Organic bins for everyone: No more garden fires in the Lake District!

Organic bins for everyone: No more garden fires in the Lake District!

Something is happening in terms of waste management in the Mecklenburg Lake District! From January 1, 2028, an organic bin will be provided in every household in the district. This is what the Nordkurier reported. This measure is intended not only to promote the separate collection of organic waste such as kitchen scraps and garden clippings, but also to reduce residual waste and strengthen the circular economy. It is planned that the district council will decide on this regulation on March 23rd, a step that has been long awaited.

An important accompanying measure will be the nationwide ban on “garden fires”, which is due to come into force from the beginning of 2028. The state plant waste regulations will be adapted to federal law. This means that the burning of plant waste will be largely banned, with the exception of traditional fires and fire bowls. Burning is currently only permitted if alternatives such as composting or handing it over to recycling centers are not available.

Current situation of the organic waste bin

The district already has an organic waste bin in Neubrandenburg, but the rest of the district is still without this practical waste container. The waste management concept of 2020 scheduled the introduction of the organic waste bin for 2028, which will now slowly take shape. In other districts, such as Ludwigslust-Parchim, Vorpommern-Rügen and Rostock, the organic waste bin has already been introduced across the board. In northwest Mecklenburg and the Mecklenburg Lake District it remains voluntary.

One of the goals of waste management in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is to produce a forecast of organic waste volumes and the associated costs by 2027. According to estimates, between 6,600 and 22,700 tons of organic waste will be generated per year in the future, which depends on various factors such as the degree of connection and the container volume.

The correct separation and recycling of organic waste

Why is the organic waste bin so important? Quite simply: it enables environmentally friendly and economical recycling of organic waste. Guidelines regulate what actually belongs in the organic waste bin. The Consumer Center emphasizes that vegetable kitchen and garden waste in particular should end up there. But be careful: things like oils, fats or thick wood have no place in it! And cat litter and hygiene products also have to stay outside.

Increased sensitization among citizens is required, because the biggest problem in recycling is the unwanted separation of waste, especially plastic parts in organic waste. To ensure that organic waste is not contaminated, consumers should ensure that their waste is separated properly.

The collected organic waste is then processed into valuable humus either in composting plants or into biogas in biogas plants. This modern recycling strategy not only supports the environment, but also reduces the burden on landfills, which benefits our environment.

A look into the future

With the upcoming switch to organic waste bins and the ban on garden fires, a significant change in waste management in the Mecklenburg Lake District is imminent. The focus is clearly on the circular economy, a step that not only relieves the burden on the environment, but also puts the supply of raw materials on a more solid footing. The Federal Ministry of Economics emphasizes that Germany, as an industrial nation, is dependent on the availability of resources, and modern technologies play a crucial role here.

We can be curious to see how waste management will develop in the Mecklenburg Lake District. The path to better waste separation has already begun - and each of us can help ensure that the organic waste bin is put to excellent use!