As temperatures rise, unpleasant odors and hygiene problems can quickly arise in organic waste bins. "When it gets hot outside, life begins in the bin," reports Jonathan Geldmacher, a recycling management consultant at ASP. Heat and moisture promote the decomposition of organic waste – sometimes with undesirable side effects. But this can be prevented.
A shady location for the organic waste bin is especially recommended in summer. The pre-sorting container in the kitchen should also be emptied regularly, especially if there are a lot of food scraps, fruit, and vegetable waste. After emptying, it's a good idea to let the bin dry thoroughly—for example, by leaving the lid open for a while. A layer of crumpled newspaper or dry garden waste on the bottom of the bin helps absorb moisture. Paper can also be placed between damp organic waste to improve the climate in the bin.
Proper packaging is also important: "Plastic bags – even those made of compostable bioplastics – do not belong in the organic waste bin," emphasizes Geldmacher. They do not fully decompose during the recycling process and can enter the environment as microplastics. Paper bags or plain newspaper are suitable instead. Suitable paper bags and pre-sorting containers, known as "Bioboys," are available for purchase at the ASP for a small fee.
The ASP continues to monitor the correct sorting of organic waste bin contents within the city. It's repeatedly discovered that bins cannot be emptied due to excessive weight. "Stones, soil, large amounts of fallen fruit, or heavily compacted grass clippings do not belong in the organic waste bin," explains Geldmacher. Those who have more garden waste seasonally can use the ASP's additional "seasonal organic waste bin," which is available during the growing season, or drop off this additional waste free of charge at the ASP's two recycling centers.
A shady location for the organic waste bin is especially recommended in summer. The pre-sorting container in the kitchen should also be emptied regularly, especially if there are a lot of food scraps, fruit, and vegetable waste. After emptying, it's a good idea to let the bin dry thoroughly—for example, by leaving the lid open for a while. A layer of crumpled newspaper or dry garden waste on the bottom of the bin helps absorb moisture. Paper can also be placed between damp organic waste to improve the climate in the bin.
Proper packaging is also important: "Plastic bags – even those made of compostable bioplastics – do not belong in the organic waste bin," emphasizes Geldmacher. They do not fully decompose during the recycling process and can enter the environment as microplastics. Paper bags or plain newspaper are suitable instead. Suitable paper bags and pre-sorting containers, known as "Bioboys," are available for purchase at the ASP for a small fee.
The ASP continues to monitor the correct sorting of organic waste bin contents within the city. It's repeatedly discovered that bins cannot be emptied due to excessive weight. "Stones, soil, large amounts of fallen fruit, or heavily compacted grass clippings do not belong in the organic waste bin," explains Geldmacher. Those who have more garden waste seasonally can use the ASP's additional "seasonal organic waste bin," which is available during the growing season, or drop off this additional waste free of charge at the ASP's two recycling centers.
