Using the Biotonne correctly in Austria: what can go in?

The golden rule is material that rots naturally and has not been treated or sealed. For households, this means:

• Food waste: fruit and vegetable scraps, potato peelings and eggshells, coffee grounds and filters without clips, bread leftovers, baked goods and cut flowers.
• Garden waste: grass cuttings, leaves, hedge and shrub trimmings, weeds, withered pot plants and small branches.
• Other material: feathers, hair, unprinted kitchen paper and small amounts of crumpled, uncoated paper to absorb moisture.

Break up larger twigs and thicker material first so that it decomposes quickly in the composting or digestion facility. Add only the small amount of soil held around roots; an entire flowerpot of soil overloads the system.

The most important trap: Compostable plastic bags should not go in the Biotone in Austria. Even if the bag says ‘compostable’ or ‘biodegradable’ – the systems process them in a few weeks, the bags take much longer. They are sorted out and end up in general waste, only via the Biotone.

• Cooked meat, fish and bones: allowed or prohibited depending on the municipality – check your local waste calendar or waste regulations for information. Some plants cannot accept animal waste due to hygiene reasons.
• Never: ash, vacuum cleaner bag contents, nappies, animal droppings and litter trays, cigarette ends, treated wood and liquids such as oil or sauces.
• Also not: plastic corks, fruit stickers made of plastic and synthetic string.

Austria introduced separate food-and-garden-waste collection earlier than almost any other European country. The Biotonne has been standard in many municipalities for decades, and the Biomüllverordnung legally requires separate collection. Collected organic waste becomes high-quality compost used in agriculture and horticulture; some facilities also produce biogas.

This works only when the collection remains clean. Plastic in organic waste ends up as microplastic in the compost and therefore on fields. Correct sorting can also save money: residual waste is by far the most expensive stream in many municipalities, while organic waste is often the cheapest.

For households without a garden, the Biotonne is usually the only convenient way to put food waste to good use. People with a garden can also compost at home, and many municipalities and waste-management associations subsidise compost bins. For everything else, collect small amounts consistently and put the bin out regularly rather than leaving it for weeks.

Smells and maggots are mainly caused by moisture and food waste standing in warm conditions. A few simple habits help. Line the bottom of the bin with newspaper or cardboard to absorb moisture. Wrap wet food waste in newspaper instead of putting it in loose, and empty the kitchen caddy every one or two days.

Keep the bin in the shade in summer and always close the lid; flies can lay eggs only if they can reach the waste. Rinse the bin with a hose after collection and let it dry. A little vinegar helps neutralise smells. If maggots appear, empty the bin completely, wash it with vinegar and water, and lay a thick layer of newspaper in the bottom.

Winter brings a different problem: wet waste freezes to the bottom and sides of the bin. It may then be impossible to empty fully, and the collection crew may leave it behind. Line the bottom with a thick layer of newspaper or cardboard and replace it regularly. Wrap wet food waste and keep the lid free of snow and ice.

Do not worry if the bin remains half-empty in winter. With no garden waste there is much less to collect, but the collection schedule stays the same, so remember to put it out. Your municipality's definitive collection day is in its waste calendar, and BinMinder can send you a free reminder the evening before, so you never forget the Biotonne.