Despite strict regulations and excellent work by municipal services, plastic bags still frequently end up in organic waste and brown bins. This misplacement contaminates compost, increases processing costs, and jeopardizes the entire organic waste recycling process. Separate collection of organic waste is intended to produce high-quality compost, which enhances soil fertility and supports sustainable agriculture. To achieve this goal, it's essential to consistently follow the separation rules and only place organic waste in the brown bins.
Why Even Bio Bags Don’t Belong in Brown Bins
According to data published by National Geographic in February this year, half of all plastic was produced in the last 20 years, exponentially increasing from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 448 million tons in 2015. Production is expected to double by 2050.
It's also alarming that single-use plastic accounts for 40% of all plastic produced annually. In 2022 alone, we used 130 billion plastic bags, which is more than 3 billion bags per day. Their production requires vast amounts of oil, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and the destruction of natural habitats. Plastic bags in the seas and oceans pose a deadly threat to marine animals and birds, which mistake them for food or get entangled in them. These plastics even make their way into our food through marine organisms that end up on our plates. Do we really want to be part of this destructive story?
If your answer is no, we have gathered some ideas for responsible separation of organic waste:
- Plastic bags are not designed to decompose and can last hundreds of years in landfills. They do not contribute to the composting process and heavily contaminate compost, so they belong in yellow bins.
- Biodegradable bags decompose through natural processes, but the time varies. They often fragment into microplastics, which are harmful to the environment, and are generally unsuitable for home composting.
- Compostable bags decompose quickly in a controlled composting environment and do not leave harmful residues. It's important to look for certifications like ASTM D6400 or EN 13432 to ensure true compostability.
However, even compostable bags should not go into brown bins for organic waste, because the processes in municipal composting facilities are not always optimized for breaking down these bags. It is recommended to dispose of organic waste directly into the bins without using any bags, ensuring the best possible composting process and a high-quality final product.
Skaza as the Initiator of the Campaign Against Plastic Bags in Organic Bins
At Skaza, sustainability is not just a word but our way of life. Through our own brand products made from bio-based and recycled materials, we implement our sustainability strategy. With the Bokashi Organko line, we convey that food is not waste, but with proper processing, it can become a new resource for the soil. The final product, Bokashi compost, is rich in essential nutrients for plants, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, improving soil aeration, water retention capacity, and structure.
In the past, we collaborated with the municipal company Snaga Maribor on the first pilot project, where we distributed Bokashi Organko composters to a selected housing community. Sorting analyses before, during, and after the project showed that about 9% of the contents in the organic bins were non-organic waste, including plastic bags.
Last year, we proudly introduced Organko Daily, a product of our own development and production. It is a daily container for collecting organic waste, enabling proper separation without plastic bags. This award-winning product, recognized with Big SEE and Red Dot awards, is made from 100% recycled material and represents an excellent start towards responsible handling of organic waste.
Although not all consumers are inclined to composting, we believe that it is every individual's responsibility to at least properly collect their organic waste and dispose of it in the brown bin without plastic contaminants. With this approach, we strive to reduce contamination of organic waste and improve compost quality, which is crucial for the sustainable future of our planet.
Everything is in our hands, and every step towards a sustainable future is a step in the right direction. So today, now, together, let's block plastic bags. Now is the time to make a change – to write history and create a future by blocking plastic bags.