Waste Management: Majority of Austrians Separate Organic Waste, VOEB Advocates for Four-Bin System

Every year during the Easter season, a significant amount of unused food, including millions of eggs, is discarded. Gabriele Jüly, President of the Association of Austrian Waste Management Companies (VOEB), highlights that food waste is not the only contributor to the disposal of biodegradable waste, which could be composted. A lack of knowledge regarding proper organic waste disposal, along with the absence of dedicated organic waste bins, are also factors leading to approximately 680,000 tons of biodegradable waste ending up in general waste each year, which is then incinerated or thermally treated.

Jüly emphasizes that organic waste, which includes certain food items, represents a valuable resource for agriculture. Composting allows essential nutrients and organic matter to be returned to the soil. A recent survey commissioned by the VOEB and conducted among 1,000 Austrians aged 14 to 75 reveals that roughly three-quarters of the population actively separates and collects their organic waste. This waste includes all compostable garden, green, and kitchen waste, such as vegetable and fruit scraps, plant-based food residues, bread crumbs, flowers, and various plant cuttings.

However, certain waste types, such as meat, bones, and spoiled food, can cause issues during collection and processing. The VOEB advises residents to check with their local municipalities regarding the collection of such organic waste in their organic bins.

Regional differences in organic waste collection are notable, according to the survey results. In regions like Tyrol and Vorarlberg, 88% of respondents reported separating their organic waste, while 85% in Lower Austria and Burgenland, and 84% in Styria, do the same. Conversely, Vienna lags behind, with only 40% of residents practicing organic waste separation. Jüly argues that having dedicated organic waste bins in every household or residential complex would significantly increase the amount of waste collected separately. She suggests that simplifying the process for residents is crucial for encouraging organic waste separation, a sentiment echoed by 84% of survey participants. Specifically, she advocates for a nationwide four-bin system, where each household or residential complex would have separate bins for residual waste, paper, organic waste, and recyclables.

Households can choose their method for collecting organic waste. Jüly recommends using a covered pre-collection container, which should be stored in a cool, easily accessible area. To minimize odors, this container should be emptied every two to three days. It is crucial not to dispose of organic waste in plastic bags, as even compostable bags should be avoided when possible, since they take longer to decompose and do not contribute additional nutrients to the compost.

Once collected, organic waste is processed in composting facilities where it is transformed into high-quality compost. This compost is particularly beneficial in agriculture and gardening, as it supports plant growth and contributes to humus formation. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, compost retains nutrients for the long term, is not water-soluble, and thus does not pollute groundwater. Additionally, some regions utilize biodegradable waste in biogas plants to generate biogas, which can be harnessed for heating and electricity.