Recoup technologies

Food Waste Solutions FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions – Digesters

Are the microorganisms safe?

The microorganisms are perfectly safe, naturally-occurring and non-pathogenic, i.e. they do not cause disease. There are also no harmful effects to local drains or sewage systems. In effect the microorganisms boosts the population of beneficial bacteria in the system, and there would actually be beneficial effects further downstream.

How much food waste can I put in the Digester?

The Digester can process up to 2,500 pounds of food waste over a 24 hour period but because it is a continuous feed process, the additions of food waste must be staged over the course of the 24 hours. Trying to put too much food waste into the Digester at one time will overload the machine and slow the digestion process. Operators should aim to add approximately 100 pounds per hour to achieve maximum performance.

What can I put into the Digester?

The Digester is designed to process a wide range of food waste types like, fruit, vegetables, cooked and uncooked meat and poultry, fish, dairy, bakery items, etc.

What CAN'T I put into the Digester?

The machine cannot process anything that is not food waste and cannot be easily broken down such as large bones, mussel and clam shells, pineapple tops, packaging, general waste or cutlery. Placing the wrong items into the machine could cause damage and could void the warranty.

Can I put hot soups or frozen foods in the machine?

No. Please allow for the food waste to come to room temperature before adding. If very cold or very hot food waste is added it could change the core temperature of the digester and kill the microorganisms that breakdown the food waste.

How long can the hatch door be open for?

It is best to have your sorted food waste (out of all plastic and packaging) ready to be fed into the machine before opening the door. Extended periods of time the door is open, more than five minutes, will cause the core temperature of the digester to come down. The microorganisms thrive in a consistently warm environment. Over exposure to cold temperatures could kill the microorganisms.

What can I do to keep the machine running at 100%?

Keeping the machine fed and clean is the most important. Daily inspections and removal of any in-organic materials that may have accidentally been added to the digester is suggested.

Does the machine grind or chop the food waste?

No, the Digester does not grind or chop the food waste it gradually digests the food waste into a liquid.

What is the warranty on the digester?

New Equipment is warranted for parts for a period of three (3) years from the date of start up.

How much water is consumed and discharged per day?

When operating our largest machine in a 24 hour period, the fresh water consumption is no more than 150 gallons per day. The effluent discharged is 180 to 300 gallons per day.

Why are there plastic chips in the digester?

The plastic chips are the BioMedia where the microorganisms live. The plastic media remains in the machine at all times.

How often and how much can I feed my Digester?

The key to BioHiTech Digester’s success is balanced feeding. Like your stomach, If you feed it too much at once it takes longer to digest. A balanced diet is the best way to allow BioHiTech Digester to be most effective.