Against the stench
Meanwhile it has become a matter of course: the bio bin. But still not everyone can make friends with it. Maggots, fungal spores and other microorganisms put many users off practical environmental protection. A new filter prevents uncontrolled growth of organic waste and avoids unpleasant odours. The Münster-based company Biologic, which was founded out of the University of Münster, developed a filter for compost bins that reliably reduces odors and the development of maggots. The new bio bin with bio filter will now be presented to a larger public at the ENVITEC environmental trade fair from March 2nd to 6th, 1998 in Düsseldorf.
The international trade fair presents the latest developments in environmental protection and disposal technology and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. It is the largest trade fair in Germany in the field of environmental protection and takes place every three years. This year 1100 exhibitors from 41 countries are expected. The University of Münster is presenting its exhibit "Organic waste bin and biofilter" at the "Research State North Rhine-Westphalia" joint stand. Twelve universities in the state with fifteen institutes present current examples of their research and developments.
The bio filter cover, sold by the Münster company COMPO, closes the bio bin with a firmly injected sealing ring. The only way for ventilation is through the biofilter. There, a coconut fiber substrate offers millions of microorganisms their own habitat. The little helpers feed on the odorous substances and fermentation gases and literally eat up the stench. In addition, the filter simultaneously inhibits the growth and development of mold spores and blocks flies so that eggs are not laid or maggots are formed in the bio bin.
The effectiveness of the filter was proven at the Institute for Hygiene: "In our laboratory experiments, we were no longer able to measure any odors outside the organic bin with the bio-filter lid and the maggot development was also zero," says Dr. Werner Mathys. The bin is currently being tested in a large-scale trial and, in addition to reducing odor and pest pollution, also promises cost savings, since disposal only has to take place every 14 days, as was previously the case. The successful idea is now to be further developed with the help of the Center for Environmental Research at the University of Münster: Filters are also being considered for smaller containers in order to make it easier to collect organic waste in the kitchen.
