Questions about Nappy Composting

What does Envirocomp do?

Envirocomp turns nappies, sanitary and incontinence waste into compost.

Is this a first?

Yes, Envirocomp partnered in pioneering the world’s first commercial composting plant for Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHP) waste. By using composting as an alternative to landfill the Envirocomp process brings significant environmental benefits moving from waste disposal to recycling and reuse.

How much waste does this represent?

Sanitary hygiene products represent around 3% waste to landfill nationwide which equates to circa 96,000 tonnes nationwide per annum. Between 2002–2004 and 2007–2008, the proportions of nappies and sanitary waste have increased in the New Zealand waste stream because of changing consumption patterns coupled with increasing recyclability of other waste streams.

Who developed the Envirocomp process?

Karen and Karl Upston, a Canterbury family of four, developed the process in collaboration with HotRot Organic Solutions using existing HotRot patented technology.

Where is Envirocomp operating?

Envirocomp has been operating in Canterbury, New Zealand since 2009. The second plant in Wellington is underway and will open in early 2012.  Other New Zealand locations have been identified and will open within the next 18months.

Who owns Envirocomp?

OCS, the international facilities services group that operates in 40 countries worldwide, acquired Envirocomp in 2011. Its subsidiary, Cannon Hygiene, is one of the leaders in the provision of sustainable washroom solutions to companies worldwide, collecting AHP from a range of commercial premises.

Will Envirocomp expand outside of New Zealand?

This NZ lead initiative was picked up globally by OCS and now, with the recent acquisition, has given Envirocomp global exposure and introduction into countries at a faster rate than we could have ever imagined under the existing structure.

We are currently working on other projects in Australia, the UK, Europe and Ireland. 

The next two years are tipped to be a period of huge growth for us globally.

HOW DOES IT WORK

How does the Envirocomp process work?

Nappies and other AHP waste are processed with green waste through a HotRot in-vessel composting unit. This is effectively a composting unit which has a rotating shaft running through it. AHP and green waste enter one end and move down the vessel as part of a continuous process. The AHP waste must reach specific temperatures for 14 – 16 days to eliminate all pathogens and to ensure the full composting process is complete. At the end of this process, the compost is put through a screening process to remove all materials (mainly plastics) that cannot be composted. The final compost is tested as part of our quality control before being ready for use.

Does the composting process smell?

Every effort is made to keep smells to a minimum. The plant is designed, installed and operated in a way which controls odours. This is underpinned by operating procedures, which minimise odour generation, containment by design and effective odour treatment.

Waste is received and shredded in an enclosed building, air from the composting unit is discharged through a biofilter. The composting process is conducted in a sealed vessel, using technology with an OdourFree Guarantee ™.  The compost itself has minimal odours.

THE FINAL PROCESS

How will the compost produced be used?

There are many uses for the compost – it is free from all toxins.

It can be used for non-food agriculture, leisure areas and other general composted areas.

What happens to the plastic waste?

Currently this is sent to waste to energy plants although research is being commissioned to look at recycling options.

How is the AHP waste sorted?

In Canterbury we offer a weekly or fortnightly kerbside collection for residential customers. 

As well as households, we work with the commercial sector, e.g. from pre schools, from bathrooms in commercial premises and from adult care homes.

THE COLLECTION SERVICE

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.

 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.

How will my used items be picked up?

They will be collected weekly in our pre-purchased collection bags.

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.

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.

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.

Do I have to package them up in a specific way?

items will only be accepted if they are placed in our specific Envirocomp bags which can only be purchased online www.envirocomp.co.nz or by phoning 03 313 5920

Can I take break from the service if we go away on holiday?

Sure, just phone or e-mail info@envirocomp.co.nz to discuss.

How do I find out more about the Envirocomp Service?

Ph 03 313 5920 during office hours Monday to Friday 9am - 1pm daily. E-mail info@envirocomp.co.nz