Taihi is a kitchen compost bin that provides users with a clean, smell-free and easy to use method to deal with household waste. This final year design project from Loughborough University uses a Japanese process called Bokashi to compost waste much quicker and more effectively than traditional composting.

Each year, 48 million tonnes of household waste is sent to landfills in the UK, 75% of which is biodegradable and potentially compostable. With over 80% of the population living in urban areas, 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.

Using a traditional Japanese method of composting, Bokashi, 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.

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.

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