Compost, Not Landfill, Says Compaq

A revolutionary new composting method has been adapted as an integral part of Compaq Australia's waste minimisation programme.

The Vertical Composting Unit (VCU), installed at Compaq's main Sydney office facility, is responsible for processing between 100 and 200 kilograms of organic waste each day from Compaq's in-house cafeteria. The resulting high quality, nutrient-rich compost is used on Compaq's campus-like grounds and will be available for employees to purchase later this year.

Environment manager for Compaq Computer Australia, Eedra Zey said, "The VCU can handle a wide variety of organic waste from our canteen, including meat, oil, dairy products, coffee grounds, even chip containers and paper plates.

"In realising the adverse effects of our 'throw away' societies, individuals and organisations are being challenged to change the way we do things. By utilising the VCU, Compaq is able to make a difference through turning 'waste' material into rich useable product. As the VCU is on-site, we also have no transport costs of waste disposal, which is both a cost saving and an environmental benefit, and we are reducing the amount of waste going to landfill.

"Compaq has long been involved in recycling and waste minimisation for various materials, including computer hardware, transport packaging, electronic scrap, other office supplies and food waste."

VCU Technology Limited, the New Zealand company behind the VCU, has ten sites in operation in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. The company is gaining international recognition for its ability to provide sustainable, commercially viable organic waste solutions through its patented VCU and associated technologies. A recent installation in Waitakere City is the first VCU system commissioned for local government in New Zealand and the first multi-chamber system in the world. Compaq Computer Australia was the first company in Australia to install such a system.

The VCU operates on the age-old principles of composting, albeit on a much larger scale. It is an enclosed, self bio-filtering system, which means the composting process does not smell.

Steve James, Business Development Manager for VCU Technology says, "A workplace environmental project such as the VCU is an ideal way of turning environmental concerns into positive action. In many cases, there are business benefits that accompany an improvement in the work and surrounding environments, such as increased investor confidence and customer appreciation.

"For an organisation like Compaq, the VCU technology facilitates a recycling model that's effective, cost efficient and attractive for other companies also wishing to accept the challenge and be environmentally responsible."

ENDS

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