Abstract: A filtration bed support for biolytic filtration wherein the filtration bed comprises a bed of solids in various stages of decomposition ranging from raw unprocessed organic material on the surface of the bed to fully decomposed humus which forms the bulk of the bed. The bed is kept from blocking by living organisms. The support comprises a three dimensional humus matrix lattice.

Abstract: A self cleaning filter for aqueous media such as sewage effluent which comprises a ventilated bed of discrete filtration material such as particulates, finely ground or shredded non-oil plastic materials, clay particulates, ground zeolite, diatomaceous earth powdered activated carbon, short fibre carbon and fine crushed charcoal, in which is dispersed a population of living organisms such as worms, insects, mothfly larvae, collembola, crustaceans and mites, which organisms have the ability to maintain at least a surface layer of the bed in an open and aerobic state.

Abstract: A treatment system for liquid or liquid and solid effluent. The system is enclosed within a pipe, duct (10) or trench and comprises one or more sloping filter beds (12, 13, 14) with a population of effluent decomposing organisms such as earthworms and mothflies, and an overlying air space. The aqueous media effluent inlet (11) is located above the uppermost filter bed at an upper end and the solid waste input inlet (31), when included, is located downstream of the aqueous media inlet so that the aqueous media flows through and around the solid waste material. A filtrate outlet (28) is located downstream of the flow through the system and manual or conveyor means are provided for solids removal.

Abstract: Organic waste disposal treatment apparatus includes a treatment chamber assembly in which a compost bed may be formed, an inlet to the treatment chamber assembly through which organic waste may be added to a compost bed in the treatment chamber assembly, ventilation means for promoting aerobic digestion of the compost bed in the treatment chamber assembly, drainage means for preventing waste material in the treatment chamber assembly from becoming anaerobic and access means for accessing and removal of compost formed in the treatment chamber assembly. The treatment chamber assembly includes a holding tank formed of plastics material, the access means includes a closed conveyor for conveying compost from the lower zone of the compost bed. The treatment chamber assembly may include an air permeable division for diving a duct from the compost bed. It is also preferred that the holding tank be partially filled with an active bed of compost.