Overview

• The Bioabfallverordnung mandates that biowaste contain no more than 1% non-biogenic contaminants by weight, with bins exceeding 3% subject to collection refusal.
• Disposal companies are required to conduct regular inspections of biowaste bins, utilizing technologies such as sensors and AI to detect contaminants.
• Households face fines of up to €2,500 for repeated violations, and improperly sorted bins must be corrected at the owner's expense.
• Only compostable organic materials, such as kitchen and garden waste, are allowed in biowaste bins; plastics, glass, metals, and treated wood are explicitly prohibited.
• The regulations aim to improve compost and biogas production, reduce microplastics, and enhance Germany's already high recycling performance.