FAQs – BiobiN

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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What is a BiobiN?

BiobiN is an on site in-vessel compositing bin that manages organic waste, including food.
The BiobiN Waste Management System is a unique and innovative design which will safely remove hazardous and odorous elements from organic waste material, whilst recycling the waste into a safe, environmentally friendly and rich organic compost / fertiliser.
The compost / fertiliser produced by the BiobiN can be used by the community and industry in a variety of agricultural applications.
BiobiN is the most efficient and effective method for managing organic waste.
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What are some of the design features?

  • The collection system satisfies all security requirements between farm and business properties
  • Odours are removed or significantly reduced
  • Fly and rodent contamination is eliminated
  • Occupational Health & Safety issues are addressed for the handling of decomposed chickens
  • Unwanted disease and bacteria eliminated
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Who are the current users of BiobiN's?

Currently BiobiNs are used by:

  • Shopping centres to manage food waste from green grocers and food halls
  • Food manufacturers, restaurants and employer canteens to manage discarded food waste
  • Chicken and other livestock industries to manage mortalities
  • Governments for waste management
  • National parks and holiday resorts
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What timeframe can food waste remain in the BiobiN?

There can be a few weeks of food waste treated on-site without need to empty a BiobiN vessel

Mixed food waste can be used, such as:

  • Vegetables
  • Meat (chickens and other birds)
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Bread

End product is used as mulch/soil conditioner

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Where can it be used?

  • Cities
  • Farms (fruit & vegetable)
  • Market gardens (including vineyards and agriculture)
  • Poultry farms (chicken broilers, egg layers, breeder farms)
  • Restaurants
  • Supermarkets & shopping malls
  • Industrial sites & work places
  • Rural communities (towns & villages)
  • Hotels
  • Hospitals, schools, universities, government offices, airports

The BiobiN has been adapted for on-site treatment of food wastes.

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What do BiobiN's cost?

BiobiN’s can be purchased outright or leased on a monthly basis. Please contact ITSA for more information.
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What is the commercial impact?

  • Costs reduced- Transport (fuel & on-road)
  • Costs reduced – Landfill
  • Ease of operation
  • Improved work environment
  • Compliance with OH & S
  • Creation of new jobs
  • Efficient human recourse practices
  • On-site processing
  • Waste resale (high quality compost)
  • Water saving
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Will there be any live organisms in the BiobiN when it is being imported?

No, the BiobiN will be new, empty and clean.
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Following the process of milling and blending, is there a step needed for burying any of the processed material in a land fill?

No, there is no need for landfill unless contaminants had been deposited in the BiobiN.
Quality certificate from NASAA (or similar organisation) is very important aspect of this process.
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Electricity is a recurring cost. What are the other recurring costs involved in the process? Is there a cost of labour?

Using Australian power rates – AUD$150.00 per year.
Repairs and maintenance including materials currently cost AUD$50.00 per month.
Other considerations include, but are not limited to:
• trucks and other transport
• drivers
• cleaners
• administration
• operational
As an indication, up to 100 BiobiNs being serviced need one cleaner, one truck, one driver, one maintenance person.
The BiobiN information depicts that BiobiN can handle waste from dead birds and fruits & vegetables.
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What capacity of BiobiN is required based on the quantity of the waste processed?

9 cubic metre BiobiN has the capacity to handle 6-8 tonnes. A 4.5 cubic metre BiobiN has the capacity to handle 1.5 – 3 tonnes
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How does a BiobiN work?

Organic waste is placed into a BiobiN, which is then closed (airtight) and a patented system pumps air though the bin, initiating the compositing process and enabling the waste to commence the breakdown process, removing odours, and bacteria.
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What are some of the benefits?

  • The system provides a cost effective alternative to landfill disposal for organic wastes generated from a variety of facilities
  • The system is a cost effective method for treating organic wastes on site
  • Can be used to produce a product on site or to stabilise wastes for off-site treatment/disposal
  • Produces high quality compost
  • Easy and safe to use
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Does BiobiN waste go to landfill?

No, waste from BiobiN’s is used in the supply chain for soil conditioner and other products.
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Where does BiobiN waste go?

Waste from BiobiN’s is used in the supply chain for soil conditioner and other products
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Is it good for the environment?

BiobiN reduces waste going to landfill. Most waste that goes to landfill will result in methane, which is at least 20 times worse for the atmosphere than carbon dioxide.
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Are BiobiN picked up as regularly as non-BiobiN waste bins?

No, BiobiNs initiate the composting process and create a greater breakdown rate than non-BiobiNs
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Who can pick up BiobiNs?

BiobiN’s can be picked up by any transport company who has the right equipment. BiobiN are picked up by the bi-fold system and for smaller BiobiNs the front lift system.
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What are the community & environmental impacts?

• Costs – Landfill
• Water saving
• Improved living standards
• Smell removed
• Recycling
• Creating jobs (economic impact)
• Compliance with health standards & expectations
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What is the time required for completion of the composting process (number of hours/days per tonne of waste)?

Generally, the composting process takes 6 – 8 weeks. If the bin is full it can take only 3 – 4 weeks. Speeding up the process can be done through changes to the carbon/nitrogen ratio. However, the product must be taken out of the BiobiN for screening, cleaning and breaking down of such bones and other hard pieces.
The fully mature compost (quality) can take 12 – 15 weeks. Wind rows may be used.
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Is it possible to consider the certification of the mulch derived from the organic waste? What would be the procedure and the cost implication for obtaining such a certification?

Yes, can be and should be. The Standards must be organically certified. Currently the cost is around AUD$5000.00. Linking the certification process to ISO series can be achieved.
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What are the other organic wastes which can be handled by the BiobiN?

Yes:
• grass
• foliage
• cakes
• breads
• paper
• cardboard
• soiled tissues
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Does the BiobiN process allow loading of organic waste intermittently as the process is running? For instance, for a 9 cu.mt capacity of BiobiN can the waste be loaded @ 1 tonne per day for nine days?

Please indicate whether the process starts after filling the BiobiN to the full capacity or its starts from day one.
The composting process begins immediately and the bin is designed for intermittent loading.
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What are the dimensions of the BiobiN?

All Australian BioiiNs are 1750mm wide at their widest point.
The 9m3 BiobiN is 1720mm at the highest point and 4020mm long.
A step can be supplied for the 9m3 bin for people to be able reach when empting small bins into 9m3 bin.
The 4m3 BiobiN short/tall version is 1720mm high, 2020mm long, 1750mm wide.
The 4m3 BiobiN longer/small version 1420mm high, 2500mm long, 1750mm wide.
Remember these are not internal measurements they the extremes of the outside of the BiobiNs
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What does a BiobiN cost?

The indicative maximum price of a BiobiN is $30,000 AUD irrespective of size.
As the bins are produced to specific requirements of client use, the price is negotiable based on construction material, configuration and number of bins required.