From May 1, 2025, stricter limits for contaminants, particularly plastics, in organic waste will come into effect. The use of certified industrially compostable organic waste collection bags will remain permitted, as they significantly contribute to increasing the amount of properly separated organic waste and reducing contamination from conventional, non-biodegradable plastic bags in organic waste bins.
New Regulations for Improved Organic Waste Quality
In Germany, the Organic Waste Ordinance (BioAbfV) regulates the treatment of organic waste and sets quality requirements for compost and digestate used in agriculture, forestry, and horticulture. With the amendment of the BioAbfV in 2022, stricter control values for plastic content in organic waste were introduced to reduce plastic pollution in the environment through soil-based utilization of organic waste.
Introduction of Control Values: According to Section 2a of the BioAbfV, “Requirements for the Removal of Contaminants”, binding control values for plastic content in organic waste prior to treatment are now in place for the first time. For example, the plastic content in organic matter must not exceed one percent of the fresh mass for particles larger than 20 millimeters. Starting May 1, 2025, organic waste with more than three percent contaminants in fresh mass may be rejected.
Increased Inspections and Awareness: To ensure compliance with the new regulations, more frequent inspections of organic waste bins will be conducted. Detectors capable of identifying plastics or metals may also be used. Thanks to the mandatory nationwide labeling of certified industrially compostable organic waste collection bags, these can be easily identified and not be counted as contaminants.
Clear Regulations for Compostable Organic Waste Collection Bags
Organic waste collection bags made from certified industrially compostable plastics remain permitted under the BioAbfV for the collection of organic waste, provided the following requirements are met:
- Certification according to DIN EN 13432, plus an additional DINplus certification to verify complete disintegration within six weeks of industrial composting.
- Production from predominantly renewable raw materials.
- Uniform labeling (as per BioAbfV, Annex 5, effective since November 2023) with the green seedling logo and a note indicating the required approval by the waste disposal authority.
Approval by the Public Waste Management Authorities: Despite nationwide legal approval of organic waste bags, local public waste management authorities (or, in some federal states, the district-affiliated municipality) may establish different rules regarding collection aids for organic waste bins. Citizens should therefore check their local waste regulations for any guidelines on the use of compostable collection bags. More detailed information on permissible organic waste collection bags can be found at the following link: https://inak.bio/en/bio-waste-collection-bags-help-to-properly-separate-organic-waste/
Other Compostable or Biodegradable Plastic Products are not allowed in organic waste collection. These are considered contaminants, just like conventional plastics, and must be removed from organic waste.
Conclusion: More Organic Waste, Less Plastic
The new BioAbfV regulations help improve the quality of organic waste and reduce plastic pollution in the environment. Certified, industrially compostable organic waste collection bags are an effective tool to increase organic waste collection and minimize incorrect disposal. However, consumers should check with their local waste disposal authority to determine whether these bags are permitted in their area.