Starting in May 2025, your organic waste bin might not be emptied as often as before. This change is due to the updated Bioabfallverordnung (Bio-waste Ordinance) aimed at reducing contamination in bio-waste.
Growing issues with bio-waste contamination
Bio-waste bins are used to dispose of organic waste like food scraps, leaves, and garden clippings, which are then processed into valuable compost. However, this process faces increasing challenges due to contamination. Non-organic materials like plastics and so-called bioplastics are often improperly disposed of in bio-waste bins. These contaminants do not decompose and pollute the compost, leading to environmental damage when the compost is used on fields and gardens.
Stricter regulations and penalties
To combat this issue, the EU has introduced new regulations to minimize pollutants and contaminants in bio-waste. The updated Bioabfallverordnung mandates that only pure organic waste can be delivered to processing plants. To ensure compliance, waste collectors will now thoroughly inspect bio-waste for contamination. If the waste is found to be impure, the bin will not be emptied, and the homeowner will need to sort it correctly.
Moreover, garbage trucks are now equipped with sensors to detect foreign materials in the bins. If contamination is detected, the truck will not empty the bin and will alert the waste collection team.
Violating the Bioabfallverordnung is considered an administrative offense, which could result in fines of up to €2,500. Additionally, homeowners will be required to re-sort their waste to comply with the regulations.
