Dissatisfaction with organic waste bins: smells and wetness are a burden on Olching's citizens!

Dissatisfaction with organic waste bins: smells and wetness are a burden on Olching's citizens!

On January 1, 2025, a whole new era of waste disposal began in the Fürstenfeldbruck district with the introduction of over 30,000 new organic bins. These organic waste bins are equipped with a special filter in the lid to prevent unpleasant odors and maggot infestation. But despite this innovation, there are already initial voices of dissatisfaction among users.

As Barbara Schlenker from Olching notes, the filter causes water to enter the bin, which creates a “brown broth” when it rains, which is difficult to clean, especially for older people. “What happens in winter when everything is frozen?” she asks herself. Brigitte Alavi from Olching also expresses concerns and reports annoying smells that are still noticeable despite the new system.

The waste management perspective

Stefan Mayer, the head of the waste management company (AWB), takes a more relaxed view of the problem. He explains that when the bins are emptied, the water is dumped into the garbage truck and so far there have been no complaints from waste disposal companies. Nevertheless, studies by the manufacturer of the lid have shown that the maximum water entry during rain is 180 milliliters and should not have any negative effects on the biomaterial.

However, user dissatisfaction should not be underestimated. Those affected like Schlenker and Alavi are thinking out loud about alternative solutions, such as weekly collection without a filter, as is practiced in the municipality of Going in Tyrol.

Organic waste and its rules

But what actually belongs in the organic waste bin? According to the consumer advice center, it is important to collect and recycle organic waste separately because this is not only economical but also environmentally friendly. The rules for the organic waste bin vary depending on the municipality and depend on the subsequent recycling of the organic waste. Plastic in organic waste is the biggest problem - compostable “organic” plastic is only allowed in the organic waste bin if the municipality allows it.

• In die Biotonne gehören:
• pflanzliche Küchenabfälle
• Gartenabfälle
• Speiseabfälle aus der Lebensmittelverarbeitung
• Nicht in die Biotonne gehören:
• Öle und Fette
• Hygieneartikel
• behandeltes Holz

Did you know that from May 1, 2025, organic waste may contain a maximum of three percent foreign substances and waste disposal companies may only process organic waste with a maximum of one percent plastics? This makes separate collection and careful separation of waste all the more important for consumers!

The recycling of organic waste

The collected organic waste is not only important for waste disposal, but also for the production of humus and biogas. According to the Federal Environment Agency, the waste is composted or fermented in special plants. In 2022, around 15.75 million tons of biogenic waste were treated biologically in Germany. This shows how important separate collection is for the recycling of organic substances and nutrients.

The fees set by the municipalities and the frequent emptying are crucial for the use of organic waste bins. In Germany it is also stipulated that municipalities can decide to compulsory connection, so that the use of organic waste bins becomes mandatory. The Circular Economy Act requires the separate collection and recycling of organic waste and thus lays the foundation for environmentally friendly waste management.

Overall, it remains to be hoped that the new organic waste bins in Fürstenfeldbruck will soon outgrow their teething problems and that users can benefit from the advantages of environmentally friendly waste disposal - there is certainly still a lot of potential on the road!