BIOLAN COMPOSTER 220 Parts list manual

Serial No.
Assembler Date of manufacture
Stamp of seller, signature and date of purchase
Contents
Parts list for Biolan Composter 220.................................................................................................................................................... 2
1. Location of the composter .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
 1.1Technicalspecications ................................................................................................................................................ 4
Permissions and regulations applying to composting............................................................................................. 4
What is a good biowaste bin like?........................................................................................................................... 4
2. Composting ................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
2.1 Commissioning............................................................................................................................................................. 5
2.2 Using the composter..................................................................................................................................................... 5
How to adjust the air valve?.................................................................................................................................... 5
How often shall I mix the Biolan Composter? ......................................................................................................... 5
2.3 Using the composter in frost......................................................................................................................................... 5
2.4 Emptying the Biolan Composter................................................................................................................................... 6
2.5 Cleaning the Biolan Composter.................................................................................................................................... 6
3. What happens in the Biolan Composter?....................................................................................................................................... 6
4. Using the compost in the garden.................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.1 Cover soil...................................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.2 Using cover soil ............................................................................................................................................................ 7
4.3 Maturing cover soil to compost soil .............................................................................................................................. 7
4.4 Using mature compost soil ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Biolan accessories.............................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Is the composting not successful?...................................................................................................................................................... 8
Matters related to the guarantee ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
COMPOSTER 220
INSTRUCTIONS FOR
INSTALLATION, USE AND
MAINTENANCE

BIOLAN OY -2-
Parts list for Biolan Composter 220
Compo-
nent
Component title Number Material
1 Tank green
brown
grey
572601
572901
576201
PE, insulation PU
2 Top green
brown
grey
572602
572902
576202
PE, insulation PU
3 Emptying door green
brown
grey
572603
572903
576203
PE, insulation PU
4 Upper air pipe green
brown
grey
572604
572904
576204
PE
5 Lower air pipe green
brown
grey
572605
572905
576205
PE
6 Emptying tray green
brown
grey
572606
572906
576206
PE
7 Thermometer 572607 Acid-proof steel
8 Name tag 572608 PE
9 Product authenticity sticker 572609 PE
10 Convex cover 572610 PE
11 Air valve body, 2 pcs. 572611 PE
12 Adjustment disc 572612 PE
13 Locking rubber for the top 572613 Rubber
14 Washer for locking rubber, 2 pcs, 572614 PE
15 Locking rubber bolt, DIN7997 ZN 4.5x30, 2 pcs. 572615 Galvanized steel
16 Rubber sealing ring for lid 572616 EPDM-rubber
17 Sealingringxationbrackets 572617 RST
18 Cover support 572618 PE
19 Bolt for supporter, 2 pcs. 572619 Polyethylene + steel
20 Counterpiece for bolt 572620 PE
21 Inset plug for urethane, 3 pcs. green
brown
grey
572622
571020
571524
PE
22 Hinge, 2 pcs. 572623 PE
23 Hinge pin, 2 pcs. 572624 PE
24 Hinge screw DIN7985 ZN 6x16, 4 pcs. 572625 Galvanized steel
25 Emptying door latch, 2 pcs. 572626 PA
26 Latch screw DIN7985 ZN 6x35, 2 pcs. 572627 Galvanized steel
27 Sealing rubber for emptying door 572630 EPDM-rubber
28 Compost and Toilet Bulking Material, 40 l 5621 Package PE
29 Emptying bucket 572632 Polyethylene + wood
30 Compoststarter (only in Finland) 5353 Package PE
31 Instructions for use 572634 Paper
32 Compostmixer
(the mixer blades with pins are separately available as spare part)
5752 Glassbre-reinforcedPP
Spare parts for the Biolan Composter are available for at least ve years. Spare parts can be obtained from the dealers.
ThemaincomponentsoftheBiolanComposter(parts1–6)haveaguaranteeofveyearscoveringdefectsinmaterialandworkman-
ship.

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2
4
10
11
14 15
16
17
13
20
19
21
5
18
19
21
22
23
24
7
8
9
1
12
11
17 27 21
3
6
25
26
28
29
30
25
31
26
32

BIOLAN OY -4-
BIOLAN COMPOSTER 220
1.1 Technical specications
• volume 220 l
• for 1–6 persons, depending on the amount and type of
waste
• bottom size 61 x 61 cm, cover size 75 x 79 cm (w x d)
• height of the composter 120 cm
• operating height 105 cm
• weight of an empty composter 32 kg
• weight of a full composter 100–150 kg
• weight of the cover when opening 3,5 kg
1. Location of the composter
Place the Biolan composter in a location, where waste can be
easily taken all year round. A recommendable place is, for exam-
ple, by the gate next to the waste bin.
Placethecomposteronarmsurfaceinalocationwherewater
willnotgather.Thebottomofthecomposteristtedwithanexit
hole for possible excessive seep liquid. This is why the Biolan
Composter should be placed on the ground surface. If the com-
poster is placed onto tiling or stone paving, the tile or the stone
at the seep liquid hole shall be removed. If the compost mass is
exceptionally wet, some seep liquid can run out from under the
emptying door (part 3) or it can seep through the air valves in the
front wall (parts 11 and 12).
If you want to place the Biolan Composter, for example, in a
storehouse, you can insert a hose connector into the seep liquid
holeandconnecttoitahose,whichgoesto,forexample,aoor
drain or a canister. Measure the diameter of the seep liquid hole
and choose a connector, that is slightly bigger, to ensure proper
attachment of the connector.
Typically in Finland:
• the composter for domestic waste must be thermally in-
sulated, equipped with a cover and protected against ro-
dents
• in some municipalities it is required that the municipal en-
vironmental authority or the refuse disposal company be
notiedofcompostingdomesticwaste
• garden waste may only be composted in a composter, in
a board frame or in a pile.
• the compost must be looked after so that no harm is
caused to people’s health or to the environment
• the composter must not be placed closer than 15 metres
to a well or 5 metres to the border of a neighbour without
the neighbour’s consent.
Permissions and regulations applying to composting
The permissions and regulations applying to the composting naturally vary from country to country, but also different municipali-
ties may apply different regulations. Consult your local municipal environmental authority for the regulations valid in your own
municipality.
The part numbers following the components refer to the parts
listonpage2.Theproductnumberinturnreferstoaspecic
Biolan product presented on page 7.
What is a good biowaste bin like?
A good biowaste bin is dimensioned according to the amount
ofwastecreated.Abowlbythekitchensinkmaybesufcient
for two persons, whereas a family with children may require a
waste bin of 10 litres. It is good, if the vessel has a cover, but
it must not be airtight.
To bind moisture and make emptying of the vessel easier, put
a layer of Biolan Compost and Toilet Bulking Material on the
bottom of the vessel. As an alternative, you can also use a
piece of soft paper, newspaper or an egg crate.
Also biodegradable bags can be used. The bag, however, de-
composes in the composter more slowly than kitchen waste
and therefore the contents of the bag shall be poured into
the composter separately. In a closed bag, the waste starts
to decay.
The Biolan Composter is an efcient unit for the year-round composting of kitchen waste. Thanks to the thermo-insulated
structure and the patented ventilation system, ready compost is processed rapidly. The wonder of composting can be moni-
tored in the thermometer and through the emptying doorway. The composter is dimensioned for the waste of one family.

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2. Composting
ProperuseoftheBiolanComposterallowsmoreefcientcompost-
ing of the mass and enables convenient use and emptying of the
composter. Owing to the thermal insulation and the ventilation sys-
temofthecomposter,thecompostingofthewasteismoreefcient.
Thecompostingstartsassoonasthereisasufcientamountof
waste in the composter, i.e. it is approximately level with the air
channel. After start-up the waste reaches the cover soil stage in
5-8 weeks.
2.1 Commissioning
1. Put on the bottom a layer about 5 cm thick (about 20 litres)
of Biolan Compost and Toilet Bulking Material.
2. Close the air valve in the front wall almost completely, i.e.
setthegure20 on the adjustment disc (part 12)pointing
upwards (see the point, How to adjust the air valve?)
2.2 Using the composter
1. Empty the biowaste bin into the composter. If you use biode-
gradable bags, empty the waste from the bag into the com-
poster and put the bag there separately.
2. Cover the waste with Biolan Compost and Toilet Bulking Ma-
terial (product number 5621). Depending on the wetness of
the waste, a suitable amount is about 1/3–1/2 of the amount
of waste added. The Biolan Compost and Toilet Bulking Ma-
terial absorbs odours and keeps the compost mass airy.
3. Continuethellinguntilthesurfaceofthewastereachesthe
level of the lower air pipe (part 5). Adjust the air valve in the
front wall in winter to the position 40 and in summer to the
position 50.
4. Continue the lling in accordance with the points 1–3 un-
til the surface of waste reaches the level of the upper air
pipe (part 4). Open the air valve properly – depending on the
outside air temperature (winter frost–summer heat) between
the positions 50–100.  Sufcient amount of waste has ac-
cumulated, and the population of micro-organisms has been
created. The composting process starts, which can be es-
tablished from the rise of the temperature. Observe the loca-
tion of the thermometer (part 7) below the upper air pipe. So
the thermometer gives indicative information about the vari-
ous stages of the composting process and the temperature
during the hot phase.
5. Continuellingthecomposterasusual(points1–3)untilit
becomes almost full of waste. Open the emptying door (part
3) and empty (see the point 2.4)
2.3 Using the composter in frost
The heat in the composter is created by burning of the waste.
The thermal insulation of the Biolan Composter prevents the
heat from escaping and, by doing so, boosts the operation of the
composter and helps it stay unfrozen. The composter’s operation
tolerates mild frost provided, that waste is added continuously on
aweeklybasisandtheamountofwasteaddedissufcient.In
severe frost or if the toilet is rarely used, the compost mass cools
down and, in the winter, may even freeze. If the temperature of
the composter drops below 20 degrees centigrade:
1. Continuellingthecomposterasusual(seeparagraph2.2,
points 1–2).
2. If the frost is severe, adjust the air valve to a lower setting,
between positions 20–40.
3. Check that the air outlet valve (parts 10 and 11) has not fro-
zen. Dismantle the valve cover and remove any ice.
4. Empty the composter from the emptying door so as to pro-
vide more space for the waste and to stimulate the compost
mass by inputting oxygen and mechanical crushing.
How often shall I mix the Biolan Composter?
If operated duly, the Biolan Composter hardly requires any
mixing at all. The ventilation system of the composter com-
binedwithsufcientdosingoftheBiolanCompostandToilet
BulkingMaterialaresufcientforkeepingthecompostmass
adequately loose.
Do not mix the layers in different composting phases with
each other, but only mix the top layer at intervals of a few
weeks to the depth of 20–30 cm. Press the Compostmixer
into the compost mass from directly overhead and lift it back
the same way. Observe the location of the air pipes while mix-
ing the compost.
Do not place in the compost
• non-decomposing waste, such as plastic, glass, rubber,
leather
• toxic substances, such as rot-resistant or disinfecting
agents, paints, solvents, petrol, cigarette butts
• vacuum cleaner bags
• coloured advertising paper
• large amount of paper at one time
• ash or lime
Put into the household compost all biowaste, such as
• fruit and vegetable peels
• leftoversofmeatorsh,andotherfoodwaste
• coffeeorteagroundswithlterbags
• soft and wet papers
• crushed eggshells
• pet excrements
• naturalbresinsmallpieces
• biodegradable bags, open and separate from waste
• garden waste
• solid toilet waste
How to adjust the air valve?
The air supply to the composter is adjusted with the air valve
(part12)inthe frontwalloftheBiolanComposter.Theg-
ures 20–100 in the adjustment disc indicate in per cent (%)
how much the air valve has been
opened.
At the start of composting, adjust
the valve to the position 20. Then
thegure20isattheupperedge
of the adjustment disc and the
broadest part of the adjustment
handle points upward (see illus-
tration).
As the amount of waste increas-
es, adjust the air valve to a high-
er setting. You can turn the disc
in either direction.
If the composter is utilized frequently, keep the air valve in the
completely open or in the almost open position between 50–
100 (winter frost–summer heat). If it is rarely used, adjust the
air valve to a lower setting for breaks and during severe frost.
5. Bury hot water bottles or canisters in the surface layer of the
compost mass to provide warmer conditions for the micro-
organisms.
Freezing damages neither the unit nor the compost mass itself,
and the composting process will continue at the latest when the
sun begins to warm in spring.

BIOLAN OY -6-
2.4 Emptying the Biolan Composter
Compost that has reached the cover soil stage is emptied from
the Biolan Composter. The waste matures to cover soil in about
5–8 weeks after the composting process has started. To enable
an efcient uninterrupted composting process, we recommend
that at most half of the mass be discharged from the unit at a
time.
1. Place the emptying tray under the front edge of the com-
poster.
2. Using the emptying bucket (part 29) or a straight-edged
spade, empty from the compost the part that has matured
the most.
3. Attach the emptying door and drop the remaining compost
mass onto the bottom of the composter using the mixer or
the spade.
3. What happens in the Biolan Composter?
The micro-organisms that decompose the compost use the waste in the
compost as well as each other for nutrition. Three stages can be sepa-
rated in composting: warming phase, hot phase and cooling phase.
The composting process does not start until the amount of waste is suf-
cientandthepopulationofmicro-organismshasbeencreated.
The heating-up stage
• temperature 0–40°C
• decomposing performed mostly by bacteria
• sugars and proteins are the nutrients
• lasts in general a few days
The hot stage
• the temperature rises over 40°C
• decomposing performed by bacteria and actinomycete, which spe-
cialize in high temperatures
• micro-organisms of the hot phase and decomposing products are
used as nutrition
• lasts from a few days to at most a few weeks
Cooling phase, i.e. the cover soil phase
• temperature drops to the level of the surrounding environment
• decomposing performed by fungi, actinomycete and earthworms
• the most resilient parts of the compost are decomposed: e.g.
lignin and cellulose
• humus is formed
• lasts a long time, at least several months
Thedecomposingmicro-organismshavethreebasicneedsthathavetobefullledinordertoprovideeffectivecomposting.oxygen,
humidity and nutrients.
OXYGEN:Themicro-organismsneedoxygentosurvive.Toensuresufcientlooseness,BiolanCompostandToiletBulkingMaterial
(thelitterspecicallydevelopedfortheBiolanComposter)shallbemixedwithwaste.Applyingsuitablebulkingmaterialisessential
for proper operation of the composter. The Biolan Compost and Toilet Bulking Material brings
about looseness, binds excess moisture and neutralises odours. Branch chaff can also be
used for additional looseness. Sawdust, cutter chips, peat, tree leaves and grass are materi-
als which pack up and therefore they must not be used as bulking material.
HUMIDITY: The micro-organisms of the compost are swimmers, which can only live in a humid environment. The humidity of the com-
post mass is suitable when the mass glistens with moisture and, when clenched in the hand, a few drops of water can be extracted
from it.
NUTRIENTS: The carbon-nitrogen balance of the compost must be correct. Kitchen waste, green garden waste, manure and urine
are sources of nitrogen. Withered brown waste, such as ripened hay, straw, tree leaves and branches contain carbon. Also the Biolan
Compost and Toilet Bulking Material contains a lot of carbon.
Looseness
Moisture
Nutrition
If the composter smells
rotten, it is too tight and
lacks oxygen.
The micro-organisms decomposing the compost do not have
teeth. The larger the bits you place in the compost the longer
it takes for them to decompose.
The Biolan Composter can be emptied all year round. Empty-
ing often boosts the operation of the composter as a result of
the oxygen surge.
2.5 Cleaning the Biolan Composter
Various mould and ray fungi are the decomposers in the compost, and should not be washed away. The air valve (parts 11 and 12)
andthepossibleseepliquidhose(seeparagraph1)shallbecleanedasrequired,however,atleasteveryveyears.
The Biolan Compost and Toilet Bulking Material has been ex-
plicitlydevelopedfortheBiolanComposter. It issufciently
coarse and sour. The compost stays airy and the bark of co-
niferoustreesrepelsies.

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Biolan Stone Composter
The Biolan Stone Composter is a
thermally insulated Finnish com-
poster, for garden, domestic and
toilet waste. The Stone Compost-
er is extremely robust and weath-
erproof. Its hinged cover makes
daily use easier. Volume about
450 litres.
Dimensions 95 x 114 x 95 cm
(d x w x h).
Product number red granit 5731, grey granit 5732
Biolan Garden Composter
The Biolan Garden Composter is intended for the compost-
ing of garden and toilet waste. Its volume is about 900 litres.
A bottom basket of aluminium, to prevent rodents from en-
tering the composter, is available as an option. Colour green.
Dimensions 106 x 154 x 92 cm (d x w x h). Dimensions of the
bottom basket 107 x 154 x
4 cm (d x w x h).
Product no. 5720
Biolan accessories
Biolan Compost and Toilet Bulking Material
Biolan Compost and Toilet Bulking Material
is a blend made of pure, dried and ground
conifer bark and peat for composting and dry
toilets. Compost and Toilet Bulking Material
gives the compost an airy structure, which
ensures effective and odourless compost-
ing. Packing size 40 litres.
Product no. 5621
Biolan Compostmixer
The Compostmixer is an excellent tool for managing the com-
post. Using the Compostmixer, the compost can be mixed up
easily and without straining the back. The Biolan Compostmixer
ismadeofresilientglassbre-reinforcedpolypropylene,soitnei-
ther corrodes nor oxidizes even over time.
Product no. 5752
Correctly used, the compost makes an excellent soil conditioner,
but if used incorrectly, it may even be harmful to plants. Compost
soil changes and develops constantly. It shall be used in a differ-
ent manner in different stages of its development. Typically com-
post soil is divided into two different groups based on its maturity:
We speak either about cover soil or mature compost soil.
4.1 Cover soil
The compost emptied from the Biolan Composter is usually in the
cover soil, i.e. in the cooling phase (see paragraph What hap-
pens in the composter?) The decomposing has reached a level
where food waste has already decomposed. The harder wood
material, eggshells and citrus fruit peels are not yet completely
decomposed. Therefore, the cover soil has quite a rough look.
4.2 Using cover soil
The cover soil is excellent used as soil conditioner. The nutrients
stimulate the activity of micro-organisms, and the humus it con-
tains improves the water balance of the soil. A suitable thickness
for the layer to be applied is about 2–5 cm.
Asthedenition”coversoil”implies,duringthegrowingseason
cover soil is applied as cover on the ground surface and around
the roots of perennial plants and bushes.
In autumn the cover soil can be moulded lightly in the soil. For the
winter the compost undergoing the cover soil phase, and to be
used in spring, shall be transferred into a composter with a cover
or protected by some other means to avoid rainwater ushing
away the nutrients.
4. Using the compost in the garden
After composting, toilet waste can be spread either on orna-
mental plants or on a vegetable plot. If the compost is to be
used on a vegetable plot, we recommend post-composting it
for a year after treatment in the Biolan Composter so as to
ensure it is guaranteed hygienic.
4.3 Maturing cover soil to compost soil
If the cover soil is post-composted, it will mature into proper com-
post soil. Post-composting can be done for example using a pile
or a composter that is not insulated, because the compost soil
will not heat up any longer. It is advisable to use a composter
with a cover, such as e.g. the Biolan Garden Composter (product
no. 5720) or the Biolan Stone Composter (product nos. 5731 and
5732)toavoid rainwater ushing away the water-soluble nutri-
ents. In a couple of months, the compost matures into compost
soil of a dark-brown colour and aggregate structure, from which
source substances, except for bigger wood splinters, can no
longer be distinguished.
4.4 Using mature compost soil
The fertilizing qualities of the compost soil depend on the raw
material consistency of the compost soil. Compost created of do-
mestic waste has in general a better nutritive value than compost
based on garden waste. Many garden plants, however, require
more quick-acting fertilizers to grow rapidly. For this reason the
compost should be "spiced-up" with the rich-in-nitrogen Biolan
Natural Fertilizer Grains.
Plain compost mould makes not a good growing medium, it shall
be mixed with at least 1/3–1/2 of mineral soil, such as for exam-
ple sand, silt, loam or clay.

THE COMPOSTER NEITHER GETS WARM NOR SMELLS
UNPLEASANT
Ensurethatthemassissufcientlymoistbylookingthroughthe
emptying doorway and turning the surface (see paragraph 3).
The humidity is suitable
• The composting has not yet started (see paragraph 2.2). The
migro-organism population needs some time to develop.
→ Continuethellingasusual.
• The amount of waste is too small to generate the high tem-
perature required. The waste is burning more slowly. The
key factor is, whether the waste has the time to mature to the
cover soil phase (see paragraph 4.1) before the emptying.
→If you wish to speed up the composting process, add
some nitrogen, such as for example the Biolan Natural
Fertilizer Grains.
→Compost has decayed to a point, where the hot
phase is already over. Empty some mass from the
composterandcontinuethelling.
The compost mass is too dry
→Sprinkle with plenty of warm water.
→Return the too-dry waste from the bottom to the compost-
erafterhavingsprinkleditrst.
→ Subsequently,makesurethatthemassremainssuf-
ciently moist.
The main components of the Biolan Composter 220 (parts 1–6) have a guarantee of ve years.
1. The guarantee is valid from the date of purchase and covers possible defects in material and workmanship. The guarantee
does not cover possible indirect damages.
2. Biolan Oy retains the right to decide about repairing or replacing the damaged part at its discretion.
3. Any damages resulting from careless or forcible handling of the device, failure to observe the Operating Instructions, or normal
wear are not covered by this guarantee.
4. Thebuyermustpresentadulylledguaranteecerticateoradetailedpurchasereceiptwhensubmittingclaimsunderthe
guarantee.
For matters related to the guarantee, please consult Biolan Oy directly.
Matters related to the guarantee
Biolan Oy
P.O.Box 2, FIN-27501 KAUTTUA
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.biolan.
Biolan Oy, 02/2009
Is the composting not
successful?
Only the end result matters! Does the waste turn to cover soil?
THE COMPOSTER DOES NOT WARM UP AND SMELLS
ROTTEN
Biodegradable bags have been used without opening
The micro-organisms lack oxygen
→Tear the bags properly open using the Compostmixer. As
required, add some litter in the waste.
→Subsequently pour the contents of the bag in the com-
poster separately.
The compost mass is too tight
→Generously apply the Biolan Compost and Toilet Bulking
Material. Mix the bedding and the mass.
→Subsequently use the litter more generously and make
surewhilelling,thatforexamplegrass,rootcroppeelsor
leaves do not make tight layers.
Presence of mould, fungi
and various creeps are
characteristic of a well-
functioning composter!
FLIES IN THE COMPOST
→If the compost smells, add some Biolan Compost and
Toilet Bulking Material generously, simultaneously mixing
the compost with the Compostmixer and in future use the
litter more generously.
→ Turnthesurfacelayerdeeperintothecompost.They
maggots die at a temperature of about 43 ºC.
→Apply a layer about 2 cm thick to the surface. Subse-
quentlymakesureparticularlytocoverthemeatandsh
leftovers properly.
→Rinse the inner walls and the cover of the composter
carefully with hot water in order to destroy the eggs and
maggots.Ifyouexterminatetheiesbyspraying,usepy-
rethrin, such as Raid or Bioruiskute S, which decomposes
in the compost.
ANTS IN THE COMPOSTER
The composter provides the ants with feed and a cosy environ-
ment,whichmaymakeitdifculttokeepthemaway.Theants
usually like to stay in the lower part of the composter during
the cooling phase. Make sure that the composter is not too dry.
You disturb the relative comfort of the ants by emptying small
batches of compost regularly. The ants are not harmful to the
composting process.
THE COMPOSTER IS HOT AND SMELLS OF AMMONIA
The nitrogen content of the composter is too high compared
with its carbon content
→Apply a thick layer of Biolan Compost and Toilet Bulking
Material to the surface.
→Subsequently use the litter more generously.
Please visit www.biolan. → Environmental products for
more information about composting.
Most of the problems that may be
encountered result from using the
wrong type of litter.
Make sure the bag bears the label
“Biolan”!