Was your organic waste bin rejected? Here's how to avoid mistakes and unnecessary costs.

It's a common annoyance for many households: The organic waste bin is put out on collection day – and then simply left behind after it's been emptied. The reason is often the same: Foreign materials that don't belong there have been discovered in the bin. As a result, the contents are disposed of not as organic waste, but as expensive residual waste.

Plastics are a particularly frequent source of complaints. This applies not only to classic plastic bags, but also to supposedly "compostable" bioplastic bags. These do not decompose quickly enough in composting facilities, leaving microplastics in the humus or being sorted out and incinerated directly. Hygiene products, diapers, ash, and stones are also unwelcome. Even small amounts of such foreign materials can be enough to result in the entire bin being rejected.

Many people use bioplastic bags in the good faith belief that they are doing something sustainable. But the reality in the processing plants is different: organic waste only remains there for a few weeks, while bioplastics take significantly longer to decompose. What remains are plastic residues that belong neither in the compost nor in the environment. Therefore, almost all German municipalities prohibit the use of any kind of plastic bags for organic waste bins.

The following foreign substances regularly lead to complaints:

• Plastics (any type of plastic)
• Hygiene products and diapers
• Ashes and stones

The plastic dilemma: Why compostable bags are banned
Plastics are a particularly frequent source of complaints. This applies not only to classic plastic bags, but also to supposedly "compostable" bioplastic bags. Many people use bioplastic bags in the good faith belief that they are doing something sustainable. However, the reality in industrial composting facilities is quite different:

Insufficient decomposition time: Organic waste remains in the facilities for only a few weeks. Bioplastics, however, require significantly more time to break down. What remains are plastic residues.

Microplastic hazard: These plastic remnants leave microplastics in the humus, resulting in an accumulation in the soil and undermining the actual purpose of organic waste recycling.

Sorted out and incinerated: In sorting facilities, bioplastics are virtually indistinguishable from conventional plastics. Therefore, as a precaution, they are sorted out and end up in waste incineration along with their valuable bio-content.

A proven solution is collecting organic waste in paper bags . Paper decomposes completely and without residue, promotes humus formation, and helps prevent microplastics. Additionally, it absorbs moisture, which reduces unpleasant odors, mold, and maggots. Therefore, many municipalities explicitly recommend the use of paper bags.

BioGlück's paper compostable waste bags offer a practical and hygienic way to collect organic waste. Made from renewable resources, they are sturdy enough for daily use and are easily processed along with organic waste in composting facilities. This ensures that your organic waste goes where it's meant to and becomes valuable humus.

By switching to paper bags, you actively contribute to environmental protection, comply with local regulations, and simultaneously ensure a cleaner home. Don't wait until your organic waste bin isn't emptied next time – switch to paper bags now and support the natural cycle.

➡️ Discover BioGlück's paper biowaste bags - for compliant and sustainable disposal.