Dispose of old potting soil correctly: garden friends need to know!

Dispose of old potting soil correctly: garden friends need to know!

Wertstoffhof, Deutschland - Spring is the time for many hobby gardeners when they prepare their gardens and dispose of old potting soil. This affects not only the use of a new plant substrate, but also the proper disposal of old earths, which can change over time. Since May 2025, there have been new regulations for the disposal of potting soil that should be observed in waste separation. According to Merkur it is important not to simply throw old earth into organic waste, as this is not permitted in many cases.

The nutrients in potting soil consume over time and the salinity can increase what can damage the plants. Old potting soil should therefore be properly disposed of in order to avoid damage to new plants. Smaller quantities can be added to the residual waste if they do not contain any plastic residues. The bio bin is also suitable for old potting soil, but not in large quantities. If the earth consists of entire wheelbarrow, it should be brought to the recycling center where no disposal costs are incurred.

regulations for the disposal of garden waste

The disposal of garden waste is a central aspect for environmentally conscious gardeners. It should be noted that the potting soil is not only cleared out, but also carefully maintained and carefully disposed of. Used plant pots, in particular made of plastic, belong in the yellow bin or yellow sack, while pots made of clay should be disposed of in residual waste or at the recycling center. In addition, the lawn cuts and other organic garden waste are suitable for the biotonne, such as Öko-Test reported.

It is important to know that all garden waste must not be disposed of in nature, as this is considered an administrative offense and can cause environmental damage. In addition, packaging of fertilizers and pesticides must also be completely emptied before they get into the yellow bin.

composting as an alternative

A sustainable alternative to disposal is your own composting. This form of waste management uses the natural decomposition process of waste to form humus and has numerous advantages. Composting reduces the amount of waste and vitalizes the soil. The use of organic waste such as lawn cuts and kitchen remains can be created. It is important to mix the waste well and to ensure sufficient ventilation, such as the Environmental Bundesamt explained.

The resulting earth can be used as high -quality potting soil, which also improves the soil structure and increases fertility. As a rule of thumb, at least 50 to 70 square meters of garden area are required per household member to avoid over -fertilization.

Overall, attention must be paid to compliance with the new regulations in the disposal of potting soil and garden waste. Environmentally friendly disposal or reuse through composting can not only help protect the environment, but also to improve the quality of your own gardening.