The Science Behind The Eco 5: The Eco 5 & Its Byproduct Explained
Imagine turning kitchen scraps into a nutrient-rich soil amendment without the hassle of traditional composting. Imagine breaking down food in a matter of hours, not months, in a way that is sterile and odour-free. Now, with the Eco 5, you need imagine-no-more.
Often mistaken for an "electric composter," this compact appliance is a game-changer in sustainable food waste management. The impressive science behind the Eco 5 allows it to create an almost-magical byproduct that is a soil and plant superfood.
What is an Electric Food Waste Recycler?
An electric food waste recycler like the Eco 5 is a convenient kitchen helper. It uses heat, aeration and pulverisation to reduce food waste by up to 90%. The Eco 5 minimises emissions and eliminates unpleasant odours. It offers a convenient alternative to composting, perfect for those short on space or time.
The compact, 5L design allows the unit to fit nicely on the kitchen benchtop, making it an ideal solution for those in apartments or places without an outdoor space.
How Does the Eco 5 Work?
The Eco5 works through three stages:
- Drying: The unit heats up to 140 degrees celsius, which eliminates over 99% of bacteria. This means that the soil-amendment produced is sterile and safe to handle.
- Grinding: The powerful Vortech™ blades break down food waste into small particles, reducing its volume by as much as 90%.
- Cooling: The final stage of the cycle cools down the by-product, making it safe to handle and use.
Eco 5 vs. Traditional Composting:
- Product Outcome: Traditional composting creates moist compost over months, while the Eco 5 generates a dry, almost bacteria-free biomass usable as soil conditioner, in a matter of hours.
- Time & Energy: Composting requires constant attention in order to maintain the correct carbon to nitrogen ratio and regularly aerate the mix. The compost takes months to break down, whereas the Eco 5 works in as little as 4-9 hours.
- Input Limitations: Traditional composting is picky about inputs; the Eco 5 handles a wider variety of food waste, including meat, most bones, dairy and even avocado pits and oyster shells!
- Seasonality: Traditional composting slows down in winter; the Eco 5 works year-round, conveniently out of the weather and in the comfort of your home.
Why Choose the Eco 5?
- Odour-Free: Eliminates nasty food waste odours.
- All-Season Use: Functions year-round.
- Space-Saving: Ideal for small spaces.
- Easy to Use: Add food waste and press Start.
- Quick Processing: Transforms food waste into soil amendment quickly.
- Versatility: Handles a wide range of food waste.
- Eco-Friendly: Reduces methane emissions, promoting a greener planet.
- Storable Eco 5 Output: Produces a sterile, dry by-product usable as a nutrient-packed output.
The Science of the Eco 5’s byproduct:
The Eco 5 produces a dry, soil-like material from the food processed within it. This byproduct preserves the nutritional value of the original food while eliminating the risk of bacterial growth associated with moist decomposition. Research by the Sydney Environmental & Soil Laboratory (SESL) Australia has verified that the soil amendment created by enrich360® dehydrators is nutrient rich, stable and pathogen-free. Consequently, this byproduct can be safely utilised as a soil conditioner in both commercial and residential settings. It contains essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are vital for plant health.
Unlike compost, which is rich in bacteria, the Eco 5’s byproduct needs bacteria to break it down into soil. The Eco 5 speeds up this process by breaking apart particles and removing moisture first.
How Much Eco 5 Output Should You Add to Soil?
- Vegetarian Diet: Mix 1 part output to 10 parts soil.
- Meat & Dairy: Mix 1 part output to 20 parts soil.
- Indoor Plants: Use more soil to balance the nutrient concentration.
For best results, mix your Eco 5 output into soil about a month before planting to allow bacteria to break it down, enriching the soil for your plants.
Whether you prefer traditional composting or the modern Eco 5, the goal is the same: reduce food waste in landfills and nourish our planet. The Eco 5 offers a fantastic, fast, efficient and eco-friendly way to recycle food waste, perfect for city dwellers, those short on time or space and anyone seeking a greener future.
