Overview

• From May 1, the districts of Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge and Meißen will enforce a stricter 1% foreign-substance limit in biowaste bins, below the national 3% threshold.
• Non-compliant biowaste bins will not be collected, and repeat offenses could result in fines or higher disposal costs if treated as residual waste.
• Prohibited items include plastics, glass, metal, stones, diapers, and hygiene products, with even 'compostable' plastic bags considered contaminants.
• Residents are encouraged to use paper bags or no bags for biowaste to avoid contamination and support a sustainable circular economy.
• The tightened regulations aim to address concerns over compost quality, microplastic pollution, and greenwashing by bioplastic producers.