Many environmentally conscious consumers regularly ask themselves the question of which waste exactly belongs in the compost bin. In fact, not everything is compostable just because it is of organic origin or declared to be "biodegradable". In this respect, the question is entirely justified. What is it that really has to go in the compost bin? What can go in and what definitely can't?

In order to understand the answers to these questions, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the processes surrounding composting. On the one hand, the principle according to which waste can be composted at all is important, and on the other hand, the exceptions. Some borderline cases are even very surprising.

Why does organic waste belong in the compost bin at all?

Anyone who does not dispose of green waste with normal household waste is making an important contribution to protecting the environment. The "value" of the waste that can be treated in this way is often underestimated. However, there is a real, measurable financial equivalent. Anyone who reduces the amount of their residual waste by including green waste is actually saving on waste disposal fees.

But consumers still often believe that the small amount of organic waste that is generated in their own household is not worth the effort. In addition, many are unclear about what can become of this annoying waste with the right disposal method. Therefore, the average garbage bag still contains around a third organic waste. If it were disposed of separately, it could serve a useful purpose.

There is also the belief that a modern waste separation system can no longer be integrated into the existing fitted kitchen. However, with the X-LINE, Müllex has created a system that can be easily installed in any kitchen cabinet - even retrospectively. Installation is child's play and does not require a specialist tradesman.

The collection system allows up to seven different containers in different sizes and arrangements. This means that everyone can put together their waste separation in a way that suits their own household's collection habits. Rigid systems that don't really fit the kitchen or the household's residents in one or more places are a thing of the past. Compromises are no longer necessary.

What is the waste from the kitchen compost used in for?

In fact, waste treatment techniques are so advanced that a wide variety of end products can be created from ordinary kitchen and garden waste. In Switzerland, for example, this is used to produce:

The principle of composting organic waste

Composting organic waste used to be a matter of course. Almost everyone had a field or a garden to grow their own vegetables and fruit. At that time, no one would have thought of doing without the valuable fertilizer. Even leftovers from plant and animal foods that no one wants to eat anymore contain useful minerals.

By returning them to nature, you ensure that a perpetual cycle continues. Plants need these substances to grow and produce fruit. People eat grains, fruit and vegetables and thus absorb the minerals and trace elements they need.

It is therefore only logical to return nutrients that are not needed to nature so that they can be harvested later in a new form. Before new plants are fertilized with composted waste, a number of microorganisms also feed on the rotting organic waste.

How a biomass plant works

This is exactly what happens in a biomass plant, which, for example, produces biogas from the household waste in every consumer's compost bin. The organic waste delivered here goes through several stations for the purpose of recycling. The first step is mechanical shredding in a shredding plant. Water is then added until a muddy, viscous mass is created.

This sludge is food for certain microbes that live in it and feed on it. Therefore, the sludge is left to them in large tanks for a long time. The metabolism of the microbes produces a gas. This is methane, which has a considerable calorific value. This is how biogas is produced, the combustion of which drives machines.

Alternatively, it can also be used for heating or to generate electricity. Biogas therefore fulfils the same functions as fossil fuels, but is produced in a much more environmentally friendly way.

Once the gas extraction process is complete, the remaining biomass is dried and processed into compost. This ultimately returns to nature as fertilizer or potting soil.

What can and should go into the compost bin?

The options for recycling organic waste always vary slightly from place to place. They depend, among other things, on whether there is a composting plant or a biomass plant, for example. The permissible waste can therefore vary in individual cases. The following are generally unproblematic:

What definitely doesn't belong in the compost bin?

Anyone who knows how composting and biomass plants work will quickly understand what does not belong in organic waste. On the one hand, this applies to all objects and materials that do not rot because they cannot be composted. The following are unsuitable:

If rotting takes too long

There is also the aspect that some biological raw materials do rot, but it takes too long to do so. This applies not only to wood and cork, for example, but also to bags made of biodegradable film. These are often advertised as garbage bags for green bins. Ultimately, however, they end up as scraps of film on fields that have been fertilized with compost.

Such films often hinder the work of machines in waste disposal plants. They clog shredders and sieves. This is why we strongly advise against using such garbage bags if the organic waste is intended for a recycling plant. Of course, everyone can decide for themselves about their own compost heap in the garden.

How can non-compostable waste be collected effectively?

Modern waste treatment can hardly do without a practical waste separation system. In addition to organic waste, other different types of waste must be disposed of on a continuous basis. Depending on what is generated in each household and what types of waste the local waste disposal company accepts, a large number of individual collection containers are required.

To ensure that separate collection does not cause unnecessary effort, a waste separation system for the home kitchen must be well thought out, durable and flexible. The Müllex system is an irreplaceable helper because it effortlessly ensures order.

Up to seven containers can be stored in a kitchen cupboard in various arrangements. Special containers are precisely tailored to the 17 and 35 litre waste bags. Equipped with the unique bag tensioners, the garbage bags can be filled optimally and still removed very easily.

In addition to the containers that are sized to accommodate standard bags, there are other collectors of different sizes available. This means that every household can tailor its Müllex to its own recycling habits. For example, users like to choose a compost bin that is a little smaller, but with a lid. Containers for standard bags, on the other hand, are usually covered with a frame so that they can be quickly accessed at any time.

Why are meat and bones not allowed in green waste?

The rule that meat and bone scraps do not belong in the compost bin seems a little contradictory. In fact, they are organic waste that has the ability to rot. Meat and bones are also undoubtedly typical kitchen waste. So it is difficult to understand why many communities do not allow them to be disposed of as "green waste".

The simple reason for this is that there were legitimate concerns about hygiene in the past. Meat and bones can certainly be carriers of germs and diseases. Where the waste is further processed, they could also attract rats that can spread infections. Today, however, biomass plants are technically capable of heating the waste to be recycled sufficiently and thus minimizing the risk of infection.

In principle, this obstacle no longer exists, at least not everywhere. Nevertheless, most municipalities still have waste regulations that prohibit meat and bone waste in organic waste. However, it is expected that this will change in the future.

However, such regulations do not apply to private compost on your own property. If you think it is right to dispose of animal waste there, you can do so without worrying within certain limits. If your compost attracts a lot of rats or other animals, you should keep in mind that this may bother neighbors. Consideration is definitely recommended here.

Be careful with invasive plants

There is another type of waste that municipal organic waste disposal companies do not accept, even though it is of purely biological origin. It is the remains and cuttings of non-native plants that spread invasively. In the publications of the waste disposal companies, they can also be found under the keyword neophytes. If in doubt, it is advisable to inquire with the responsible municipal or environmental authority.

Components of the following are undesirable in any case and should be disposed of as garbage:

Müllex helps to separate and dispose of waste correctly

If you want a modern waste collection system or are looking for one for your customers, we are happy to help you. There is a reason why our Müllex system is the most successful in Switzerland. With the practical configurator, you can adapt the Müllex to the needs of every household with just a few clicks. With a little practice, installation only takes a few minutes.

You can then also easily place your order directly online. Or do you have any questions? We are happy to help you. Simply contact us now.