What can be put in the organic waste bin?
Can it go on your plate? Then it can go in the organic waste bin.
Many people know that yard waste and peels can go in the organic waste bin. But food scraps often still end up in the general waste. That’s a shame, because general waste is more expensive to process. And the waste management company can turn those food scraps into excellent compost.
We’ve all been separating organic waste for years. And that’s a very good thing, because organic waste is turned into compost that farmers can use on their land. Residual waste is incinerated. That’s more expensive than composting organic waste. Since the actual costs of waste processing are factored into the waste collection fee, that fee becomes unnecessarily high when recyclable waste ends up in the residual waste stream. So separating waste isn’t just good for the environment—it’s good for your wallet, too.
From a mussel shell to a peanut shell
What can you put in the green bin? Food scraps and leftovers—both cooked and uncooked—can go in. Peanut shells, walnut shells, and other nut shells also belong in the green bin. The same goes for bones—such as chicken bones or spare ribs—and shells, like those from mussels or oysters. Cheese is allowed, but of course without the plastic wrappers. Basically, the rule is: if it’s allowed on your plate, it’s allowed in the organic waste bin.
Kitchen Leftovers
There are even more kitchen scraps that can go in the organic waste bin. Fish bones and eggshells, for example. A coffee filter with coffee grounds and coffee pods for a Senseo machine. But be careful: capsules for a Nespresso or Dolce Gusto machine belong in the general waste, because they’re made of plastic or metal. Tea bags, on the other hand, can be put in the organic waste, because manufacturers have agreed to stop using plastic in them. Do you wipe down the frying pan with a paper towel before washing it? That paper towel can also go in the organic waste.
What shouldn't be put in it?
Sometimes waste ends up in the organic waste bin that doesn’t belong there. Dog and cat feces, for example, must be disposed of with general waste. Otherwise, animal diseases can be transmitted through the compost. This also applies to chicken manure, pigeon droppings, human feces (such as baby feces from a diaper), and all types of cat litter: these must always be disposed of with general waste. The only manure that is allowed in the green bin is the waste from small pets, such as hamsters or guinea pigs, along with the sawdust, straw, or hay.
Let me just check
Not sure what goes in the green bin? Look it upin the Waste Separation Guide.