Closed Loop CLOey Operating Manual - User Manual

Full Text Searchable PDF User Manual

Read all safety instructions for safe and effective use.
Warranty included.

Record your serial number here:

The serial number is located on the lower rear of the unit.

Your Closed Loop food organics composter uses an organic starter material to safely and cleanly
decompose your food waste within 24 hours. It uses no chemicals or harmful products, and can
process up to 4kg of food waste per day.

The heating, agitation and airflow applied automatically by the unit assist the naturally occurring
microbes contained in the starter material to compost your food waste.

About Your Closed Loop Organics Unit

Control Panel (Top)
Indicator lamps show operating
status of the unit.

Odour Seal
Prevents odour and moisture
from leaking out.

Lid
Prevents odour from leaking during
operation. The unit operates only
when the lid is firmly closed.

Interior Vent
Exit point for vapours and
moisture. Must be kept clear.
Removable for cleaning.

Check Button
Manual overide.

Max Indication Line
Once composted food waste
reaches this level, you should
follow procedures to remove
some of the compost.

Internal Deodorising Unit
Minimises odours.

Air Intake Holes
These must be kept clear.

Paddles
These mix and aerate the food
waste and help speed up the
composting process.

Composting Tank
Durable anti-corrosive stainless
steel tank protects against
corrosion.

Horizontal Paddle Shaft
The horizontal paddle shaft marks
the minimum compost level.
You should not remove compost
below this level.

General Description

Odour Prevention

Any offensive odours from food composting are eliminated by the deodorising unit contained within
the composter, and any vapours and moisture are expelled through the exhaust hose. You may expect a
sweet earthy, not unpleasant odour when opening and closing the lid.

only

240V

Do not carry out any
maintenance or repair
work other than that
shown in this user guide.

Do not spray water onto
the outside of the unit.

Do not operate the machine
outdoors on wet surfaces
or near water.
Do not handle the plug
or unit with wet hands.

If the paddles inside
the decomposition tank
continue to rotate with the
lid open, unplug the unit
immediately and contact
Closed Loop Service.

Close supervision is
required when using the
unit near children.

Keep children from climbing
onto or jumping into the unit.

Do not place heavy materials
or sharp objects onto the
electrical power cord.

ATTENTION:

As with all electrical appliances, serious injuries or fatal accidents can occur if the
following instructions are not followed.

Important Safety Instructions

Check to ensure your electricity
supply is properly earthed and
corresponds to that shown on
the rating plate and this manual.
The unit must only be used
as rated.

Gas o

THINNER

PAINT

benzene

Exhaust Hose

Space Filler x 1

Hose Holder x 1

Link x 1

Double-sided

Tape x 1 roll

Wedge x 1

Window Installation Kit

Accessories

Leveling

Wedge x 2

Scraper x1

Scoop x1

Starter material

(2 x bags)

Elbow x 1

Manual (inclusive

of warranty details)

x 1

Make sure you have all required components. If you are missing any components, call Closed Loop
service on the number supplied toward the rear of this manual.

Do not clean the unit with
flammable, combustible
liquids such as gasoline,
paint thinner, acetone or
benzene.

Do not try to manually rotate
the paddles. Personal injury or
damage to the unit may result.

Do not lift or move the
unit by yourself. The unit
requires 2 people to lift.

Operate the unit on a flat,
solid surface to avoid vibration
or noise.

Important Safety Instructions

Contents Checklist

This unit is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or
lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the unit by
a person responsible for their safety.

Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the unit.

If the power cord is damaged, it must be replaced by a special cord or assembly available from the manufacturer
or its service agent.

10cm

Levelling Wedge

Before You Begin Installation

This unit is best installed indoors.

If outdoor installation is unavoidable,

• protect from rain, water and direct sunlight;
• maintain temperature between 0⁰C and 40⁰C.

Install on a flat, solid, level surface. If necessary, use
the levelling wedge to prevent the unit from rocking
on a sloping surface.

Allow a 10cm gap between the unit and any side
or rear wall.

The unit connects to your normal household electricity supply. Ensure there is a properly earthed
3-pin power outlet nearby.

Record the serial number on the front page of this manual. The serial number can be found on the
printed plate at the rear of the unit (see diagram below).

Installation

Connect The Exhaust Hose (See options on page 6 & 7)

Attach the hose to the outlet on the rear of the unit using the elbow provided.

Terminate the exhaust hose as closely as possible to the air outlet. Keep the number of bends to
minimum. If the overall length exceeds 2 meters, check for leaks. Ensure the hose continuously
slopes downwards along its entire length.

Ensure there are no dips or low points in the hose.
It must slope downwards along its entire length.
If joining or extending, the same size hose or larger must be used.

Rear Of Unit

64cm

Serial number

Air Outlet

Note positions of exhaust outlet and serial number.

IMPORTANT: Incorrect installation of the exhaust hose will result in the unit not operating correctly
and will void warranty.

Outside

Inside

Note slope of hole through wall

Hole diameter: 29-30mm

29-30mm

Installation 1 – Hose Through The Wall To Outside

Cut a hole in the wall approximately 29–30 mm
in diameter. Ensure the hole allows the hose to
slope downwards slightly.

Feed the hose through the hole and place the cap
over the end of the hose.

Installation

Space-filler

Link

Hose holder

Double-sided tape

Installation 2 – Hose Through The Window To Outside

The unit comes with a window spacer kit which allows the hose to pass through a partially open window.

Assemble the pieces ensuring the piece
with the hose cutout is at the bottom.
Adjust the main blanking piece so the
assembly takes up the full height of the
window frame.

Secure the filler assembly to the window
frame using the double sided tape.

Fit the wedge to secure the window

Wedge

Position the wedge to help
secure the window.

Finally, feed the hose through the hole and ensure the cap is in place at the end of the hose.

Installation 3 – Hose Into Pipe Work Under Sink

Note: This should be done by a licensed plumber.

If there is no suitable unused spigot available in the existing pipe work under the laundry or kitchen
sink, install a section of pipe with an upward facing spigot immediately after the vapour trap as shown.

Insert the hose into the spigot and secure. The hose should rise above the level of the pipe bend to
minimise the possibility of water returning to the unit.

The hose must slope downwards along its entire length. Please refer to Page 5.

Installation

Setting Up For First Time Use

Ensure the unit is on a stable surface and the exhaust hose is properly connected.

Empty the two bags of organic starter material into the tank.

Pour 2 litres of cold or warm tap water into the tank.

Plug the unit into the power supply and turn on at the wall.

Close the lid. The power indicator will be illuminated.

Leave the starter material to establish itself for at least 12 hours before putting in any food waste.

The unit will take approximately 1–2 weeks to reach its normal operating efficiency.

Start gradually, adding only up to 1kg of food waste per day in the first week. Gradually increase
amounts per day in the second week up to 2 kgs per day. From there on gradually increase up to full
capacity of up to 4kg per day.

Note: This method of installation is dependant
upon no further vapour traps existing down the
plumbing line.

Fruits and Vegetables Egg shells, lobsters

Snacks

Meat and Fish

Noodles and Grains

Soups

Using Your Food Organics Composter

How To Use The Food Composter

• Ensure the unit is plugged in and switched on at the wall.

• Simply open the lid, pour the food in, and close the lid again. You can do this whenever and as often

as you wish. You do not need to wait for food to finish composting before topping up.

• Once the lid is closed, the unit will automatically continue operation. Over time, the paddles

will rotate, the unit will heat up, and the fan will operate automatically to help accelerate the
composting process. The unit may emit steam during this time when the lid is opened.

What You Should NOT Compost

Avoid placing hard food items in the composter
such as:

• Large bones
• Oyster or scallop shells

Do not compost:

• Waste Cooking Oils
• Waste Cooking Fats

Also, you should not compost non-food
material, even if it is biodegradable, such as:

•  Medicines
•  Wood (eg chopsticks, matches),
•  Paper or cigarettes
•  Cloth

To obtain optimum results chop up larger pieces of food to allow the food to compost more quickly.

Important: Never add more than 4kg of food waste per day.

Do not allow compost to collect above the ‘maximum’ line – this is the top of the steel part of the
unit’s tank. Refer to page 10 for more detail.

What You Can Compost

Basically you can compost anything that you can eat, cooked or raw, including:

•  Liquid foods, such as soup and stew
•  Meat and fish
•  Small bones such as fish and chicken bones
•  Fruit and vegetables
•  Egg shells and most seafood shells such as lobster and mussel shells
•  Bread, crackers, grain foods
•  Fast foods
•  Dairy foods

Switching Off CLO’ey

CLO’ey is designed for continual use and does not need to be switched off unless being left for an
extended period of time.

When composting is complete, the unit will automatically switch to power save mode.

In this mode, the paddles will operate from time to time to ensure that the compost does not harden.

If the unit is switched off at the wall, and the paddles are not operating, it is possible that the compost
will harden. This may cause damage to the unit and prevent further use.

If the unit is being left unused for an extended period of time and you wish to turn the
power off, please follow these precautions:

• Ensure no un-composted food is evident.

• Ensure at least 24 hours has passed since

the last amount of food waste was loaded.

• Remove all compost from the machine.

• Reserve a *minimum amount in an airtight

plastic container.

*The minimum amount (10 litres) is the volume between
the horizontal paddle shaft and the bottom of the tank.

Understanding The Control Panel

Power Indicator
The power lamp will remain on while the machine is
plugged in and switched on at the wall.
When you open the lid, the power lamp will start
flashing and the paddles will stop turning.

Operation Indicator

This lamp indicates that the unit is actively composting
material. During this time, the paddles will
automatically rotate from time to time.

Power Saving Mode Indicator

The composter will enter Power-Saving mode once
the decomposition process has been completed or the
decomposer has not been used for a while.

Check Indicator

This indicator lamp will flash with an alarm sound
when the unit is overloaded, or an un-decomposable
material has been placed in the tank. If this occurs,
simply unplug the unit and remove the foreign
material or excess food. When you close the lid, the
composter will resume normal operation once it is
plugged back in and switched on at the wall.

Check Button

The Check button is used as a manual override to break up large food items.
Ensure your fingers are completely away from the inside of the unit.
Open the lid and keep the Check button depressed. After 3 seconds, all four controls
panel indicators will start blinking, an alarm will sound and the paddles will start
rotating to break up larger food items.
As soon as you lift your finger from the Check button, the paddles will stop.

Using Your Food Organics Composter

If Excess Water Develops In The Tank, and Heavy Condensation

Occurs Under the Lid

Ensure the vents are clear and the exhaust hose is not blocked and is sloping downwards along its
entire length.

To restart the unit:

• Load the previously reserved compost into

CLO’ey. Take care to break up any pieces that
may have hardened.

• Add 1–2 litres of cold or warm water and

switch the unit on at the wall.

• Wait 24 hours.
• Start adding food waste gradually, adding only

up to 1kg of food waste per day during the first
week. Follow the instructions on page 7 of the
Operating Manual, “Setting Up For First Time
Use” to gradually increase the daily amount of
food waste deposited each week.

Breaking Up Compost For Removal

It may be necessary to break up dried compost for ease of removal. To do this, open the lid, then press
and hold the Check button down for 3 seconds. This will operate the paddles.

Warning: Keep your fingers away from the inside of the unit while the paddles are rotating. As an
added safety feature, the paddles only rotate while the Check button is held down. During this time,
all 4 control panel indicators will light up, and the alarm will sound.

The paddles will rotate for a maximum of 1½ minutes, after which time they will stop, and the On/Off
button will flash.

Repeat this procedure until the compost can be easily removed with the scoop provided.

Using Your Food Organics Composter

Removing Compost

You should never completely empty your Organic Composting Unit. If you do completely empty the unit,
you will remove all vital microbes, and prevent the unit from working.

When the composted waste level reaches the MAX indicator line, do not put any new waste in, and do
not remove any compost for 24 hours. This will allow all food material to complete the cycle.

Turn the unit off, and unplug the unit from the wall.

Scoop part of the composted material out, down to the horizontal
paddle shaft.

You may now continue adding food waste.

Max Indication line
The top of the stainless
steel part of the

unit

’s tank.

Remove some compost
when the amount of
compost reaches this line.

Horizontal Paddle Shaft
Do NOT remove compost
below this shaft.

Important: Ensure that enough material is left in the tank to
keep the paddle shaft covered. NEVER remove compost below
the horizontal paddle shaft. This amount of compost remaining
in the tank is essential for the unit to continue operation.

Using The Compost In Your Garden

Take care when applying the composted material to your garden. It is mildly acidic, and contains
salt compounds. Material directly from your Organics Unit is not a growing medium in its own right,
therefore should not be planted in directly.

Generally the material is comparable in strength to poultry manure and as such should be treated
similarly.

Spread at a low rate and incorporate well into soil.

For direct use, spread around a 5mm layer per square metre and dig in to around 5–10cm of the top
layer of soil. The addition of lime at a rate of 1kg per square metre would also be beneficial if the soil
is not naturally high in pH (>7pH).

Alternatively, the material can be incorporated with garden organic waste for further composting.
A mix of 30–50% material from the Organics Unit with other materials (dry leaves, and grass clippings
etc..) would be suitable.

You should also note that composted material may contain seeds that may sprout in your garden.

Important: Just like composts, mulches and fertilisers that you can purchase from your local
nursery or garden supplier, the composted material from your machine should be treated with
the same care as these also contain micro-organisms.

The following HEALTH WARNING applies:

•

When handling compost you should avoid breathing its dust or mists.

•

Wear a particulate mask if it is dusty.

•

Wear gloves and keep the product moist when handling.

•

Wash your hands immediately after use.

Storing Compost

Compost can be stored in plastic or nylon bags, in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, for up
to 2–3 years. Ensure the compost is free of excess moisture before placing into bags.

Punch a few holes in the bag to allow moisture to escape.

Keep the bags away from rats, birds and pets.

Handling Compost

Cleaning & Maintenance

Interior Exhaust

Vent

Scrape excess residue from the inside
tank walls using the scraper supplied.

Clean the exhaust vent periodically with a brush.

Cleaning

To clean the Organic Food Composter:

• Turn the unit off and unplug from electrical outlet before cleaning.

• Scrape excess residue and hardened compost from the inside tank walls using the scraper provided.

• Do not remove compost from below the minimum level of the horizontal paddle shaft. You may remove
it for cleaning the tank but it will need to be reserved and replaced after cleaning.

• Use soapy water and a damp cloth to wash down the outside. Do not use flammable or combustible

liquids, such as gasoline, benzene, acetone or paint thinner to clean the machine.

Checking The Hose and Vents

It is advisable to occasionally check that the exhaust hose and vents are clear to allow composting
vapours (mainly water vapour and carbon dioxide) to vent to the outside.

• Turn the unit off and unplug from electrical outlet.

• Open the lid and clean the exhaust vent with a brush. The vent may be removed for easy cleaning

also.

• The intake vents must also be cleaned with a brush.

• Check that the hose is not blocked by residue, lint or spider webs.

• Check that the hose is clear along its length.

See diagram on Page 2 for the position of the air intake vents.

Troubleshooting

Issues

Possible Cause

Solution

The power indicator continues
to blink

The lid may not be closed properly

Close the lid firmly

The check lamp continues to blink
and warning alarm sounds even
during normal operation

Something is preventing the paddles
from rotating, eg the contents may be
too dry, or there may be large objects
in the tank.

Turn the unit off, open the lid and
either add some water, or remove
the large objects.

The power, Operating and Power
Save Indicators continue to blink

The heating system may be
malfunctioning.

Contact Closed Loop Service

The power, Operating Indicators
continue to blink, and the paddles
turn even while the lid is open.

There may be an electronic or
sensor failure.

Contact Closed Loop Service

The unit will not start

There may not be power to the unit.

Check the unit is plugged in and
the switch is on

The lid may not be closed properly

Close the lid firmly

The unit makes a loud grinding noise

Large pieces of food scraps may
be scraping on the inner surface of
the tank.

Turn the unit off, open the lid and
remove any large pieces. Cut
them into smaller pieces before
replacing.

Composting takes too long

The exhaust hose may be clogged

Check the interior exhaust vent
and clear if necessary

The exhaust fan may not be working

Contact Closed Loop Service

The heating system may be out
of order

Contact Closed Loop Service

Odour is released from the
exhaust hose

The exhaust hose may be clogged.

Check the hose and clear
if necessary

The exhaust hose may be loose,
or the lid may not be secured

Hook up the hose firmly to
the unit. Use silicone sealant
if necessary.

Water drops form on the inside
of the lid

The exhaust hose and vents may be
clogged

Check the hose is clear and
sloping downwards along its entire
length

The contents of the tank may be
too wet

Do not place any more food
in the unit for 1–2 days

The exhaust fan may not be working

Contact Closed Loop Service

The following gives some answers to the most common concerns while using the Organic Food
Composter. If any problem persists after trying these suggestions, you should contact Closed Loop
Service before continuing.

Technical

Decomposition Method

Fermentation by microorganisms

Decomposition Capacity

2 metric tonnes per year*
(4 kg per day*)

Rating

220–240 V 50/60 Hz – 1.1 A

Decomposition Time

24 hrs

Operating Temperature

0⁰C and 40⁰C.**

Deodorisation Method

Nano-Filter system

Maximum Power

210 W

Power Usage

Average 1 kwh per day

Weight

21 kgs

External Dimensions

w 400 mm
d 400 mm
h 780 mm

* Food Waste Handling Capacity – based on an optimal operating environment.
** Ambient temperature range of area where unit may be installed.

Product Specifications

Closed Loop Service

Please visit www.closedloop.com.au or call our Customer Service Helpline on 1300 762 166 and our
staff will assist with your enquiry.
Please ensure you have your original purchase receipt and/or tax invoice available, along with the
serial number of the unit which is located on the rear of the unit.

Arrangements will be made for a service repairer to call and attend to your problem if required.

780mm

400mm

Closed Loop Warranty Against Defects

1. Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are

entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably
foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be
of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.

2. In addition to the guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law described in clause

1 and any other guarantee or warranty implied by law, when you purchase one of our products, you will also
have the peace of mind in knowing that your product is covered by Closed Loop Organics Standard Warranty.
The Standard Warranty is provided by Closed Loop Environmental Solutions Pty Ltd (ABN 53 098 066 347)
(“CLES”). The terms and conditions of the Standard Warranty are further described below.

3. Subject to clause 1 and the terms below, CLES warrants that this CLES product, purchased by you:

a) is free from defects in workmanship and material, when the product is used for normal consumer use

for a period of 12 months from the date of purchase as evidenced by your proof of purchase (“Warranty
Term”); and

b) will, when the product is used for normal consumer use, comply with the manufacturer’s specifications

during the Warranty Term.

4. CLES agrees to repair or replace at CLES cost, the product, and any accessory supplied with the product,

which is proven upon inspection by CLES or a CLES Authorised Service Agent not to comply with either
warranty contained in clause 3. Any decision to repair or replace a product is to be made by CLES in its
absolute discretion. The extent of any repair will be to rectify any defect in workmanship and materials
or to ensure that the product complies with the manufacturer’s specifications.

5. To make a claim under this Standard Warranty you will need to contact CLES Customer Care Centre on

1300 366 144 during the Warranty Term to register your claim and provide the details to enable CLES to
assess the claim.

6. In order for your claim to be processed, you will need to provide to CLES an original proof of purchase

e.g. original purchase receipt, bill of sale, invoice, credit card receipt or similar proof of purchase, along
with the serial number of the product

7. Exclusions

a) This Standard Warranty does not cover faults or defects caused by:

i. Unsuitable, improper use or use not in accordance with the manufacturers’ specifications;

ii. Incorrect installation or installation not in accordance with instructions provided;

iii. Normal wear and tear;

iv. Infestations of vermin, pests or insects:

v. Rust or corrosion;

vi. Chemical, electrochemical or electrical influences;

vii. Inadequate or complete lack of maintenance: or

viii. Attachments and accessories supplied with the machine i.e. repairs to any cable, cord, hose, scoop,

scraper and installation parts.

b) To the fullest extent permitted by law, CLES excludes all liability for damage or injury to any person,

damage to any property, and any indirect consequential or other loss or damage.

8. This Warranty against defects is provided by:-

Closed Loop Environmental Solutions Pty Ltd (ABN 53 098 066 347)
Level 1, 40 Albert Road, South melbourne, VIC, 3205.
Ph: 03 9684 4600. Email: customerservice@closedloop.com.au

cl-clo2-0614

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