The right way to handle the organic waste bin

Only biodegradable waste belongs in the organic waste. This includes fruit and vegetable waste including peelings, coffee grounds including filters, tea bags, food scraps, bones, eggshells, spoilt food and also sausage, meat and fish in small, normal household quantities.

Garden waste such as grass cuttings and leaves or faded flowers are also suitable for the organic waste bin. Shrub cuttings from infested and diseased plants (e.g. fungal infestation on fruit trees) may also be placed in the organic waste bin, contrary to what is stated in some gardening magazines. Paper napkins, paper handkerchiefs and kitchen paper are also compostable and must therefore be collected and recycled separately from residual waste.

Every household needs a bio-waste container for the organic waste produced in the household that is not recycled by self-composting. Households that confirm that they recycle all organic waste themselves (not via the residual waste bin, of course!) can be exempted from the obligation to connect to the bio-waste bin by the Fachdienst Umwelt und Grün.

Dirt, maggots, stench

Unpleasant side effects in the warm season, such as rotting and odour, maggot infestation and fungal spores can be greatly reduced by appropriate behaviour. The most important thing is to make sure that the moisture in the organic waste is absorbed, thus preventing rotting processes. Line the bottom of your organic waste bin with several layers of crumpled newspaper. In addition, organic waste should already be wrapped in paper in the kitchen. It absorbs moisture and keeps the inside of the waste bin clean. Newspaper or baker's bags are well suited for this purpose. Without much effort, the moisture content is reduced and there is less odour and spore formation.

The organic waste bin should not be placed in the blazing sun. At high temperatures, organic waste decomposes more quickly and odours and mould can develop more easily. A shady and cool location for the bin is better. Use a recyclable, sealable and fly-proof pre-sorting container instead of a plastic bag. You can obtain a suitable container from the Environment and Greenery Department.

It is also advisable to alternate kitchen waste with green waste from the garden in the organic waste bin. The organic waste should lie loosely in the container and not be compressed, as otherwise it can easily rot. Always keep the lid of the organic waste container closed to prevent flies from getting to the organic waste. Maggots develop from the eggs laid. Wash out the biowaste container with water from time to time after emptying, as the residues in the biowaste container in particular contribute to odour and vermin nuisance. The wash water can be poured directly into the sewage system.

Do not use the "plastic-like" biodegradable waste bags offered by retailers! These are not completely degraded in the composting plant at the Abfallwirtschaftsgesellschaft des Kreises Warendorf mbH in Ennigerloh due to the short decomposition time. They are often not recognisable as such and therefore have to be sorted out at great expense.

In the frosty winter months, there is a risk of wet waste freezing to the bottom of the bin. It is then important to place the organic waste containers in a frost-free place at least the day before emptying to prevent the contents from freezing. It is also advisable to loosen the contents again with a shovel or spade immediately before emptying.