Successful organic bin challenge: fewer foreign substances in Brandenburg!

Successful organic bin challenge: fewer foreign substances in Brandenburg!

The city of Brandenburg an der Havel has successfully taken on the challenge of organic waste as part of its waste management initiative. On May 26, 2024, the starting signal was given for the #biobinchallenge, which was primarily aimed at reducing the amount of foreign matter in organic bins and thus improving the recycling of organic waste. The initiator of this remarkable campaign was the Biotonne Germany campaign, which supported numerous local measures. Among other things, the Office for Waste Management, Soil Protection and Green Spaces carried out various campaigns to raise awareness among citizens.

Those responsible were particularly active by distributing “organic bin newspapers”, which provided valuable information to households. Social media channels such as Instagram and Facebook also served to spread knowledge about organic waste and to organize competitions to promote interest in correct waste separation. 23 lucky winners were able to take home the practical “BiOTONi” pre-sorting container for their kitchens.

Successful balance sheet and outlook

After a year of intensive education, the balance of the challenge shows positive results: the proportion of foreign substances in the organic waste bins has been reduced. However, it has also been noticed that plastic packaging and other foreign substances continue to find their way into the organic waste bins. Visual inspections revealed numerous errors, especially in the Neustadt and historic old town districts, from plastic bags to glass bottles. With the new organic waste regulation, which comes into force on May 1, 2025, there will be even stricter rules in the future. These significantly tighten the limits for foreign substances, so that a maximum of three percent foreign substances and only one percent biodegradable plastic bags are permitted.

Citizens are called upon to contribute to the cleanliness of the organic waste bins, as contamination represents a serious environmental problem. The waste owner can even be asked to sort the waste if the organic waste bin is not filled correctly. Municipalities are also responsible for setting regulations and possible fines, especially if the organic waste bins are excessively contaminated.

The next steps for a clean environment

A forward-looking step in the right direction is the introduction of modern technologies to improve visual inspections. These are currently in the testing phase. According to waste guru, millions of tons of organic waste could be effectively processed into compost and energy in Germany every year if the quality of the organic waste met better standards. Incorrectly filled organic waste bins not only pollute the environment, but also the disposal costs.

It is crucial that everyone involved throws the same waste into the organic waste bin: fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee filters, eggshells, wilted flowers and garden waste are well behaved and belong there. Plastic packaging, hygiene products and even cigarette butts, on the other hand, have no place in the organic waste bin. Application tips such as using newspaper for collection or regular cleaning of the organic waste bin help make separation easier.

The aim is to protect nature and promote the circular economy through composting, which is not only climate-friendly but also sustainable. The commitment of the city of Brandenburg and its citizens already shows that education and participation are successful. In addition, the city will continue to actively provide information about the correct use of organic waste bins and promote awareness of the correct separation of waste. Because a clean environment starts in your own home.

For further information on the waste regulations and future changes in organic waste disposal, citizens can visit the pages of climate protection municipalities and Abfallguru.