What can go in the organic waste bin and what can't? The ultimate guide

The organic waste bin is a cornerstone of the circular economy in Germany. Approximately 30 to 40 percent of our total household waste is organic. If this is separated correctly, valuable compost, nutrient-rich fertilizer, and even climate-friendly biogas for energy production can be obtained. Unfortunately, however, a large portion of this valuable resource still ends up in residual waste.

One reason for this is often uncertainty: What exactly can go in the organic waste bin? In this comprehensive guide, we answer all the important questions so you can perfectly separate your organic waste.

What actually happens to the contents of my organic waste bin?

Have you ever wondered what journey your organic waste takes after it's collected? The waste ends up in special facilities where it's processed in two ways:

1. Composting: Here, organic waste is first freed from contaminants such as plastic. It then undergoes a controlled decomposition process. Microorganisms break down the material at high temperatures, killing germs and ultimately producing high-quality, hygienically safe compost.
2. Biogas production: In fermentation plants, biogas is produced from organic waste. This gas is used to generate electricity and heat or fed into the natural gas grid as biomethane. The digestate is then further processed into liquid fertilizer or compost.

Did you know? The energy from a single banana peel is enough to power an 11-watt energy-saving light bulb for about 34 minutes.

The ultimate list: What's allowed and what's not?

The exact rules may vary slightly depending on the municipality. If in doubt, it's worth checking the website of your local waste disposal company. However, the following list provides a reliable, nationwide guide.

✅ This can go in the organic waste bin:

• Kitchen waste: Fruit and vegetable scraps (including citrus peels), eggshells, coffee grounds and filters (made of paper), tea bags (without clips/plastic), bread scraps, food scraps (raw, cooked, spoiled, in household quantities), fish, meat and sausage scraps, bones.
• Garden waste: lawn, tree and shrub clippings, leaves, weeds, wilted flowers, plant remains, moss, hay and straw.
• Other items: Paper bags for collecting organic waste (e.g. BioGlück), small amounts of newspaper for wrapping moist waste, wood wool and sawdust (only from untreated wood), hair, feathers, small animal bedding made of wood or straw.

❌ This should NOT go in the organic waste bin:

• Plastics & Packaging: Plastic bags (including "compostable" bio-film bags!), packaging made of plastic, metal or glass.
• Residual waste & hygiene products: Ashes, cigarette butts, vacuum cleaner bags, diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, cotton swabs, bandages.
• Materials treated: Varnished or impregnated wood, leather scraps, textiles, candle wax.
• Liquids & hazardous waste: oils, fats, medicines, batteries, chemicals.
• Other items: Mineral cat litter, ceramic, porcelain, rubber, gift ribbon.

Tips for a clean and odor-free organic waste bin

With a few simple tricks, your organic waste bin will stay clean and hygienic all year round:

• The right location: In summer, place the barrel in a shady, cool place.
• Avoid moisture: Allow damp waste to drain well and wrap it in some newspaper.
• Layer the materials: Alternate wet and dry materials in the bin. A layer of grass clippings or leaves mixed in with kitchen waste works wonders.
• Keep the lid closed: A closed lid keeps flies out and odors inside.
• Use helpful aids: Line your bin with a large paper compostable waste bag . This prevents waste from sticking and freezing in winter. In case of an acute infestation of maggots or flies, our natural mineral-based compostable waste powder will help.

Conclusion: Recycling is easier (and more important) than you think.

Properly separating organic waste is a small effort with a big impact. By doing so, you not only conserve resources but also actively contribute to the energy transition and climate protection. Be sure to avoid contaminants and, if in doubt, contact your local council for more information. With the right tools, such as sturdy paper bags, waste separation becomes a clean and simple routine.