ash

Can ash be put in the organic waste bin?

No, ash doesn’t belong in the organic waste bin. In general, ash, whether wood ash from the fireplace or ash from wood-burning stoves, should not be disposed of together with organic waste such as fruit and vegetable scraps.

Why can't ash be put in organic waste?"

There are several reasons why ash does not belong in the organic waste bin. Firstly, it does not contain any organic components that are necessary for the composting process. Ash consists mainly of minerals which tend to hinder biological decomposition in the organic waste bin. In addition, the high pH value of the ash can disrupt the composting process and damage the soil life in the compost.

Another reason is that ash can often contain pollutants such as dioxins or heavy metals, especially if treated wood or waste has been burnt. These pollutants can end up in the compost and later in the soil, which can lead to contamination.

Is ash organic waste?

There is no clear answer to this question. It depends on what the ash is made from. Ash from untreated wood, as used in many fireplaces and stoves, can be considered organic waste. Ash from other materials such as coal, newspapers or varnished wood is not organic waste.

Cold ash from pure, untreated wood may therefore theoretically be disposed of in small quantities in the organic waste bin. It is classed as organic waste and can even have a positive effect on compost. Ash from other wood materials, on the other hand, does not belong in the organic waste bin.

Dispose of ash correctly

It is best to dispose of ash separately from organic waste. The safest disposal option for wood ash is residual waste. Here, the ash is incinerated with the other household waste and the slag is then stored in controlled landfill sites.

In some regions, disposal companies offer the option of treating ash as hazardous waste. The ash is then disposed of in special incineration plants to prevent contamination of the environment.

Another alternative to disposal is to use the ash as fertiliser in your own garden. Wood ash contains nutrients such as potassium and calcium, which can serve as fertiliser for plants. However, care should also be taken here to ensure that the ash is free of harmful substances and is only used sparingly to avoid over-fertilisation.

Ash isn't organic waste and doesn't belong in the organic waste bin

To summarise, ash is not organic waste and therefore does not belong in the organic waste bin. Instead, it should be disposed of with the residual waste, as hazardous waste or, to a controlled extent, as fertiliser. This is the only way to avoid pollutants and impairment of the composting process.

If in doubt, you should ask your local waste management company, as the rules can vary from region to region. As a general rule, safety first – if in doubt, it is better to dispose of ashes in the residual waste.