Erfurt is becoming cleaner: organic waste bin now with high pressure and stainless steel!

Erfurt is becoming cleaner: organic waste bin now with high pressure and stainless steel!

Today, July 14, 2025, the city of Erfurt is informing citizens about the current handling of organic waste bins. As usual, the organic waste bins are made available for disposal, but this time there is a special feature: On the regular emptying days, they are not only emptied, but also thoroughly rinsed. This cleaning is carried out using hot water and the latest high-pressure technology, which represents a hygienic disposal method. A new special vehicle was purchased for this purpose, which is designed for all common ton sizes from 80 to 1,100 liters. Durable stainless steel components are used, which ensure a long service life.

An important aspect of this cleaning is that the dirty water is collected in the vehicle and disposed of separately. However, in high temperatures or during busy times, some disposal tours may not be completed. In such cases, the city of Erfurt sends a second vehicle to make up for the emptying.

Importance of separate collection

The separate collection of organic waste is not only economical, but also environmentally friendly. The guidelines for organic waste are determined by the respective municipalities and depend on the planned recycling of the organic waste. According to the consumer advice center, the biggest problem with recycling is that plastic always ends up in organic waste. Only compostable “organic” plastic and other waste can be put in the organic waste bin if the municipality allows this. As a consumer you have to be particularly careful!

From May 1, 2025, a maximum of three percent of organic waste may contain foreign substances, while waste disposal companies may only process organic waste with a maximum of one percent plastics. These are not easy requirements, as the pressure on consumers is increasing to separate their organic waste consistently and according to type. The waste that does not belong in the organic waste bin includes cat litter, ashes and hygiene products. Vegetable and fruit waste, however, is welcome.

Innovation meets sustainability

Promoting the circular economy is a central policy goal. As part of the Circular Economy Act, all cities and municipalities are obliged to record organic waste separately. This waste is either processed into humus in composting plants or into biogas in biogas plants. At the same time, the production of new resources is secured and the environment is protected. The Federal Environment Agency makes it clear that waste management in Germany is a lengthy process that has changed from a disposal economy to a circular economy.

Overall, it can be seen that the measures for waste separation and cleaning are an important part of modern waste management, which focuses on sustainability and resource conservation. This is exactly where Erfurt wants to start in order to make it easier for citizens to be good at disposing and collecting organic waste while at the same time taking environmental protection into account.

For further information about the correct handling of the organic waste bin, please read the article from the consumer advice center, which explains what really belongs in the organic waste bin: Click here! Further background information on waste management in Germany can also be found at: Federal Environment Agency.

Further details on the daily implementation of disposal methods in Erfurt can also be found in the official announcement at: City of Erfurt.