GabyThe startup Mill, founded by Matt Rogers and Harry Tannenbaum, has developed an unprecedented kitchen bucket. According to the inventors, they have found the perfect solution for disposing of food waste. The smart container dries it out, compresses it thoroughly, and sends it to the developing company. There, the transformed waste is given a new purpose.
The idea for the unusual trash can was born to Rogers and Tannenbaum at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. At that time, they were stuck at home and forced to “look at trash and smell it.” Eventually, they became literally obsessed with finding a new way to dispose of waste: one that aligned with modern environmental trends.
Soon, a low-energy container from Mill appeared, offering a new way to combat food waste.
How does it work?
First, the smart bin slowly heats and mixes the waste, then dehydrates and compresses it. Clearly, this technology allows for less frequent emptying of the trash container.
By the way, during its use, no unpleasant odors escape. Not even when food waste is heated.
The evaporating water and air from the container pass through an odor control system with a carbon filter, after which the air is expelled through an exhaust fan at the back of the device.
In a few weeks, when it is already filled, the user pours the obtained mixture into a special box and orders prepaid delivery of the package to Mill.
This process is an alternative to the costly disposal of food waste in landfills and composting, the publication reported. Dezeen .
It should be noted that the design of the bucket is simple and minimalist. The “brain” of the gadget – the control panel with an LED display – is hidden under a wooden veneer lid to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
New life for waste
Now, startups are looking for as many options as possible for reusing processed food waste. Currently, the company is working on a project to convert compressed mass into an ingredient for chicken feed.
The goal of Mill is to preserve food waste in the food system and use it in the most efficient and resource-saving way.
According to the inventors, the worst thing is when food ends up in a landfill. Not only because valuable nutrients and resources used for its cultivation and logistics are wasted, but also because harmful methane is released at the same time.
By the way, nMethane accounts for about 20 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions..
The ecological containers from Mill, which recently began production, are currently available only in the USA.
Among other notable innovations in waste disposal in recent years is the Townew trash can, which automatically packs garbage into a bag and replaces it with a new one. Additionally, there is the Taihi trash container, whose operation is based on the Japanese fermentation method. This useful bin transforms waste into compost and fertilizers.
