Taihi compost

Inspired by a Japanese technique that singles out a natural fertilizer from compost waste, Ben Cullis Watson designed an indoor smell-free, easy to clean trash bin.

Realised by Leicester-based designer Ben Cullis Watson, Taihi is a kitchen compost bin that provides users with a clean and smell-free tool to deal with household waste. As a final year design project at Loughborough University, Taihi uses a Japanese process called Bokashi, to compost waste much quicker and more effectively than traditional composting.

Img.1 Ben Cullis Watson, Taihi compost, Leicester, UK, 2017

The collecting and disposing of this waste costs the government huge amounts of money. This project focuses on helping users deal with household waste within their own homes, in an attempt to reduce the environmental and financial impact of transporting it to landfills and the methane it then produces, in addition to promoting gardening and green living in cities. Since the annual food waste in the UK keeps on arising – with almost 10 million tonnes of organic waste that are sent to landfill sites. Losses deal with a value of over £17 billion a year, and roughly 20 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. The UK now has until 2025 to meet the Courtauld Commitment target, reducing overall food and drink waste by 20%.

Img.2 Ben Cullis Watson, Taihi compost, Leicester, UK, 2017

Bokashi is a traditional Japanese method of composting where waste is decomposed quickly with little mess or smell. The process relies on an “activator liquid” sprayed from small vials contained in the top of the product. This liquid, containing micro-organisms, kickstarts the decomposition process inside the bin, and allows the waste to break down more quickly.

Img.3 Ben Cullis Watson, Taihi compost, Leicester, UK, 2017

The liquid produced during decomposition is deposited into a sealed watering can that is integrated into the product, and can be used each day to water houseplants. The system uses two bins to manage waste, filling one while the other is processing, producing compost much more quickly than outdoor methods. The design features a double lid system and rubber seals that prevent smells from escaping, as well as a special non-stick coating that makes it easy to empty and clean. The compost does not require turning, or any additional maintenance, making the product quick and easy to use.

Ben Cullis Watson, Taihi compost, sketches

Taihi compost disposal
Design: Ben Cullis Watson
Year: 2017

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