Up to a very few years ago there was only really two chemicals that provided for the control of microbes and hence odours within the sanitary bin. Both of these were inorganic compounds and by today’s standards presented health and safety issues in a number of ways.

Formaldehyde – this was in the liquid form, similar to the fluid used within Elson toilets for caravans. There was very much an issue of potential spillage both when putting it into the sanitary bin and also whilst servicing the bin and in the disposal of the waste. Formaldehyde was also unpleasant to handle and has since been banned for use within sanitary bins in the UK.

Bisulphites – these were normally in power form and would absorb moisture to give of a vapour of sulphur dioxide which was the active ingredient for the control of microbes. ( Camden tablets for sterilising wine work in a similar way) Sulphur dioxide is slightly heavier than air so that the vapour remains within the bin. The smell is however both unpleasant and acidic and could be inhaled when the lid of the sanitary bin was removed which could create a slight vacuum.

These days VR Sani-Co and most other sanitary bin service companies use biological control systems .The main one used by VR Sani-Co is Neutrawaste which is designed to chemically react with and reduce the spectrum of offensive odours that occur within the sanitary bin. The compound utilises a number of unique technologies to produce end products that are essentially non toxic and substantially less dangerous than the original odour causing chemicals. This allows for much safer handling of soiled waste and a reduction in release of unwanted gases into the atmosphere when the waste material is finally incinerated or land-filled.

It should be noted, however, that VR Sani-Co have never land-filled any waste from sanitary or nappy bins, with all their waste being incinerated at a power station where it is used to help generate electricity. The company totally disagrees with any land-filling of such material, although a number of other companies still do so. Even biodegradable plastics can take up to 70 years to break down and unpleasant gases such as methane can be given off at the organic material decomposes.

VR Sani-Co are constantly on the lookout for newer and even safer chemicals for use within their sanitary bins. It is essential, however, that such chemicals provide for control of the wide range of microbial organisms that can be present within the sanitary bins, to protect both the end user and VR Sani-Co’s own service operatives.

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