For residents

Every home produces wastewater—for instance, the water used for showering, flushing the toilet, or tasks in the kitchen. In addition, every household generates fruit and vegetable waste, and homes with gardens also produce garden waste. Typically, wastewater is sent to the sewer system, while organic waste (fruit, vegetable, and garden waste) goes into a dedicated organic waste bin. In the Noorderhoek neighborhood, things work a little differently.

Wastewater and ground-up food waste are transported to the treatment facility on Napjusstraat. There, the waste is converted into biogas and other reusable substances. Following this process—known as “digestion”—the biogas is used to heat nearby buildings. The remaining water is purified until it reaches the quality of drinking water. This water can then be used by the neighborhood for public washing machines, as well as for the “green wall” and fountain located at the digestion facility.

Using the food waste disposer and the vacuum toilet

Many residents living in rental properties owned by Elkien use a food waste disposer and a vacuum toilet. These help them save water—and, consequently, money. A vacuum toilet and a food waste disposer operate somewhat differently than a standard toilet or a conventional kitchen sink.

 

The Food Waste Disposer

A food waste disposer features a base that spins at very high speed. Food scraps entering the unit are broken apart as they are forced against the sides. Water, which is added during the process, helps flush the food particles down the drainpipe. The disposer does not contain any blades; therefore, you should not put very hard items into it. While such objects won’t necessarily break the appliance, they can impair its performance.

 

The Vacuum Toilet

Toilet paper, all-purpose cleaner, and toilet rim blocks can be used in the toilet as usual. However, the cleaning process is slightly different. Do not use bleach or chlorine, as these kill the bacteria used to purify the water. Also, do not dispose of waste, grease, wet wipes, or buckets of soapy water in the toilet.

Tip: You can use an all-purpose cleaner or green soap (castile soap) to clean the toilet.

 

Achtergrondafbeelding met waterdruppels

Questions?

Do you have any questions about Waterschoon? Please check the list below first to see if your question is already addressed.

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Something is stuck. Should I call the maintenance service now?

Is something stuck in the waste disposer—for instance, an object that is too hard, or perhaps a small piece of plastic from packaging? You can resolve this yourself: first, switch off the power. You can then easily remove the item by hand or using a pair of pliers. Afterward, use the reset button located on the bottom of the unit to turn the disposer back on. If the problem persists, please contact Elkien’s customer service at (0513) 635 735.

I have a malfunction. How do I resolve it?

Are you experiencing a technical issue? First, try following the steps provided in the information regarding the vacuum toilet and the food waste disposer. If this does not resolve the problem, the staff at Elkien will be happy to assist you. Please call Elkien’s customer service department at (0513) 635 735; they will arrange for a technician to visit you.

Something other than food has fallen into the garbage disposal. Will the appliance break now?

No, the device will not break if, for example, a spoon or a plastic bag falls into it. Simply switch off the power. You can then remove the spoon or plastic bag by hand or using a pair of tongs. Use the reset button on the bottom of the unit to turn the disposer back on.

Can all food scraps go into the disposer?

Most items you would normally put in your green waste bin can also go into the food waste disposer. However, be careful with very hard objects, as the disposer cannot process them effectively. Cut large items into smaller pieces to make it easier for the disposer to handle them.

What are the benefits of using the grinder?

You are making an important contribution to the environment. Food waste is transported to the facility on Napjusstraat, where it is processed into gas that is ultimately used to heat buildings. As a result, the green waste bin is much less full—it now contains almost exclusively garden waste. The approach in Noorderhoek is truly unique globally: nowhere else in the world are food waste disposers and vacuum toilets used in so many homes within a single neighborhood. Furthermore, using a vacuum toilet means you consume significantly less water.

Why is there a difference in how long it takes for something to be ground up?

When you turn on the grinder, it spins at a very high speed, breaking apart whatever you put into it and turning it into much smaller pieces. The harder the material, the longer it takes to grind down.

Are there blades in the grinder?

No, there are no blades inside the disposer. The disposer features a base that spins at very high speed. Food scraps that enter the unit are broken apart as they are forced against the sides. Water is added to the process, allowing the food scraps to be flushed away through the drain pipe. In short, there are no blades in the disposer.

Should I use the green bin or the food waste disposer?

You can put all your food scraps into the food waste disposer. Use the green bin for garden waste, such as grass or branches.

Wat moet ik eerst in kleinere stukken snijden voordat het in de voedselvermaler kan?

It is best to cut cauliflower stalks, flower stems, or other larger, harder, or thicker materials into smaller pieces before putting them into a food waste disposer. This allows the disposer to process them more effectively. The same applies to items like a baguette.

Should the leftover salmon salad from a container—or some peanut butter—also go into the garbage disposal?

That can also just go into the grinder. If you don’t put it in, that’s fine too.

What should I do with packaged products?

Plastic can impair the performance of a food waste disposer. Therefore, remove any plastic or other packaging materials before putting items into the unit. For example, be sure to remove the plastic wrap from the end of a cucumber before placing cucumber scraps into the disposer.