VCU technology: effective, cost-efficient and attractive for companies wishing to become environmentally responsible.

Since its innovative program to dispose of old hardware, Compaq Computer has taken another step towards waste minimisation by setting its sights on organics.

Compaq Computer has become the first company in Australia to set up a Vertical Composting Unit (VCU) as part of its integrated waste minimisation program.

The organic waste processor, which converts all food and garden waste into high-quality, nutrient-rich compost that meets the Australian Standard, is a key part of the company's effort to incorporate sustainable principles into its day-to-day operations. With escalating disposal costs, the VCU is also a cost-effective way to deal with its organic waste, which includes meat, oils, dairy products, coffee grounds, tea bags, coffee stirrers and even chip containers, paper plates, towels and serviettes. After more testing, the company expects to use the conditioner on its gardens and sell it to staff later in the year.

"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," said its environment manager, Eedra Zey. "In realising the adverse effects of our throw-away society, individuals and organisations alike are all being challenged to change the way they do things. As the VCU is an on-site solution it eliminates the need to transport the waste, thereby contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gases."

Compaq has been composting with the VCU at its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Sydney since November, eliminating the need to send green waste from the gardens and food waste from the in-house cafeteria to landfill. It replaced the composting bin system that had been used at Compaq's offices near the Olympic site since 1994. "It is easier to manage the critical input mix (with the VCU). It's safer because it hits higher temperatures for longer, doesn't need turning and it is more tolerant to changes," said Zey.

According to Steve James, business development manager at VCU Technology, the unit will process between 100-200 kg of waste each day from the canteen. Food and garden waste is fed in the top and is pasteurised at 75oC for a week to eliminate harmful pathogens, while the in-vessel system is odour free and does not attract pests. This, combined with its small physical footprint of 5m3, makes it ideally suited to urban and commercial sites.

TURNING CONCERN INTO ACTION
"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," said James.

Zey said she didn't have to justify the $100,000 project in terms of cost savings or a defined payback period. "It is an extension of our environmental management systems which extend to our products and packaging. There is an expectation in our Australian companies that they be environmentally sensitive," she said.

The companyÕs Computer Asset Recovery Service offers free pick-up and responsible disposal of computer hardware while maximising the value of old equipment for reuse. The program provides an opportunity for Compaq, its partners and fellow companies to follow environmental best practice at a corporate level.

For information about the Computer Asset Recovery Service, visit www.compaq.com.au/computerassetrecoveryservice.