1. When was this composting technology first developed?
The HotRot Composting System was developed under a Research and Development grant provided by the New Zealand Government. Hot Rot built on existing technology which had been developed by the Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand (now part of AgResearch) to process wool sustainably. In 2001 Hot Rot Composting Systems Ltd’ scientists invented a custom built in vessel composting facility and commercialised the process to transform organic waste materials into garden compost. The technology is now owned by R5 Solutions (NZ).
In April 2003 the technology was taken over by a new company (R5 Solutions (NZ) Ltd/HotRot Exports Ltd) with a diverse shareholding including a large engineering company (Mace Engineering), Canesis Network[1] and executive staff including two of the scientists involved in the initial development; Dr Peter Robinson and Dr Lawrence Boul.
[1] Canesis Network Ltd subsequently sold its remaining shareholding to the other shareholders in April 2004.
2. How exactly will my used disposable nappies be composted?
Nappies will be processed with green waste through an in-vessel HotRot composting unit. This is effectively a U shaped vessel which has a rotating shaft running through it. Nappies and green waste enter one end and move down the vessel as part of a continuous process. Over a period of two to three weeks the waste decomposes to produce compost. The nappies must reach specific temperatures for 18-21 days to eliminate all pathogens and to ensure the full composting process is complete. At the end of this process, the compost is screened through a specialised screening process to remove all materials that cannot be composted (i.e. the plastic from the nappies).
The final compost will be tested as part of our quality control before being ready for use.
3. What happens to the materials from the nappies that are not compostable?
We have commissioned research into potential uses for the plastic component of the nappy to minimise waste to landfill from the process. The recycling of plastic materials has improved enormously recently and we are confident that we will be able to find alternative uses for this material over time.
4. I don’t use Huggies® nappies; can I still send my disposable nappies to the plant?
Yes the Hot Rot composting unit is able to compost ALL brands of disposable nappies, sanitary products and incontinence products.
5. Do my nappies have to be the ones that are labelled as biodegradable on the packet?
No the Huggies® Envirocomp composting technology is designed to process all disposable nappies and has a specialised screening process to remove any non compostable materials.
This is why we believe that the Hot Rot technology is a world first. Until now there has been no commercial composting of whole nappies, sanitary and incontinence products.
6. Is it safe to include human faeces in the composting process?
If you think about it human faeces are no different from other animal faeces, most or which are naturally broken down by worms and the composting process in the pasture grazing process. Composting is basically a natural process which occurs every day on the forest floor and in most plant environments, when waste from animals or plants goes back into the soil. The Hot Rot in vessel composting technology mimics this natural process and processes organic waste (including baby faeces and urine) through a combination of air injection, agitation and temperature control to make it clean, odour free and safe.
7. Does the composting process smell?
No, the HotRot composting technology has an Odour Free guarantee. All other parts of the processing are carried out within a fully enclosed building - for example when nappy bags and wheelie bins are received and stored prior to entering the in vessel system.
Karen and Karl ran their initial nappy composting trial in a prototype machine in their own backyard so can personally vouch for the Odour Free nature of the HotRot system.
8. Will you be selling the compost and will we be able to use it in our garden?
We are reviewing various opportunities for marketing the compost. Final decisions will be made as to it’s best application once all trial work is complete
9. What other items can you compost in the process (e.g. baby wipes?)
The HotRot system will accept all brands of disposable nappies, sanitary products, incontinence products and baby wipes. We will add these to a bulking agent made from wood chip and kitchen waste.
10. How many nappies will you be able to process daily?
Initially we will be able to compost 2.5 tonnes of nappies per day which is equivalent to 15,000 nappies. As demand increases we have the capacity to quadruple this volume.
11. Surely storing our nappies for a week or two will get smelly, how can we reduce the odours?
Envirocomp have sourced a range of environmentally friendly products offering you different options for inside, outside or when you are out and about.
Questions about the Area that the composting service is available
12. When will the service be available in my area?
The Huggies® Envirocomp solution is now open and will provide a service to customers living in the Christchurch, Kaikoura and the North Canterbury regions. It is part of our overall vision to eventually have a service available in a number of areas across the country.
13. I really want to get involved but you do not service my area. How do we get another plant started in the South/North Island?
By registering on the Envirocomp website, you can let us know that you are interested in the service. We’ll use the information from the letters and emails for research purposes because this will help us when we are scoping out additional plants for other parts of the country.
In addition talk to your local council and ask them to consider putting in place a nappy composting service when they are reviewing their waste strategy.
Questions about the Pick-Up Service
14. How will my used nappies be picked up?
They will be collected weekly in our pre-purchased nappy collection bags.
15. Will I have to pay for the pick-up service?
Yes, the price for each bag will also include the cost to collect from your home.
16. Is the cost of pick up being supplemented by the council?
Yes, we are pleased to announce that a $1 per week subsidy is being offered to residents in the Waimakariri and Kaikoura Districts.
17. What happens if I forget to put my nappies out for pick up?
Just like with your rubbish and recycling, if you forget to put out your bag on the collection day your nappies will be collected on the following cycle.
18. Do I have to package them up in a specific way?
Nappies will only be accepted if they are placed in our specific Envirocomp bags which can only be purchased (at this stage) via www.envirocomp.co.nz
19. Can I put all the contents of the nappy in the pick-up bag (i.e. the poos as well?)
Yes the composting system is designed to process the nappy and its contents.
20. Can I share a pick up with a friend/neighbour?I only use a limited number of nappies on older children and can’t justify the cost of pick up just for my usage.
Yes, but you can only nominate one collection point.
21. Can I have Huggies® nappies delivered to my home at the same time as you pick up my soiled nappies?
No, not at this stage.
22. How do I cancel the service?
Each time you sign up to purchase bags, you will agree to a minimum 3 month contract. Of course you can cancel collections at any stage during this time, however refunds will not be given.
23. Can I take break from the service if we go away on holiday?
Sure, just phone or e-mail Envirocomp Ltd to discuss.
Other Questions
25. How do I find out more about the Huggies® Envirocomp Solution?
Ph 03 312 9380 during office hours Monday to Friday 10am - 2pm daily. E-mail info@envirocomp.co.nz
26. Are you receiving a government grant to assist with the set up and running of the composting system?
No, not at this stage. This is a private business initiative which is being supported through sponsorship from Huggies® Nappies NZ