What can go in the organic waste bin?
Organic waste from the kitchen and garden belongs in the organic waste bin and is very important for an optimal, sustainable recycling cycle because it ends up in the biogas plant or is composted. A good thing. But what actually belongs in the “brown bin”? Are newspapers, eggshells and ashes allowed in the organic waste bin and where exactly is this regulated? Here are some useful tips to help you get through the jungle of regulations.
How do you know what can go into the organic waste bin?
According to the Federal Environment Agency, the proportion of usable organic waste in Germany is 30 to 40%. Far too much organic waste still ends up in the residual waste.
The separation and recycling of organic waste is regulated in the Circular Economy Act.
Collecting kitchen waste makes sense: potato peelings, coffee grounds or eggshells climate-friendly biogas is used to generate electricity or fuel, as well as high-quality compost, manufactured.
Which organic waste can be disposed of locally via the organic waste bin depends on the specific recycling options and waste treatment facilities in your area. The binding determination of the organic waste that can be collected in the brown bin at your location is therefore made by the local waste disposal authority. These usually issue leaflets that regulate waste separation. To do this, contact your local supplier.
What can go in the organic waste bin?
Basically, everything that is biodegradable can go in the bin. This applies to leftover fruit and vegetables, but also to tea bags, coffee grounds with filters, eggshells and leftover food. But of course also any kind of garden waste. The following can go into the brown bin:
If you get a fit of disgust when you look at your organic waste because it's full of maggots and...
- Fruit, vegetables and cooked food leftovers
- Paper coffee filters and coffee grounds, tea leaves and tea bags
- All dairy products without packaging
- Bread, rolls and all baked goods
- Eggs and eggshells
- Small amounts of straw and hay
- Garden waste of all kinds, potting soil, cuttings of grass, bushes, trees, leaves, wild herbs, plant residues and cut flowers, as well as potted plants with bales
- Hair and feathers, sawdust from untreated Wood
- Small amounts of newspaper for wrapping e.g. b. Fish because of the smell
What can't go in the brown bin?
The principle applies here: everything that breaks down slowly or not at all and possibly Even if it is toxic to the environment, it does not belong in the organic waste bin.
Compostable plastic bags or disposable tableware based on corn or potato starch are also not welcome in organic waste because the decomposition process takes up to three months. This is a long time compared to organic waste, which only takes 4 - 5 weeks on average. The following are not suitable for organic waste:
- Ashes of any kind, cat litter and other animal excrement
- Textiles, gift ribbon, hygiene products, bandages
- Treated wood e.g. b. Lacquered wood
- Paper, cardboard, paper towels, tissues, napkins
- Plastic flower and plant pots, as well metal or wire, such as b. Flower binding wire
- Garbage and vacuum cleaner bags
- Ceramics, porcelain, leftover candles, cleaning rags and cloths
- Wallpapers and carpets, any glass and stones
General tips for the correct handling of the organic waste bin
All things that are incorrectly disposed of in organic waste have to be laboriously sorted out and have a lasting impact on the quality of the compost. If the waste disposal companies locate these in the trash, they do not take the bin with them.
Another problem with the organic waste bin can be the unpleasant smell, especially when temperatures rise. Therefore, never place your bin in the blazing sun, but rather in a shady spot. Unfortunately, they also often spread Maggots in the leftover food in the bin.
A biofilter that is mounted on the lid can help here. With the help of microorganisms and enzymes, it tackles the putrefactive gases and converts them into odorless substances. He also closes the bin tightly. Fly and other animals don't even get into the organic waste.
What exactly belongs in the organic waste bin and what doesn't is regulated differently in the individual municipalities depending on the waste recycling plants available on site. However, our tips will help you quickly find your way through the thicket of regulations and gain an initial general overview.
