5 Best Ways to Manage your Organic Waste with Biodegradable Bin Bags
Biodegradable bin bags, compostable bin bags, can you put biodegradable bags in green bin Collecting and recycling organic waste separately makes economic and environmental sense. But there are a few rules to follow.
The most important in a nutshell:
- What exactly is allowed in the organics bin and what is not, regulated by the local municipalities. Because that decides how the organic waste should be recycled later.
- The biggest problem with recycling is plastic in organic waste.
- Compostable “bio” plastic may only be put in the organic bin if the municipality allows the use of biowaste bags made of biodegradable plastics.
- If you want to and have enough space to fertilize, you can also compost your organic waste yourself in the garden.
What belongs to the Organic Waste?
In general, all organic kitchen waste, as well as garden waste, can be disposed of inorganic waste. However, there are exceptions: oils, fats, and thick woods are generally not allowed in the organic bin.
Thick woods from the garden can be handled by Top Wasters’ professional organic waste collections.
Check with your local authority as some allow edible fats and oils as well as animal foods in their organic waste collection. Because: Which waste is allowed in the biodegradable bin bags exactly depends on how the organic waste is then recycled. Precise information is provided by the websites of the waste disposal companies or the waste advice service, which is available in many municipalities.
The waste collection experts at Top Wasters know about all regulations and will always dispose of your waste following these.
What should not be allowed in the Organic Waste?
Under no circumstances should the following be included in the biodegradable bin bags going into the green bins for organic waste:
- Cat litter and other animal excrements
- Ash
- Toiletries
- treated wood (e.B. lacquered)
- Anything that does not rot (for example, stones or plastics)
These substances are properly disposed of with the residual waste. The paper should end up in the paper collection. However, small amounts of newsprint are allowed in organic waste, for example, to absorb moisture in the bin.
How to deal with Organic Waste in Biodegradable Bin Bags correctly?
- Collection
In your household, it is best to collect the organic waste in biodegradable bin bags placed in a small, tightly closed container, which should be emptied at least every three days. This prevents the formation of mold and the accumulation of the room air with mold spores. Mold allergy sufferers should take their organic waste out of their homes as often as possible. - Using paper and paper bags
The easiest way is to fill the collection vessel directly and then empty the contents into the organic bin or compost. If mainly damp kitchen waste is collected, the collection container can be lined with a piece of newsprint to bind the moisture or a biodegradable bin bag. Tear-resistant paper bags for organic waste are made of special paper that decomposes easily in the composting plants.
Bags made of compostable plastics are not desirable: As a rule, the rotting time in the composting plants is not enough to completely break them down. They are often sorted out as contaminants and incinerated because in most organic waste recycling plants it is not possible to distinguish whether a bag is made of bioplastic or non-rotting plastic. Only a few disposal companies, therefore, recommend the use of such bags and instead encourage households to use biodegradable bin bags. You can find out more about this in the waste calendar or on the website of the waste disposal company. It is also recommended to rinse the collection vessel regularly with water and dry it. - Liquid waste
Some disposal companies advise pouring liquid organic waste, such as soups, through a sieve before adding it to the organic waste bin. The solid components can then be disposed of in the biodegradable bin bags in the organic waste, the rest exceptionally via the toilet. However, this does not apply to fats and oils. In principle, however, biowaste does not belong in the toilet. - Setting up the Organic Bin correctly
Choosing a cool, shady location for the organic bin is important in order to avoid odors because odor-intensive fermentation processes occur above all when it is heated. Therefore, you should also order a weekly emptying if possible. Ideally, fill the organic bin alternately with damp kitchen waste and solid dry organic waste. This avoids anaerobic fermentation processes that lead to foul odors. In case of doubt, for this reason, you should also refrain from filling it with cooked food and fats, even if this is allowed in your municipality. The lid of the organic bin should close well. If necessary, it can be weighed down with a stone. Some municipalities offer particularly tightly closing lids with filter inserts. As a result, no odors get out and flies can not lay eggs in the garbage. For this purpose, the organic waste should also be covered in the house in a fly-proof manner and biodegradable bin bags can help here too. If maggots are already in the bin, this is an aesthetic problem, but there is no health risk from them. With a thin layer of soil, crawling out of the maggots can usually be prevented. Chemical insect repellents should not be used as they poison the compost. In winter with long-lasting frost, the organic waste can freeze. This makes it more difficult to empty the bin. This is prevented when the bin is close to the house and by inserting a dry layer on the bottom of the barrel, such as brushwood or newsprint. Particularly damp waste should be wrapped in a piece of newspaper in winter to bind the moisture. - Cleaning the Organic Bin?
The organic bin does not actually need any cleaning, especially if you use biodegradable bin bags. Adhering residues can be scraped off with a stick and then disposed of with the next emptying. If the organic bin was infested with maggots or smelled strong, it can be rinsed with water. You should then let the bin dry open in the sun before it is filled again. Few municipalities also offer bin cleaning services.
By now you should be clear about how to dispose of your organic household waste using biodegradable bin bags or through composting. Stay updated about the latest news related to recycling and waste management to ensure you do it right. Or ask the Top Wasters expert team for any advice.