Exhibitor spotlight: Kudos to Caterpillar and Eco Guardians for tackling landfill problems
Two exhibitors, Caterpillar and Eco Guardians, though very different in what they do in the waste management arena, are showcasing products and solutions that aim to ease some of the problems associated with managing waste at landfills. In line with AWRE’s theme on sustainability and its pledge towards its Zero Landfill Project, it is timely to highlight these exhibitors and their efforts.
Caterpillar’s CAT 836K landfill compactor
At this year’s Australasian Waste & Recycling Expo, Caterpillar will showcase its CAT 836K landfill compactor, which is a safer, more cost-efficient and sustainable machine without sacrificing compaction results. With more than 20 years of Caterpillar engineering invested in this machine, it meets US EPA emission regulations, and boasts enhanced safety and serviceability features. To ensure safe maintenance access, the 836K’s routine service points are easily accessible with a swing-out radiator which facilitates cleaning. Grease points are centralised, and belly guards are hinged for easy handling.
The ACERT engine uses selective catalytic reduction to control nitrogen-oxide emissions and the Cat Clean Emissions Module – diesel particulate filter (DPF), diesel oxidation catalyst, and Cat Regeneration System – to control particulate emissions.
For added efficiency, an auto-reversing, hydraulically driven fan adjusts its speed to match cooling requirements, reducing horsepower draw and conserving fuel.
Along with reduced exhaust emissions, the 836K provides a number of fuel-saving features that reduce the 836K’s CO2 footprint, such as Auto Idle Kickdown (reduces engine speed when the machine is inactive for a set time interval) and Idle Shutdown (stops the engine after a safe idling interval). The 836K also uses Cat HYDO hydraulic oil, which allows extended drain intervals (up to six times longer than conventional oils) and is significantly more biodegradable.
Eco Guardians’ enrich360 – turning food waste to a nutrient-rich fertiliser
AT AWRE 2015, Eco Guardians will showcase its food waste to nutrient-rich fertiliser solution – enrich360. Doug Wilson, Director of Eco Guardians says this technology is a boon to Australia where one of the characteristics of farming is that its been intensive with a reliance on synthetic fertilisers that help yield good crops but do little to keep the soil healthy. Companies and organisations want to see organic material return to the soil. “The product we are producing in our system is beautifully fitted for that aim, similar to blood and bone fertiliser. It acts over a longer period of time whem compared to the regularly applied synthetic fertilisers,” said Mr Wilson.
He added: “Everyone pretty much understands the need for sustainability. They have the ambition to act sustainability and responsibility, but they are also responsible for their bottom line, hence a commercial rationale is needed. What we offer them is a return on investment in three to five years, a statement of greenhouse gas reductions which is a two-pronged approach – financial and environmental – to meet appeal to that rationale.
Market sectors that hold the most potential and stand to benefit from employing enrich360 would be remote areas like mining accommodation camps and hospitals. The one market segment that invests in sustainable solutions are government organisations like the City of Melbourne.
Eco Guardians also recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Yarra Valley Farms. Working with a major fruit and vegetable grower like Yarra Valley Farms will help push Eco Guardians’ sustainable solution in the spotlight. Having a grower who wants to be the link in the chain between the fertiliser produced and transferred to the growers and to be a part of improving soil structure on these farms is a significant win.
Caterpillar will be at Stand H8 and Eco Guardians will be at Stand G35. Visit them at AWRE to find out more about their other featured products and check out other innovations from more than 90 exhibitors in the waste management industry.
About AWRE:
Into its sixth instalment, the Australasian Waste & Recycling Expo (AWRE) is back in Melbourne in 2015. It attracts exhibitors and industry professionals from Australia, New Zealand, Asia, UK and North America looking for cutting-edge innovation in end-to-end waste management solutions.
When: 12-13 August, 2015
Where: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
For more information on AWRE, seminar programs and list of exhibitors, please go to www.awre.com.au.
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