The VermiDigest by BioFiltro

Sludge is one of the biggest headaches in conventional wastewater treatment — it is costly, messy, and must be hauled and disposed of frequently. BioFiltro takes a different approach, transforming wastewater into a sludge-free, circular, resource-positive process using its patented BIDA® vermifiltration technology. The system harnesses earthworms, microbes, and a bed of wood shavings to naturally remove contaminants, producing clean water and nutrient-rich vermicompost.

Sleeping Giant Winery recently prepared their BioFiltro system for the upcoming grape crush by performing a filter media replacement, a standard maintenance step that occurs every 2–3 years for food and beverage processors. This was the winery’s first replacement since the system was installed in Spring 2022. During the process, approximately 18 cubic yards of vermicompost were removed from the beds. While this may sound like a significant volume, the material is stable, biologically active, and beneficial, unlike conventional sludge which requires costly hauling and disposal.

The beds were then refilled with fresh wood shavings and the biology restarted by placing worm-rich vermicompost atop the fresh bedding. The remaining vermicompost was cured on-site for about a month, allowing the worms to complete digestion, before applying to the vineyards and tasting room garden. At the same time, 100% of Sleeping Giant’s process water is treated through BioFiltro to California Title 22 reuse standards and is reused for vineyard irrigation — closing the loop by returning both clean water and nutrients to the land.

Typical BioFiltro systems achieve 80–90% BOD removal, reduce total suspended solids by up to 85%, and average just 0.0007 kWh per gallon treated — a fraction of the energy used by activated sludge or aerated pond systems. Sleeping Giant’s case illustrates how this performance translates into real-world benefits: reduced environmental impact, lower operating costs, and resources returned to the vineyard and garden.

This story demonstrates BioFiltro’s circular economy approach in action: turning wastewater into clean water, converting solids into soil amendments, and helping clients like Sleeping Giant Winery operate more sustainably year after year.