Abstract: A method for aerobic composition of organic waste material including high flow-rate aeration to provide beneficial soil amendments, fertilizers, and supplemental heat sources.

Abstract: This generally concerns the treatment of a moist fermentable organic product (10) involving circulation of air through the product controlled in accordance with the value of a parameter related to its state.In accordance with the invention, the measured value of the parameter concerned is compared with a specific value programmed in advance and regarded as ideal for the current air flowrate and this air flowrate is modified if the measured value of this parameter departs from this ideal value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a improved process for the biological transformation of phosphorus and nitrogen containing storm water runoff into ecologically manageable materials by a process wherein aqueous storm water runoff is passed to a bioreactor where soluble phosphorus is precipitated with metallic salts, the aqueous fluid is aerobically and anaerobically treated to form an active biomass that actively bioconverts remaining soluble phosphorus and nitrogen, and the aqueous fluid containing bioconverted phosphorus and nitrogen is passed to an ecoreactor wherein at least a portion of the biomass is bioconverted to a beneficial humus material.

Abstract: A soil adjuvant of fungal mycelium which has been treated with quicklime and a process for the preparation of the soil adjuvant. The soil adjuvant contains at least 10% quicklime, preferably 10-15% quicklime, and in particular 10-11% quicklime.

Abstract: Novel methods for biodegrading nitroaromatic compounds present as contaminants in soil or water using microorganisms are disclosed. Water is treatable directly; dry soil is first converted into a fluid medium by addition of water. The preferred method comprises two stages, each employing microorganisms: a fermentative stage, followed by an anaerobic stage. The fermentative stage is rapid, wherein an inoculum of aerobic and/or facultative microorganisms ferments a carbohydrate added to the fluid medium, exhausting the oxygen in the fluid medium and thereby inhibiting oxidative polymerization of amino by-products of the nitroaromatics. In the subsequent anaerobic stage, an inoculum of a mixed population of anaerobic microorganisms completes the mineralization of the contaminant nitroaromatics, using the remaining carbohydrate as a carbon and energy source.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved process for absorbing and decontaminating an organic chemical spill comprising the steps of: partially composting plant material; mixing approximately 80% of the partially composted plant material with approximately 20% of dry plant material; inoculating the mixture with about 50 to 100 parts per million by weight of an organic chemical to form an absorbent; mixing the absorbent with about 20% to 40% by volume of spilled organic chemical; adding water; and allowing the mixture to incubate for a suitable time at ambient temperature until the organic chemical spill is neutralized. The plant material may be cotton gin trash or alfalfa hay; or cotton, legumes, alfalfa, tomatoes or their mixtures. The mixture of absorbent and spilled organic chemical may allowed to incubate in a perforated drum with a lid.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for establishing optimum soil conditions by biologically disintegrating minerals in the presence of Ca compunds, clay and protein- and lignocellulose-containing organic vegetable waste, as well as protein-containing organic animal waste. The process includes the following steps: a) finely crushing a mixture of minerals containing at least potassium, magnesium, phosphate and silicate, all in insoluble form; b) subjecting the vegetable and animal organic waste to an usual preliminary crushing step; c) micronizing the organic waste, preferably while homogeneously mixing it with the mixture of minerals; and d) fermenting the mixture of micronized organic waste and finely crushed minerals in the presence of finely crushed Ca-compound and clay, in microbially appropriate conditions.

Abstract: A method for producing a soil enhancing compound is provided, comprising the steps of mechanically mixing a portion of composted agricultural waste consisting essentially of plant by-products, with a portion of bio-solid waste consisting essentially of sludge from waste water treatment, to form an organic compost mixture, and mechanically mixing with the organic compost mixture, a portion of industrial waste consisting essentially of calcium sulfate and phosphorous to form a final soil enhancing mixture, wherein a gelatinous, nutrient-containing substance is formed within the soil enhancing mixture by the interaction of the composted agricultural waste and the industrial waste. Alternatively, the agricultural waste can be used alone with the industrial waste. Either the agricultural waste, the bio-solids or the industrial waste may be acidic or alkaline, as long as the final soil enhancing mixture has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5.

Abstract: A process for reducing solid waste includes the steps of (1) preparing the waste for shredding; (2) shredding the waste; (3) preparing the waste for anaerobic decomposition; (4) decomposing the waste anaerobically; (5) preparing the waste for aerobic decomposition; (6) decomposing the waste aerobically; (7) separating the inorganic waste from the organic waste; (8) reducing the plastic with solvents; and (9) reducing the metal with acids. The apparatus used in carrying out the above steps comprise a cylindrical container having front and rear end caps, seal bearings and support plates with central openings for waste to flow through is driven by a motor and directional vanes inside the container provide mixing and steer the waste. Fluid and gas are made to flow through a front support plate and seal bearing as the container rotates. Directional vanes rotationally journaled in the wall of the cylindrical container regulate the flow of waste through the chamber.

Abstract: A compost curing and odor control system in which biofilters are disposed in overlying relation to the compost curing area the floors of both the biofilters and curing area consist of a series of elongated planks of generally trapezoidal cross sectional configuration placed in abutting relation with the longer parallel sides of the trapezoid lying in the plane of the floor and forming between them a narrow slit through which air is passed by means of an underlying air plenum in pneumatic communication.

Abstract: A carbonaceous material and a nitrogenous material are mixed in combination with activated carbon ash and perlite fines. The activated carbon and perlite fines serve to limit the loss of ammonia nitrates as well as to lock nitrogen in the biomass and to limit fly larva and odors. The nitrogenous material comprises fish scrap and the carbonaceous material may include wood sawdust, wood pulp or agricultural by-products. All of the ingredients of the product may comprise industrial waste products. The process is conducive to forming large batches of the process comprising depositing an elongated windrow on the ground and making a full length groove in the top surface. The activated carbon and perlite dust are then layered in the groove and the nitrogenous material deposited on the activated carbon and perlite dust. The ingredients are mixed under selected moisture and temperature conditions to form the end product.

Abstract: A disposable fermenter that may be used in the place of a more expensive jar fermenter giving the same performance in a temperature controlled room in place of a sterilized room, with the advantage of not being made of glass which breaks and which may be transported as is, by just sealing the bag.A flat tube made of plastic film is inserted into the bottom of the bag with the tube sealed to the bag, leaving an opening through the tube so the opening may not be closed. Once the addition of liquid, semi fluid or solid media is made, the breather is set and the bag opening is sealed, the bag is sterilized before or after the bag opening is sealed and the aeration is done through the flat tube.

Abstract: A method of continuous composting is carried out in a train of composting trays in an elongate enclosed tunnel. Garbage is deposited into the composting tunnel via a blending trough in which blending augers blend the garbage. The trough then tilts to empty the garbage into an inlet in the top surface of the tunnel to fill an upstream one of the trays. A ram shunts the trays stepwise through the tunnel. The tracks may be U-channels, the webs of which are connected to tunnel sidewalls. The trays rest on one of the legs of the U and the other leg of the U extends over the edge of the tray to protect it from being fouled by garbage. During passage of the trays through the tunnel, the garbage may be mixed by mixers for loosening and aeration of the garbage. Such mixing may have directional components in both longitudinal and transverse directions of the tunnel. Water may be added immediately downstream of the mixing for the purpose of optimizing composting conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nutrient rich humus material produced by a process wherein solids in an aqueous slurry of the excrement are precipitated in a solids ecoreactor, the treated slurry is passed to a bioreactor wherein soluble phosphorus is precipitated with metallic salts, the slurry is aerobically and anaerobically treated to form an active biomass that actively bioconverts remaining soluble phosphorus and the aqueous slurry containing bioconverted phosphorus is recycled to said solids ecoreactor wherein the at least a portion of slurry is bioconverted and recovered as a beneficial humus material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming a compost product from organic matter having high water content: the method involving (1) holding organic matter with a large amount of water in a treatment tank for one to three hours while providing a supply of air, heating to not more than 60.degree. C. and agitating and grinding the organic matter so that the matter is reduced to a rice porridge state and aerobic fermentation occurs, extracting generated gas and water vapor to the outside of the tank, thereby dehydrating and drying the organic matter to form a fermentation and decomposition product having a water content of not more than 65%, (2) holding the fermentation and decomposition product for one to six hours at a temperature between 60.degree. C. and 100.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for converting municipal solid waste and sewage sludge into an organic fertilizer has a Stage 1 and a Stage 2, and includes a vessel that has three climate zones. Stage 1 has three climate zones, wherein the first climate zone contains thermophilic microorganisms, the second climate zone contains mesophilic microorganisms, and the third climate zone contains other microorganisms. The product of Stage 1 is reintroduced into Stage 2 and is then inoculated with a biodegrading enzyme and a bacteria species to produce a different final product fertilizer from Stage 2.

Abstract: A process includes the steps of: introducing, in a sequential manner and at a predetermined frequency, a substrate of organic waste substances by loading from above inside at least one cylindrical container of circular, polygonal or other cross-section having a vertical axis and at least one transverse horizontal dimension of which is small, in other words of the order of 1 m or even less, the vertical walls of which are at least partially made from a non-gastight material, such as a porous or aerated material; introducing into this pile or windrow lumbricids which will climb upwards; withdrawing, in a sequential manner and at a predetermined frequency, the lower substrate layer of previously lumbricid-composted organic material, this withdrawal causing the substrate to be lowered sequentially, under gravity, at a speed at most equal to that at which the lumbricids climb; and, removing the substrate of previously lumbricid-composted organic material.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved bioremediation process comprising the steps of: (a) inoculating cotton gin trash or an equivalent plant material with soil from a contaminated site; (b) composting the inoculated cotton gin trash; (c) mixing the contaminated soil at a ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:5 by volume with the composted, inoculated cotton gin trash and certain chemical accelerators; and (d) allowing the mixture to incubate for a suitable time at ambient temperature until the contaminated soil is cleansed.

Abstract: An apparatus for transforming an input garbage mixture into separate fermented and non-fermented output products has a fermentation stage for depositing an input garbage mixture into non-compacted swathes to allow fermentation of the fermentable, organic waste materials therein, an input stage for loading the garbage mixture, and at least one grinder/separator stage having a grinder for grinding the garbage mixture into smaller particles and a separator with a screen of a selected mesh size for separating ground waste particles up to the selected mesh size as a fermented output product, and conveying the remainder of the particles to a reject output as a non-fermented output product. Fermentation of the input garbage mixture allows for organic maturation of the fermentable, organic waste materials in the mixture, as well as softening and rendering the fermented materials more susceptible to being broken up into small particles in the grinder/separator stage.

Abstract: The process of using a single layer of aeration support blocks to form a composting field having an inclusive air chamber beneath the blocks to maintain the heaps environment for the accelerated composting of vegetation, municipal solid waste, municipal sludge or other compostable material. Further the unique placement, on the individual blocks, of the support footers and the penetrating air nozzles to increase the structural strength of the individual blocks and therefore the entire field. Composting of vegetation, municipal solid waste and municipal sludge is required to reduce the volume of waste deposited into landfills. To provide for a cost efficient method of allowing for the large scale composting operations the following criteria must be met. First the operation must be reusable, through many composting cycles, without requiring replacement of material such as current use piping.

Abstract: This invention is a method to produce a substitute for peat moss comprising:mixing in a mixer adsorptive cellulosic material with an effective amount of an inoculum containing cellulose degrading microorganism such as lignin cellulose degrading bacteria upon anaerobic fermentation and manure municipal waste or similar waste, manufactured feedstock or a blend of these,transferring said mixture to a chamber,allowing the temperature of said mixture to rise in said chamber until said cellulosic material changes color, thenaerating said mixture to remove water vapor, ammonia and other gases in an exhaust gas and then removing said mixture from said chamber for use as a substitute for peat moss and other uses.

Abstract: A plurality of identical wall panels connected together by removable rods driven through holes in adjacent corners of adjacent panels and into the ground. The device includes a cover which is shaped to fit four wall panels. Also, a greater number of panels can be used. The wall panels and cover each is a molded plastic member. The entire device consists of the wall panels, the cover, and the rods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a improved process for the biological transformation of phosphorus and nitrogen containing animal waste excrement into ecologically manageable materials by a process wherein solids in an aqueous slurry of the excrement are precipitated in a solids ecoreactor, the treated slurry is passed to a bioreactor zone where it is soluble phosphorus is precipitated with metallic salts, the slurry is aerobically and anaerobically treated to form an active biomass that actively bioconverts remaining soluble phosphorus and the aqueous slurry containing bioconverted phosphorus is passed to a polishing ecoreactor zone wherein the at least a portion of slurry is bioconverted to a beneficial humus material.

Abstract: Urine discharged from domestic animals is stored in a reservoir, filtered to separate solid and liquid components, and sent to one or more treating tanks. Various rocks and soil humus are added to the treatment tank, which is aerated to accelerately produce humus and to cause proliferation of soil microorganisms in the wastes. The rocks are added to serve as catalysts for the bioreactions. As a result, the soil microorganisms that contribute to humus production are markedly activated, and the liquid waste is quickly and efficiently detoxified and rendered odorless. The resultant aqueous solution contains high concentrations of activated soil microorganisms and their metabolic products which can be used as an agricultural material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating bagged materials. A bagging machine is equipped with feed tubes that feed a conduit through a bag filling tunnel of the machine and through the open end of the bag and into the bag. The conduit is perforated and when the bag is filled, the length of the conduits is extended out through the bag end to be connected to a treatment media, e.g., forced air. An opening is provided at the rear end to provide an exhaust opening for air that is forced into the conduit, out the perforations and through the bagged material. The air will dry the material to lower the moisture content or provide oxygen as may be desired to enhance decomposition. Water may also be introduced as desired.

Abstract: A composter is taught having a shape which allows the composter to be rolled on the ground to provide mixing. The composter includes a body having an opening and an internal, perforated aeration tube. A rolling frame is provided for stationary rolling of the composter. The composter may be adapted to have a series of perforated tubes for further aeration and the controlled addition of additives such as liquids or granules. A method for producing compost is taught for use with the composter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for composting solid waste and sludge into a usable state. The method consists of thoroughly mixing a predetermined amount of compostable solid waste and sludge for placement within a stackable modular container system. Each container having a predetermined controlled mixture depth of approximately 12 inches for composting in a fourteen day period. Upon removal of the composted material from the containers, the material is screened and packaged for distribution, or shredded then screened and packaged, the remainder of which is returned for repeat of the cycle.

Abstract: A compost bin (20) including a plurality of substantially horizontal aeration/mixing slots (42). Slots (42), preferably "L-shaped," permit mixing and aeration of the composting material. A mixing tool, e.g., garden fork, can be inserted substantially vertically into the mixing/aeration slots (42), and pivoted to a substantially horizontal position to achieve thorough mixing of the compost material. Compost bin (20) also preferably includes a cover (26) having one or more rain collection ramps (74) which collect rainwater and divert it to one or more rain slots (76) and into the interior of compost bin (20).

Abstract: A method for treating bioorganic or raw or treated wastewater sludge so that a stability based upon achieving a significant microbial population, conductivity level and percent solids, is developed rapidly, is provided for indefinitely and is independent of climatic conditions. A dewatered sludge that has not been treated (i.e., raw) or a sludge that has been treated to a PSRP level or a sludge that has been treated to a PFRP level, i.e., pasteurized or sterilized sludge when still in a wet condition, i.e., between 12%-30% solids, or when in a dry condition, i.e., between 30-60% solids, is mixed with alkaline adsorptive materials to reduce odor, to increase the percent solids and to facilitate granulation, is adjusted to a mildly alkaline pH, and is adjusted to an ionic conductivity which will allow the sludge to mature rapidly when seeded with a beneficiating microbial flora. This process will reduce the pH or a high alkaline treated sludge, e.g., often above pH 12, to a physiological pH of between 7 and 9.

Abstract: A method for aerobic composition of organic waste material including high flow-rate aeration, compaction of the organic material, and percolation of moister released therefrom to provide beneficial soil amendments, fertilizers, and supplemental heat sources.

Abstract: Fermentation products are composed essentially of poultry manure components, which products are derived from reacting poultry manure materials with concentrated sulfuric acid and calcium silicate and subsequently from fermenting the resulting reaction mixture by the use of a selected class of bacteria. The product is suitable for use as an organic fertilizer and as a soil conditioner.

Abstract: A rotatable digester drum for convening organic waste material into compost which has internally disposed along its longitudinal axis a series of spaced-apart baffles, each baffle having a variable cross sectional area ranging from 60 to 100% of the cross sectional area of the drum and arranged with respect to one another when in the partially open mode to cause material and air introduced into the drum to traverse a non-linear path through the drum, the drum having a plurality of longitudinally extending internal ribs arranged in spaced array around its circumference.

Abstract: There is provided a method for manufacturing organic fertilizers by fermentation of a mixture of livestock excreement with cellulose containing organic materials, said mixture containing thermophilic and aerobic microorganisms, which method comprises adjusting moisture content of said mixture to 25-75 wt %, cutting and kneading said mixture until the temperature thereof goes up to 40.degree. C.-90.degree. C. by the elevated pressure and friction caused by said cutting and kneading, thereby causing thermophilic organisms to be activated, followed by pulverizing the thus-treated mixture while contacting it with air, thereby causing the aerobic organisms to be activated.

Abstract: A mobile machine and process are provided for milling, mixing, wetting and re-forming an initial windrow of vertically layered ingredients used in the pre-wet cycle for producing mushroom compost. In performing these actions, an assembly of toothed drums, rotating in the same direction and arranged along an upwardly and forwardly projecting inclined plane, progressively mills the windrow across its cross-section longitudinally and propels the milled material upwardly and rearwardly so that it drops and mixes to form a vertically blended, transverse product. The product is preferably cross-mixed by auguring it transversely and depositing it at a transfer point, from whence it is elevated and delivered by a conveyor belt, to form a new windrow parallel or collinear with the initial windrow. Water is sprayed on the ingredients in the course of propelling auguring and elevating.

Abstract: Novel methods for biodegrading nitroaromatic compounds present as contaminants in soil or water using microorganisms are disclosed. Water is treatable directly; dry soil is first converted into a fluid medium by addition of water. The preferred method comprises two stages, each employing microorganisms: a fermentative stage, followed by an anaerobic stage. The fermentative stage is rapid, wherein an inoculum of aerobic and/or facultative microorganisms ferments a carbohydrate added to the fluid medium, exhausting the oxygen in the fluid medium and thereby inhibiting oxidative polymerization of amino by-products of the nitroaromatics. In the subsequent anaerobic stage an inoculum of a mixed population of anaerobic microorganisms completes the mineralization of the contaminant nitroaromatics, using the remaining carbohydrate as a carbon and energy source.

Abstract: A process for removal of metal ions from soil and methods for effecting such removal are described. The process is based on the growth of crop and crop-related members of the plant family Brassicaceae in metal-containing soils. These particular plants will absorb metals into their roots making them not leachable from the soils or will absorb the metal into their roots and transfer them to the shoots which can be easily harvested.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the reduction of landfill material and biodegradable refuse which comprises the aeration and wetting of the refuse to facilitate anaerobic decomposition processes. Aeration is achieved by mixing and agitating the refuse.

Abstract: The present invention provides for reusable waste recovery. The method of the present invention is to provide one or more cells. A substantially impermeable liner is positioned into the one or more cells. An impermeable domed structure is erected over the cell. Waste material and cover soil is added to the cells. The waste material and cover soil is added to the cells such that when each of the cells are filled, the ratio of waste material to cover soil is from about 1:5 to about 10:1. The cells, including the waste material and cover soil, are covered with a substantially impermeable cover after which the impermeable domed structure is moved to another cell. The decomposition of the waste is controlled and monitored in the cells. After a period of time, the material within the one or more cells is recovered and recycled. The cell can then be reused for further waste disposal.

Abstract: There is provided a continuous method for manufacturing of organic fertilizers by fermentation of a waste containing organic materials or mixture of said waste with cellulose-containing organic materials in the presence of thermophilic and aerobic microorganisms comprising the steps:a. adjusting the moisture content of said waste or mixture to 45-65 wt %,b. shearing and kneading said waste or mixture at a temperature elevated to 40.degree. C.-90.degree. C. by the pressure and friction of said shearing and kneading, whereby thermophilic microorganisms are caused to be activated, andc. pulverizing the thus-treated waste or mixture while contacting it with air, whereby said aerobic microorganisms are caused to be activated,the improvement which comprises subjecting a part of the product of step c. to fermentation by thermophilic microorganisms at a temperature of higher than 40.degree. C. for more than 5 hours, and recycling the thus treated product with fresh raw materials to step a.

Abstract: A composting machine is used with an elongated reactor with flails mounted in a frame that moves longitudinally from a finishing end to a starting end during a processing pass. The flails move the organic material in the reactor along the reactor toward the finishing end. The flails are radially mounted on a shaft and the shaft rotates during the processing pass causing the flails to rotate as well. During a return pass, the flails can be made to occupy a horizontal plane so that the frame can return to the finishing end without raising the shaft vertically. Further, a skirt can be mounted adjacent to the flails to limit the distance that the material is moved by the flails. The distance of the skirt from a leading edge of the flails can be increased during the processing pass from the finishing end to the starting end. This allows the machine to be much more efficient as the level of the organic material can be maintained nearly constant from the starting end to the finishing end.

Abstract: A rotary drum-type composting apparatus is disclosed, in which the drum is of circular cross section and is supported for rotation about a horizontal axis by means of external support wheels. An access opening is provided in the sidewall of the drum for loading of compostable material, and a removable flexible, waterproof cover is applied over perforated sidewalls of the drum, enabling the interior of the drum to be closed off so that the composting processes can occur. The drum is mounted as close to the ground or supporting surface as practicable, to facilitate manual loading of compostable materials. A clearing bar is installed on the outer surface of the drum, preferably on a removable door panel provided for closing the access opening. The clearing bar operates between the outer surface of the drum and the support wheels and their mounting shafts.

Abstract: A domestic composter of molded plastic has an upwardly tapered body comprising an upper and a lower half, with tongue and socket connectors such that the two halves may be firmly assembled together or separated without the use of tools. The upper half fits readily within the lower half, permitting transportation of the composter within a standard size automobile. The tapered construction enables multiples of the respective body portions to be nested, for economical bulk transportation. An access door is provided, having securing lugs that may be padlocked, and the removable lid of the composter may be rotated into a selectively variable position that precludes removal and affords ventilation control. The lid may be readily removed, or may be electively opened to a partial-access position for one-handed depositing of waste therein. A comprehensive vent system allows controlled cooling and ventilation while precluding access even to small animals such as mice.

Abstract: Method for processing vegetable, fruit and garden waste, indicated as VFG-waste, in which, after a pre-sorting has taken place, the waste (3) is brought into a washing-separating device (4), in which, with the help of water, the waste is separated into a coarse organic fraction (6) which is composted and into a residual fraction (7). The coarse fraction contains particles larger than 2 up to 4 mm. The residual fraction (7) is separated into an inert fraction (11) for recovering sand (13) therefrom, and into a fraction (15) consisting of liquid containing a fine organic fraction (17) and substances dissolved and colloidally divided in the liquid. The fraction (15), obtained from the residual fraction (7) after removing the inert fraction (11) therefrom, is subjected to an anaerobic stabilization.

Abstract: An apparatus for transforming an input garbage mixture into separate fermented and non-fermented output products has a fermentation stage for depositing an input garbage mixture into non-compacted swathes to allow fermentation of the fermentable, organic waste materials therein, an input stage for loading the garbage mixture, and at least one grinder/separator stage having a grinder for grinding the garbage mixture into smaller particles and a separator with a screen of a selected mesh size for separating ground waste particles up to the selected mesh size as a fermented output product, and conveying the remainder of the particles to a reject output as a non-fermented output product. Fermentation of the input garbage mixture allows for organic maturation of the fermentable, organic waste materials in the mixture, as well as softening and rendering the fermented materials more susceptible to being broken up into small particles in the grinder/separator stage.

Abstract: A composting bin is disclosed that is readily assembled from modular panels. The bin is made in superposed sections, each section being formed from ventilated sidewall modules assembled into a regular polygon, usually a square. A latching arrangement is provided at the ends of each sidewall module to unite it to adjoining modules. The sidewall modules have a double wall. An outer wall provides structural support and is preferably formed of spaced apart slats firmly mounted on a frame. The inner wall is formed from screening. Free air circulation is achieved through the spaces between the slats and screening into the interior of the bin. The sections are readily stripped from composting material held within the bin to allow ready access from the sides for removal or mixing.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for biological conversion (composting) of organic waste material, e.g. from kitchens or restaurants, involving use of a heat-insulated housing (1) having at least two separate chambers (7, 8). In the first chamber (7), organic material is introduced and treated in the presence of microorganisms until an intermediate stage of conversion into biomass only. A portion of the partially converted material, responsive to a certain temperature measured in the first chamber (7), is transferred for a final composting into the second chamber (8). Waste organic material is newly introduced into the first chamber (7) and treated therein together with a remaining portion of the partially converted material; thereby, because of the presence of a sufficient amount of active microorganisms in the first chamber (7), the process of conversion of the newly introduced waste material is started immediately.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater sludge so that a stability based upon achieving a significant microbial population, conductivity level and percent solids, is developed rapidly, is provided for indefinitely and is independent of climatic conditions. A dewatered sludge that has not been treated (i.e., raw) or a sludge that has been treated to a PSRP level or a sludge that has been treated to a PFRP level, i.e., pasteurized or sterilized sludge when still in a wet condition, i.e., between 12%-30% solids, or when in a dry condition, i.e., between 30%-60% solids, is mixed with alkaline adsorptive materials to reduce odor, to increase the percent solids and to facilitate granulation, is adjusted to a mildly alkaline pH, and is adjusted to an ionic conductivity which will allow the sludge to mature rapidly when seeded with a beneficiating microbial flora. This process will reduce the pH of a high alkaline treated sludge, e.g., often above pH 12, to a physiological pH of between 7 and 9.

Abstract: A method for aerobic decomposition of vegetative organic waste material including high flow-rate aeration, compaction of the organic material, and continual percolation of moisture released therefrom in a collapsible, portable, bag container to provide beneficial soil amendments, fertilizers, and supplemental heat sources.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for facilitating aerobic composting of organic material. The arrangement comprises a compost tank having an upper receiving volume, a central aeration and mixing volume, and a lower compost collection receiving volume. Preferably the central volume includes an air circulation arrangement directing air therethrough, and a mixing arrangement to facilitate mixing of organic material received therein. In the preferred embodiment, the lower compost receiving volume includes a substantially horizontal floor and a conveying mechanism, to convey fully or substantially fully composting material across the horizontal floor, toward a section of the tank from which it can be readily removed. A fluid circulation arrangement is provided, to facilitate liquid dispersion and moistening of organic material throughout the compost tank.

Abstract: A solid waste recovery system processes solid wastes which would otherwise be sent to a landfill by utilizing several stages of systematically separating and processing various components of the refuse. Refuse is trucked in and dumped on a tipping floor of the recovery facility and separated into non-compostables, recyclables, and compostable materials. The non-compostables are further separated into recyclable inorganics which are recaptured as resalable items and into non-compostable organics which are further separated into hospital and clinical wastes to be incinerated or disposed of as hazardous waste, and into petroleum products to be incinerated, sent to a landfill or disposed of as hazardous waste, or recycled.