Organic waste in winter: How to prevent frozen bins

The cold season presents a particular challenge for waste separation: the frozen organic waste bin. Anyone who has ever stood in front of a bin in sub-zero temperatures, its contents frozen solid, knows the problem. The waste collectors often can't empty the bin completely, and the waste remains until the next collection. But with a few simple measures, you can effectively prevent this.

The problem: Why does organic waste freeze solid in winter?

The main cause of a frozen organic waste bin is moisture . Organic waste such as fruit and vegetable scraps naturally contains a lot of water. At sub-zero temperatures, this moisture freezes, turning the entire contents into a solid block that freezes to the sides of the bin. The problem is exacerbated if snow or rain also gets into the bin.

Important to know: If your bin cannot be completely emptied due to frozen contents, you are generally not entitled to a free re-emptying or a reduction in waste disposal fees.

The 6 best tips for preventing a frozen organic waste bin

To ensure your organic waste stays loose even in the depths of winter, you should observe the following basic rules:

1. Reduce humidity – The most important measure

Remove as much moisture as possible from your organic waste before putting it in the bin. Drain coffee filters and tea bags thoroughly, and wrap very wet kitchen scraps in newspaper. A crucial tip: Never throw hot or steaming food scraps directly into the bin. Always let them cool completely first so the steam can escape.

2. Create an insulating base

Line the bottom of the empty organic waste bin with an insulating layer. Crumpled newspaper, old egg cartons, or a layer of dry twigs and leaves are suitable for this purpose. This layer prevents the bottom layer of waste from freezing directly to the cold bottom of the bin.

3. Build the content layer by layer.

Don't just throw in the organic waste loosely. Try layering wet and dry materials alternately. A layer of dry leaves or paper scraps among the moist kitchen waste acts as drainage and prevents moisture from accumulating in one spot.

4. Choose the right location

If possible, place your organic waste bin in a weather-protected location, for example against a house wall, under a porch roof, or in a garage. Every degree above freezing helps to slow down or prevent freezing.

5. Always keep the lid closed.

Make sure the lid of the organic waste bin is always tightly closed. This prevents snow or rain from getting in and further increasing the moisture inside.

6. Paper compostable waste bags as ultimate protection

The most effective protection against freezing is the use of paper bags. They have several benefits:

• They absorb moisture: The paper binds excess wetness.
• They create an insulating layer: The bags prevent direct contact between the damp waste and the cold wall of the bin.
• They make emptying easier: The contents slide out of the bin more easily during collection.

For perfect protection, we recommend lining the entire organic waste bin with a large paper bag (120l or 240l) and collecting individual waste items in smaller kraft paper organic waste bags .

Conclusion: Well prepared for winter

A frozen organic waste bin is annoying, but avoidable. With a few simple steps and the right tools like paper bags, you can ensure your bin can be emptied without any problems, even in severe frost. Start the new year without any waste disposal frustration.