Biodegradable waste — what is it? What should be thrown into bio-waste bins?

Biodegradable waste – what it is and why its segregation matters

The definition of biodegradable waste can be found in Article 3, Section 1, Point 1 of the Waste Act. According to this regulation, biodegradable waste includes garden and park waste, food and kitchen waste from households, restaurants, canteens, catering facilities, offices, wholesale and retail outlets, as well as similar waste from food production or distribution facilities.

Segregating biodegradable waste is important for several reasons. Firstly, it produces valuable compost that can be used to fertilize fields. Home composters are part of a circular economy, generating humus (also called humic soil), a nutrient-rich material essential for proper plant growth cycles. Segregation also helps reduce sorting costs—otherwise, waste must be separated manually, which is time-consuming and costly.

Fermented biodegradable waste can also generate biogas, which can be used for electricity and heat production, or, once purified, as fuel for vehicles.

What belongs in biodegradable waste bins? A practical guide

The legal definition of biodegradable waste is broad, so it’s not always clear what should go into a brown bin. Typically, this includes:

• Vegetable and fruit peelings and scraps
• Eggshells
• Nut shells
• Potted and cut flowers
• Sawdust from gardening
• Grass clippings, cut branches, and raked leaves

Items not suitable for biodegradable bins include:

• Animal products (meat, bones) – go into mixed waste
• Liquid food waste
• Pet-related waste (litter, sand)
• Plywood, particleboard, dead animals, hazardous household waste
• Soil – even though environmentally neutral, it should go into black bins or designated PSZOK collection points

How to use biodegradable waste bins properly

When choosing a bin, look for ventilation holes on the sides to allow air circulation and initial decomposition by aerobic bacteria. A drainage grate at the bottom ensures excess moisture escapes, preventing uncontrolled rotting.

Bin sizes vary from 60–70 liters for small households to over 1,100 liters for residential communities or businesses. Avoid placing biodegradable waste in plastic bags inside the bin; it should go directly into the bin.

Legally, all waste bins must meet PN-EN 840 standards: a closable lid, stable bottom, and compatibility with mechanical emptying. Materials are usually metal or HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), which is lightweight, durable, and cost-effective.

Businesses aiming to manage waste responsibly should implement an environmental management model.

Biodegradable waste and composting

Biodegradable waste can be composted at home using composters, usually made of slatted wood or beams to allow air flow. Microorganisms, moisture, and invertebrates (like earthworms) gradually break down the organic matter into compost, which enriches soil naturally without chemical fertilizers.

Proper layering in a composter is important:

• Bottom: cut branches (drainage and filtration)
• Absorptive layer: peat, straw, or turf
• Top: household biodegradable waste, occasionally mixed with garden materials like grass

Place the composter in a shaded area on a slight elevation to prevent flooding. Turn the compost every few weeks to ensure oxygen circulation. Cover the compost to protect it from rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Unlike chemical fertilizers, compost is safe to use in unlimited quantities.

What happens to disposed biodegradable waste?

Waste from households and businesses is taken to processing facilities. As of 2020, Poland had 14 municipal waste fermentation plants, with more composting sites existing. Waste is sorted and either converted to energy on-site or used by external recipients.

Proper management of biodegradable waste ensures a cleaner environment. Companies seeking to integrate into a sustainable waste economy can develop tailored action plans to optimize their processes.