the contents of all of the movable compartments to be shredded. Alternatively, at least one of the plurality of waste- receiving components may be inhibited from being moved into the first position. This may be beneficial for certain types of waste that it may not be desirable to shred (e.g. metal, glass) in situations where the shredded waste may provide a health or safety hazard or where the waste may cause damage to the waste processor. Preferably, the apparatus is so arranged that when a given waste-receiving compartment is in a position that permits the transfer of waste from the compartment to the waste processor, all of the other waste- receiving compartments are positioned such that waste transferral to the waste processor is restricted and more preferably prevented.

The apparatus may comprise a static waste-receiving container that is isolated from the waste processor and is immovable relative to the waste processor. This provides an additional compartment for the storage of waste that is not to be shredded.

The apparatus is preferably arranged such that the waste processor is fixed in position relative to the immediate surroundings and the plurality of waste-receiving compartments are movably mounted relative to the waste processor. The apparatus preferably comprises a first carousel, wherein the plurality of waste-receiving compartments are mountable on the first carousel. This allows the waste-receiving compartments to be rotated into communication with the waste processor and provides a convenient and spatially efficient way of carrying the waste-receiving compartments.

It is preferred that the apparatus comprises a means of urging waste to the waste processor. This provides efficient waste processing and reduces the likelihood of the user trying to urge manually any waste to the waste processor, a process beset with safety problems. The means for urging waste to the waste processor may comprise a piston. The piston may be operable between a retracted position in which the plurality of waste-receiving compartments are movable from the first position to the second position and an extended position in which it urges waste to the waste processor.

Alternatively, or additionally, the means for urging waste to the waste processor may comprise a pump, preferably a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump may be operable to cause a pressure differential that causes fluid flow in a direction from a waste receiving compartment to the waste processor, for example by causing a pressure drop downstream of the waste processor. A pump may preferably be arranged so as, in use, to provide movement of fluid onto the waste processor so as to urge waste away from a processing surface of the waste processor. This reduces the amount of waste attached to the processing surface of the waste processor, thus improving processing efficiency and reducing the likelihood of having to remove the waste processor from the apparatus for cleaning or servicing. The pump may provide a stream of gas, preferably air, onto the waste processor.

It is preferred that the apparatus further comprises a waste-collection receptacle locatable such that waste that has passed through the waste processor enters the waste- collection receptacle. Such a receptacle may include a bin or open-ended drum. Such a receptacle may be provided with a disposable or re-usable liner, such as a plastic bag.

It is further preferred that the apparatus comprises a plurality of waste-collection receptacles, the apparatus being so arranged that each waste-collection receptacle and the waste processor are movable relative to each other so that waste may pass from one of the waste-receiving compartments via the waste processor to one of the waste- collection receptacles. This allows the separation of different types of processed waste.

Advantageously, the apparatus comprises a second carousel, wherein the plurality of movable waste collection receptacles are mountable on said second carousel. The first and second carousels may be mounted for movement together. This allows the waste-collection receptacles to be rotated into communication with the waste processor and provides a convenient and spatially efficient way of carrying the waste-collection receptacles.

Preferably, at least until emptying of the waste-collection receptacles, each waste-collection receptacle is associated with at least one, and preferably only one, of the waste- receiving compartments. Thus, it is preferred, for example, that each of the plurality of waste-receiving compartments that is movable so as to be in the first position in which waste may be transferred to the waste processor is provided with a corresponding waste-collection receptacle. This provides simple and efficient separation of waste before and after processing. In this case, it is further preferred that the corresponding waste collection receptacles are held in register with the plurality of waste-receiving compartments. Preferably, the apparatus is arranged such that when one of the plurality of waste-receiving compartments is moved so that waste may pass from it to the waste processor, the waste-collection receptacle corresponding to said one of the plurality of waste-receiving compartments is in position to receive waste from the waste processor. The first and second carousels may be mounted for movement together to facilitate this arrangement.

The apparatus may be provided with a waste-collection container that is arranged to receive waste from a waste- receiving compartment without the waste passing via the waste processor. A movable plate may be provided that selectively allows or prevents communication between the waste-collection container and the or each waste-receiving compartment associated therewith. This allows the user to determine whether waste should be transferred to the waste- collection container.

A housing may be provided that surrounds the waste receiving compartments and/or the waste collection receptacles. Thus, the apparatus may exist as a standalone apparatus, such as a domestic or industrial bin. The apparatus may alternatively be incorporated into a worktop or work surface, in which it may be desirable to provide a housing only to the waste collection receptacles, for example.

The housing may be provided with an aperture through which at least one of the waste-receiving compartments and the waste-collection receptacles may be removed from the waste processing apparatus. This facilitates removal and emptying of these components. The housing may be provided with an aperture through which at least one of the waste-receiving compartments may be removed from the waste processing apparatus and an aperture through which at least one of the waste-collection receptacles may be removed from the waste processing apparatus. This allows simple removal of both types of component. It is preferred that at least one of the apertures is provided with a movable cover that is operable between a closed position that inhibits removal of the respective waste receiving compartment or waste collection receptacle and an open position that allows removal of the respective waste receiving compartment or waste collection receptacle.

The apparatus may further comprise a fill sensor for determining the fill level of the waste-collection receptacle that is deployed to receive waste from the waste processor. The fill sensor is preferably in communication with the waste processor such that if the level of waste in the waste-collection receptacle that is deployed to receive waste from the waste processor is above a pre-determined level, then the waste processor will be inactivated. This prevents overloading of a waste-collection receptacle and prevents unwanted spillage of waste material and potential blocking of the waste processor. One or more of the waste-receiving compartments may be provided with a cover movable between an open position for admitting waste into the waste-receiving compartment and a closed position. The apparatus may be provided with a cover sensor for determining whether the cover is in the closed position. The cover sensor is preferably in communication with the waste processor such that if the cover is not in the closed position, then the waste processor will be inactivated. This prevents unwanted spillage of waste material and access to the operating waste processor.

In the case where the waste processor is a shredder, then it is preferred that the shredder is capable of shredding two or more of plastics materials, paper, cardboard and household organic waste. It is preferred that the shredder is capable of shredding plastics material and cardboard because waste articles made from these materials are, when unprocessed, typically of high volume and low mass. The plastics material may comprise household plastics waste, such as drinks bottles, food cartons and detergent bottles. The plastics materials may typically comprise any of polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) , high density polyethylene (HDPE) , low density polyethylene (LDPE) , polypropylene (PP) , polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl polymers (such as PVC, PVB, EVA) .

It is preferred that the waste processor is secured to a mounting that is easily removed from the waste processing apparatus. This allows the waste processor to be removed safely from the apparatus, minimising the risk to the handler of the waste processor. It also facilitates easy removal for cleaning, servicing or replacement.

In the case where the waste processor is a shredder, the shredder may comprise a movable shredder surface and a static surface, the shredder surface and the static surface being mutually spaced such that the movable shredder surface exerts an action capable of shredding on waste entering the space between the shredder surface and the static surface.

Alternatively, the shredder may comprise two mutually spaced movable shredder surfaces arranged such that the movable shredder surfaces exert an action capable of shredding on waste entering the space between the two shredder surfaces .

Any of the static surface and the shredder surfaces may be associated with a resilient member that urges the said surface or surfaces into a shredding position. The or each shredder surface may be formed as part of a longitudinally extending shredder member, having first and second ends.

The shredder surface may be arranged so that, in use, waste is urged in a direction away from the ends of the longitudinally extending shredder member. It is further preferred that, in use, waste is urged towards a point between the first and second ends, preferably approximately midway between the first and second ends.

It is preferred that the shredder is provided with a plurality of guide members that, in use, urge waste away from one of the first and second ends of the shredder member. The guide members preferably extend along the shredder member in a spiral-like manner. It is preferred that at least one guide member is provided with a corresponding guide member, wherein the at least one guide member extends from the first end of the shredder member and the corresponding guide member extends from the second end of the shredder member, the at least one guide member and the corresponding guide member meeting between the first and second ends to form a shape substantially in the form of a "V" in the region where they meet. It is preferred that the at least one guide member and the corresponding guide member meet approximately equidistant between the first and second ends. It is preferred that at least one of the guide members is formed by a cutting member for shredding waste. It is preferred that more than one, more preferably at least half, and most preferably substantially all, of the guide members is/are formed by a cutting member.

It is preferred that the waste processor is provided with a motor for driving the waste processor. The apparatus may be provided with a drive-shaft arrangement that directly drives the waste processor, or the apparatus may further be provided with gearing between the drive shaft and the waste processor. The gearing may be fixed ratio or variable. It is preferred that that gearing is such that the torque of the waste processor is higher than if no gearing were provided. For example, a gearing ratio of more than 2:1, for example, a ratio of 3:1 may be provided such that for each rotation of the drive shaft there is less than a full rotation of the waste processor drive gear.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shredder comprising a first shredding surface and a shredding member having a second shredding surface, the shredding member comprising a rotatable longitudinally extending shredder body having first and second ends, the body being provided with a plurality of cutting members, wherein the first shredding surface and the shredding member are mutually spaced such that, in use, waste entering the space therebetween is subjected to an action capable of shredding waste, wherein the shredder body comprises a plurality of guide members which, in use, urge waste in a direction away from either or both of the first and second ends to a point between the first and second ends .

Such an arrangement reduces the likelihood of shredded waste from missing an underlying receptacle.

It is preferred that, in use, waste is urged in a direction away from both the first and second ends towards a point between the first and second ends. It is preferred that, in use, waste is urged towards a mid-point approximately equidistant from the first and second ends. This further decreases the likelihood of shredded waste from missing an underlying receptacle.

It is preferred that the guide members are formed by the cutting members. This allows the cutting members to shred the waste and urge the waste towards the desired point along the shredding member. It is preferred that at least one guide member is associated with a corresponding guide member, wherein the at least one guide member extends from the first end of the shredder member and the corresponding guide member extends from the second end of the shredder member, the at least one guide member and the corresponding guide member meeting between the first and second ends to form a shape substantially in the form of a "V" in the region where they meet. It is preferred that the at least one guide member and the corresponding guide member meet approximately equidistant between the first and second ends. The guide members preferably extend along the shredder member in a spiral-like manner. This provides an efficient configuration for moving the waste away from the ends of the shredder.

It is preferred that the shredder body is substantially cylindrical .

The first shredding surface may comprise a static surface, for example that associated with a housing that contains the shredding member. Alternatively, the first shredding surface may be a movable surface, such as one provided by a second shredder member, which may be the same or different to the shredder member mentioned above. The second shredder member is preferably arranged to counter-rotate with respect to the first shredder member. One or both of the first shredding surface and the first shredder member may be associated with a resilient member that urges the respective surface into a shredding position.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a shredder member suitable for use as the shredder member in the shredder of the second aspect of the present invention. The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures of which: Figure la is an exploded view of an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure lb is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure la when mounted inside a housing;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a cross-section through the shredding arrangement used in the embodiment of Figure la; and Figure 3 is a perspective view of the shredder member used in the embodiment of Figure la .

Figure la shows an exploded view of a waste-processing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The waste processing apparatus 1 comprises four waste-receiving compartments 2a-d, each essentially comprising a metal cylinder. Waste-receiving compartments 2a-c are open at both ends and waste-receiving compartment 2d is open at one end and closed at the other for reasons given below. The waste-receiving compartments 2a-d are mounted on an upper carousel 5. The upper carousel 5 is provided with an upper carousel aperture for each compartment 2a-c, one of which is shown (5c) . The upper carousel 5 is connected to a spindle 4 the rotation of which causes the upper carousel 5 to rotate, thus moving the waste-receiving compartments 2a-d associated with the upper carousel 5. A steel plate 6 comprising an aperture 7 is provided below the upper carousel 5. The aperture 7 permits waste contained in the waste-receiving compartment located above the aperture 7 to fall into the shredder 8 comprising a shredder member 8' disposed within a housing 12. The upper carousel 5 is arranged such that any one of waste-receiving compartments 2a-c may be moved into communication with the aperture 7. Waste receiving compartment 2d is intended for the receipt and collection of glass and metal, the shredding of which may damage the shredder 8 and would create dangerously sharp shards of metal and glass . When one of the waste-receiving compartments 2a-c is rotated so that it is above the aperture 7, then waste in the respective waste- receiving compartment 2a-c falls into the shredder 8. A piston 13 with a piston head 14 is located above the respective waste-receiving compartment 2a-c that is in communication with the shredder 8. When one of the waste- receiving compartments 2a-c is in position, the piston 13 is activated to urge waste into the shredder 8. The piston head 14 is movable between a retracted position in which rotation of the upper carousel 5 is permitted and an extended position in which the piston head 14 enters the respective waste-receiving compartment 2a-c so that waste is urged into the shredder 8. The shredder 8, which is described in more detail below, is driven by a drive shaft 10 powered by a motor 9. The drive shaft 10 may drive the shredder 8 directly or may be provided with gears that may be chosen to provide the appropriate shredding torque . The motor 9 and piston 13 are conveniently electrically connected such that the activation of a single switch (not visible) causes both the shredder 8 and piston 13 to operate. This may, of course, be adapted such that the shredder 8 and piston 13 are actuatable separately by separate switches. The piston head 14 is moved to the retracted position when the piston 13 is turned-off so that rotation of the upper carousel 5 may take place. Waste urged into the shredder 8 is shredded and falls into one of the three waste-collection receptacles 3a-c located beneath the plate 6. The waste-collection receptacles 3a-c, which are steel cylinders with one open end for the receipt of shredded waste and a closed end, are mounted on a lower carousel 11 that is connected to the spindle 4 such that rotation of the spindle 4 causes rotation of the lower carousel 11 such that one of the waste-collection receptacles 3a-c may be moved into a position to receive waste from the shredder. Each waste-collection receptacle 3a-c is associated with a corresponding waste-receiving compartment 2a-c such that each waste-collection receptacle 3a-c is located directly underneath the corresponding waste- receiving compartment 2a-c. Movement of spindle 4 causes rotation of the upper carousel 5 and rotation of the lower carousel 11 so that one of the waste-receiving compartments 2a-c (2c, for example) is in communication with the shredder, and the corresponding waste-collection receptacle (3c, for example) is located so as to receive shredded waste .

When a desired amount of waste has been shredded, the shredder 8 and piston 13 are turned-off. This allows a user to then rotate the upper 5 and lower 11 carousels so that waste in a different waste-receiving compartment 2a-c may be shredded.

The waste-receiving compartments 2a-d and the waste- collection receptacles 3a-c are removable from the upper 5 and lower 11 carousels respectively so that they may be cleaned, emptied and/or replaced. Referring to Figures la and lb, the waste processing apparatus 1 further comprises a housing 17 and cover 18 which provide a protective shell for the apparatus. The cover 18 is provided with four cover apertures 15a-d each of which is in communication with a respective waste-receiving compartment 2a-d such that waste deposited through a cover aperture 15a-d is deposited in the corresponding waste- receiving compartment 2a-d. The cover 18 is arranged such that rotation of the spindle 4 causes the cover 18 to rotate, along with the upper carousel 5. This ensures that, even on rotation of the upper carousel 5, any given cover aperture 15a-d is in communication with its corresponding waste-receiving compartment 2a-d. This simplifies separation of waste for the user. The piston 13 is located in a piston housing 16 that is spaced slightly apart from the cover 18 so that the cover 18 may rotate underneath the piston housing 16. In the present configuration, cover aperture 15c provides a path for the piston head 14 to enter waste- receiving compartment 2c.

It is, of course, quite possible for the cover 18 not to be rotatable along with the upper carousel 5 i.e. the upper carousel 5 rotates relative to the cover 18. In this case, the cover apertures 15a-d would not always be associated with the same waste-receiving compartment 2a-d. In this case, it is highly preferable to provide the apparatus with user- identifiable means of discriminating between the waste- receiving compartments 2a-d so that waste does not become missorted. This may be achieved by providing markings on a rotatable section of the housing 17 that is associated with the spindle 4 that shows the respective positions of the waste-receiving compartments 2a-d. The housing 17 is provided with an upper door 19 and a lower door 19' . The upper door 19 allows waste receiving compartment 2d (that provided for glass and metal) to be removed and emptied, but also facilitates the removal of the other waste-receiving compartments 2a-c if necessary. Lower door 19' allows any of waste collection receptacles 3a-c to be removed and emptied. As an alternative, or in addition to the upper door 19, the plate 6 may be provided with a bore therethrough, which is closable with a movable cover. Operation of the cover (preferably from the exterior of the housing 17) would allow waste in the waste-receiving compartment 2d to pass through the bore into a waste collection receptacle below. This receptacle would be removable via lower door 19' . In this case, waste receiving compartment 2d would be provided with two open ends and an aperture would be provided in upper carousel 5 such that waste may be transferred from waste receiving compartment 2d to the waste collection receptacle below.

In the present case, each of the waste-receiving compartments 2a-d corresponds to a particular type of waste; paper, organic and cardboard, metal and glass, and plastics materials. This enables efficient sorting, processing and recycling. This, however, does not have to be the case; for example, two or more of the waste-receiving compartments 2a- d may be provided for one type of material. For example, a waste-receiving compartment may be provided for a particular type of plastics material (e.g. PET or vinyl materials) .

The piston 13 may be replaced by any other means for urging the waste into the shredder 8. For example, a vacuum pump could be used. The vacuum pump would cause air to flow through the waste-receiving compartment located above the shredder 8 so that waste in the waste-receiving compartment would be drawn into the shredder 8. The pump may conveniently be located near the motor 9 of the apparatus of the present embodiment. The use of a vacuum pump also allows air to be passed over the shredding surface of the shredder 8 in order to remove debris therefrom. This helps to increase the period of time between cleaning, servicing and/or replacement. Furthermore, the use of a vacuum pump may be favourable over the use of a piston because it is may be simpler to site a pump in the apparatus than it is to site a piston.

The apparatus of the present invention comprises a housing to enable the apparatus to be free-standing. Alternatively, it may be desirable to mount the apparatus integrally into a facility such as a kitchen unit.

The shredder 8 used in the embodiment of Figure la is now described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Referring to Figure la, the shredder 8 comprises a shredder member 8' disposed within a shredder housing 12. The shredder housing 12 is easily removable from the apparatus so that servicing, cleaning or replacement of the shredder member 8' is relatively simple. Referring to Figure 2, the shredder housing 12 is provided with a backplate 23 that is contoured such that waste delivered to the shredder 8 is directed towards a gap 22 defined by the backplate 23 and the shredder member 8' . The backplate 23 is resiliently mounted, being urged into position by a spring (not shown) The backplate 23 is therefore movable against the action of the spring such that the size of the gap 22 between the backplate 23 and the adjacent shredding surface is variable between minimum and maximum values. The minimum distance is determined, inter alia, by the design of the shredder member 8' , the material that is to be shredded and the size of shredded pieces required. Furthermore, a smaller gap will be more prone to jamming. The resilient mounting allows the gap 22 to be increased when a non-shreddable object, or one that may cause damage to the shredder 8, is passed into the shredder 8. The force constant of the spring will determine the force with which objects are urged onto the shredder member 8' . If this force is too high, then objects that are potentially damaging to the shredder member 8' will be urged onto the shredder member 8' and the object subjected to a shredding action that may damage one or both of the shredder member 8' and the object. Conversely, if the force of the spring is too low, then objects that are required to be shredded may not be subjected to a sufficiently rigorous shredding action.

The maximum gap between the backplate 23 and the adjacent part of the shredder member 8' and the force of the spring are chosen so that a given foreign body introduced into the shredder 8, such as a piece of cutlery, that is potentially damaging to the shredder member 8' would not be subjected to a rigorous shredding action, and thus the likelihod of significant damage occurring to one or both of the shredder member 8' and the foreign body is decreased.

The shredder member 8', which is shown in detail in Figure 3, comprises a substantially cylindrical body 31 provided at each end with a shredder member spindle arm 30a, 30b, each of which is provided with means of locking the shredder member 8' into position in the shredder housing 12. The shredder member spindle arms 30a, 30b may be mutually different in order that the shredder member 8' may not be mounted incorrectly.

The shredder member 8' is further provided with a plurality of elongated cutting members (e.g. those denoted by 20a, 20b) extending along the body 31. Each cutting member is provided with a cutting edge (for example, cutting members 20a, 20b are provided with cutting edges 21a, 21b respectively) . Each cutting member is elongated and runs from one end of the body 31 towards a centre line 32 along the length of the body 31. The cutting members do not run parallel to the longitudinal axis of body 31; they are arranged to extend in a direction non-parallel to said axis. In this case, the cutting members extend in a spiral arrangement along the length of the body 31. For each cutting member (e.g. 20a) extending from one end of the shredding member 8', there is a corresponding cutting member (e.g. 20b) extending from the other end. The two corresponding cutting members (20a, 20b) meet at a centre line, shown as a dashed line 32, to make a "V" shape. When the shredder member 8' rotates in the shredder 8 in the direction of the arrow, then waste is shredded by the shredding members 20a, 20b, and furthermore, it is urged towards the centre line 32. This reduces the chance of shredded waste being scattered way from the shredder 8 and thus not being deposited into the waste-collection receptacle placed underneath the shredder 8. The shredder member 8' is cast from steel. It would be possible to replace the backplate 23 with a second rotating shredder member. The two shredder members would counter-rotate to shred the waste and at least one of them would preferably be resiliently mounted using a similar spring arrangement used for the backplate 23. This would allow foreign bodies to pass through the shredder 8, while causing minimum damage to either the foreign body or either of the shredder members. It is anticipated that the use of two shredder members may improve efficiency and shredding speed.

The apparatus of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3 is primarily intended for domestic or light commercial use. It is anticipated, however, that the apparatus of the present invention may be used in commercial or industrial settings. This may, for example, typically involve increasing its size and enhancing the robustness of the components.

The waste-receiving compartments 2a-d and waste-collection receptacles 3a-c may be made of any suitable material, such as metal (e.g. steel) or plastics.

Those skilled in the art will realise that any waste processor may be used in place of the shredder of Figures 2 and 3. For example, known shredders or compactors could be used.

Claims

1. A waste processing apparatus comprising a plurality of waste-receiving compartments and a waste processor, wherein the waste processor and the plurality of waste-receiving compartments are movable relative to each other from a first position in which waste from one of the plurality of waste- receiving compartments may be transferred to the waste processor to a second position in which waste from another of the plurality of waste-receiving compartments may be transferred to the waste processor.

2. A waste-processing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the waste processor is arranged to process waste so that it occupies less volume for a given mass.

3. A waste-processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the waste-processing apparatus comprises a shredder .

4. A waste-processing apparatus according to claims 1 to 3 wherein the waste processor is provided with an inlet region arranged such that a waste-receiving compartment may be selectively moved to be in communication with the inlet region, thus permitting the transfer of waste from the compartment to the waste processor via the inlet region.

5. A waste-processing apparatus according to claims 1 to 4 wherein at least one of the plurality of waste-receiving compartments is inhibited from being moved into the first position.

6. A waste-processing apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus is so arranged that when a given waste-receiving compartment is in a position that permits the transfer of waste from the compartment to the waste processor, all of the other of the plurality of waste- receiving compartments are positioned such that waste transferral to the waste processor is restricted.

7. A waste-processing apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a static waste-receiving container that is isolated from the waste processor and is immovable relative to the waste processor.

9. A waste-processing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the waste processor is fixed in position relative to the immediate surroundings and the plurality of waste-receiving compartments are movably mounted relative to the waste processor.

10. A waste-processing apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the apparatus comprises a first carousel, wherein the plurality of waste-receiving compartments are mountable on the first carousel.

11. A waste-processing apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus comprises a means of urging waste to the waste processor.

12. A waste-processing apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the means for urging waste to the waste processor is a piston and the piston is operable between a retracted position in which the plurality of waste-receiving compartments are movable from the first position to the second position and an extended position in which the piston urges waste to the waste processor.

13. A waste-processing apparatus according to claims 11 to 12 wherein the means for urging waste to the waste processor comprises a pump, wherein the pump is arranged so as, in use, to provide movement of fluid onto the waste processor so as to urge waste away from a processing surface of the waste processor.

14. A waste-processing apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising a waste-collection receptacle locatable such that waste that has passed through the waste processor enters the waste-collection receptacle.

15. A waste-processing apparatus according to claim 14 comprising a plurality of waste-collection receptacles, the apparatus being so arranged that each waste-collection receptacle and the waste processor are movable relative to each other so that waste may pass from one of the waste- receiving compartments via the waste processor to one of the waste-collection receptacles.

16. A waste-processing apparatus according to claim 15 comprising a second carousel, wherein the plurality of movable waste collection receptacles are mountable on said second carousel .

17. A waste-processing apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the first and second carousels are mounted for movement together .

18. A waste-processing apparatus according to claims 15 to 17 wherein, at least until emptying of the waste-collection receptacles, each waste-collection receptacle is associated with only one of the waste-receiving compartments.

19. A waste-processing apparatus according to claim 18 wherein each of the plurality of waste-receiving compartments that is movable so as to be in the first position in which waste may be transferred to the waste processor is provided with a corresponding waste-collection receptacle.

20. A waste-processing apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the corresponding waste collection receptacles are held in register with the plurality of waste-receiving compartments and the apparatus is arranged such that when one of the plurality of waste-receiving compartments is moved so that waste may pass from it to the waste processor, the waste-collection receptacle corresponding to said one of the plurality of waste-receiving compartments is in position to receive waste from the waste processor.

21. A waste-processing apparatus according to claims 16 to 20, wherein the first and second carousels are mounted for movement together .

22. A waste-processing apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising a waste-collection container that is arranged to receive waste from a waste-receiving compartment without the waste passing via the waste processor and a movable plate that selectively allows or prevents communication between the waste-collection container and the or each waste-receiving compartment associated therewith.

23. A waste-processing apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the waste processor comprises a shredder and the shredder comprises a movable shredder surface and a static surface, the shredder surface and the static surface being mutually spaced such that the movable shredder surface exerts an action capable of shredding on waste entering the space between the shredder surface and the static surface.

24. A waste-processing apparatus according to claims 1 to 22 wherein the waste processor comprises a shredder and the shredder comprises two mutually spaced movable •■ shredder surfaces arranged such that the movable shredder surfaces exert an action capable of shredding on waste entering the space between the two shredder surfaces .

25. A waste-processing apparatus according to claim 23 or claim 24 wherein any of the static surface and the shredder surfaces is associated with a resilient member that urges the said surface or surfaces into a shredding position.

26. A waste-processing apparatus according to claims 23 to 25 wherein the or each shredder surface is formed as part of a longitudinally extending shredder member, having first and second ends and the shredder surface is arranged so that, in use, waste is urged in a direction away from the ends of the longitudinally extending shredder member.

27. A waste-processing apparatus according to claim 26 wherein, in use, waste is urged towards a point midway between the first and second ends.

28. A waste-processing apparatus according to claim 26 or claim 27 wherein the shredder is provided with a plurality of guide members that, in use, urge waste away from one of the first and second ends of the shredder member, wherein the guide members preferably extend along the shredder member in a spiral-like manner.

29. A waste-processing apparatus according to claim 28 wherein at least one guide member is provided with a corresponding guide member, wherein the at least one guide member extends from the first end of the shredder member and the corresponding guide member extends from the second end of the shredder member, the at least one guide member and the corresponding guide member meeting between the first and second ends to form a shape substantially in the form of a "V" in the region where they meet .

30. A waste-processing apparatus according to claim 28 or claim 29 wherein at least one of the guide members is formed by a cutting member for shredding waste.

31. A waste-processing apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the waste processor is provided with a motor for driving the waste processor, and a drive-shaft arrangement that drives the waste processor, either directly or via gearing between the drive shaft and the waste processor.

32. A shredder comprising a first shredding surface and a shredding member having a second shredding surface, the shredding member comprising a rotatable longitudinally extending shredder body having first and second ends, the body being provided with a plurality of cutting members, wherein the first shredding surface and the shredding member are mutually spaced such that, in use, waste entering the space therebetween is subjected to an action capable of shredding waste, wherein the shredder body comprises a plurality of guide members which, in use, urge waste in a direction away from either or both of the first and second ends to a point between the first and second ends .

33. A shredder according to claim 32 wherein, in use, waste is urged towards a mid-point approximately equidistant from the first and second ends.

34. A shredder according to claim 32 or claim 33 wherein the guide members are formed by the cutting members.

35. A shredder according to claims 32 to 34 wherein at least one guide member is associated with a corresponding guide member, wherein the at least one guide member extends from the first end of the shredder member and the corresponding guide member extends from the second end of the shredder member, the at least one guide member and the corresponding guide member meeting between the first and second ends to form a shape substantially in the form of a "V" in the region where they meet .

36. A shredder according to claims 32 to 35 wherein the guide members extend along the shredder member in a spiral- like manner.

37. A shredder according to claims 32 to 36 wherein the first shredder surface is provided by a second shredder member, and wherein the second shredder member is arranged to counter-rotate with respect to the first shredder member.

38. A shredder member suitable for use as the shredder member in the shredder of claims 32 to 37.