What to put in the wet and organic waste

Collection methods can vary from one location to another, even just a few kilometers apart. Food scraps and leftovers go in the organic waste bin.

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separate organic waste collection

La harvesting differentiated It has a very clear starting point, which also helps simplify it and avoid waste: all food preparation scraps, including leftovers that cannot be recycled, should be placed in the organic waste bin.

WHAT TO PUT IN THE ORGANIC WASTE

I waste Organic food can be thrown into the appropriate garbage bin, whether cooked or raw. The important thing is that they are well separated from the packaging, which may be plastic bags or aluminum and, without the respective label, goes into the bins intended for these types of waste. waste. Aside from plant and animal food scraps, organic waste includes leftovers from the food we feed our pets; tea bags and coffee grounds; paper napkins if we decide not to recycle them with one of these original ideas; and wilted flowers and plants.

WHAT NOT TO PUT IN THE ORGANIC WASTE

In the bucket of waste organic, for an effective harvesting differentiated, you should absolutely avoid putting:
  • Aluminum and containers made from this material, such as cans
  • Metals of any kind
  • Plastic: any packaging that contains it
  • Treated or painted wood scraps

GUIDE FOR COLLECTION SEPARATE WASTE ORGANIC

A helpful mini-guide for the correct disposal of organic waste is contained in the handbook drawn up by the Italian Composting Consortium.
  • Il bagThe first step to proper waste collection is choosing the right bag, which must be made of compostable material: paper and certified bioplastic (according to the EN 13432 standard) are the only suitable ones.
  • Il container. To avoid bad smellsThe container holding the organic waste must be well-ventilated: that is, it must have holes to prevent food from fermenting and the formation of liquids. This will prevent unpleasant odors from developing (at least not quickly).
  • Attention to placeIf you're going on vacation, find out about the collection procedures in place where you're staying. The rules vary from country to country.
  • What to put insideAll food waste, both plant and animal, can be thrown into the organic waste bin. Leftovers can then be added.
  • What not to wearGlass, metal, plastic, and cans: all these materials must be disposed of properly in the other bins, not in the organic waste bin.
  • Avoid wasteBefore you even throw away, try to avoid creating waste: this is why it's important to monitor food preservation and expiration dates. Remember that the "best before" date means the food is still edible after that date, in some cases even for a long time.
    However, heat is the enemy of preservation and can accelerate food spoilage. So be especially careful with foods like fruits and vegetables, sweets, and beverages.
  • Recycle leftoversBefore throwing away what you have left, think about how you could reuse that material. A nice omelette? A meatloaf? A tasty salad? There are so many possibilities. anti-waste recipes that you can use to avoid food waste.
  • Biodegradable tablewareFor a picnic or an impromptu lunch, choose plates, cups, and cutlery made from certified compostable materials (the reference standard is EN 13432). These turn into compost and don't end up in landfill. In some municipalities, they can also be thrown in the organic waste bin.
  • Il compostA good way to avoid wasting organic waste is to compost it. If you have a garden, the best way to do this is to use a compost bin. The resulting material can be used as soil fertilizer.
  • Watch out for thelabelTo properly assess whether materials are truly compostable, you need to pay attention to what is written on the packaging. Look for this. brand of quality and you will have the guarantee that the product has been approved by the Italian Composters Consortium.

TO KNOW MORE: How to properly recycle electronic waste

WHAT DO WE DO WITH ORGANIC WASTE?

Organic waste can have various outlets. First of all, through composting, it is an excellent natural fertilizer for all our plants. Then comes industrial reconversion. Organic waste is ground and mixed with water. Once it forms a kind of pulp, the plastic and fibrous materials are removed and shredded, becoming secondary solid fuel. In the cement industry, organic waste is used to produce energy instead of fossil fuels.

HOW MUCH DOES ORGANIC WASTE WEIGH?

Organic waste in Italy represents approximately 7 million tons of garbage annually, accounting for over 40 percent of all separate waste collection in urban areas. Its disposal is a cornerstone of the circular economy and, if done correctly everywhere, could significantly increase our self-production of energy.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WET AND ORGANIC?

Waste from the kitchen and outdoor spaces, from the garden to the balcony, is defined as "wet," more generally, wet, or organic waste. This is biodegradable waste that can be used to make excellent compost. compost. Organic waste at home includes food scraps, eggshells, coffee and tea filters; outdoors, it includes grass clippings, flowers, foliage, and soil.

WASTE SEPARATE COLLECTION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

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