New rules for the organic waste garbage can: less plastic, more quality
From 01.05.2025, a revised Biowaste Ordinance will come into force nationwide. The aim of the new regulation is to significantly improve the quality of the biowaste collected. In particular, plastic and other impurities are to be kept out of the composting and fermentation process.
What is changing?
In future, the proportion of plastic in biowaste may not exceed one percent of the total weight. All contaminants together - including glass, metal and other foreign materials - may not account for more than three percent. This significantly increases the requirements for the cleanliness of biowaste.
What does this mean for Jena?
For citizens, little will change in everyday life: organic waste must continue to be carefully separated and placed in the organic waste garbage can. However, Kommunalservice Jena (KSJ) would like to point out that incorrectly filled garbage cans will not be emptied in future either. If the organic waste garbage can contains plastic, film or other foreign matter, it will not be emptied. In this case, citizens are obliged to re-sort the contents. If the bin is not re-sorted, it can only be disposed of as residual waste as part of a chargeable special emptying service.
What is allowed in the organic waste garbage can - and what is not?
Allowed are, for example
- Food waste (in normal household quantities), old food without packaging
- Fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells
- Garden waste such as flowers, leaves, green and shrub cuttings
Not allowed:
- Plastic bags - not even "compostable" bioplastic bags
- Packaging, foil, cans, glass or stones
- Diapers, vacuum cleaner bags, ashes, cat or small animal litter
Tip from the KSJ:
Paper bags or newspaper are particularly suitable for collecting biowaste in the kitchen. They decompose without leaving any residue and do not interfere with the composting process.
Why is that so important?
The biowaste collected in Jena is processed in a regional treatment plant into biogas and high-quality compost, among other things. Clean biowaste is the prerequisite for a functioning material cycle - without plastic in the soil.