Get a Biotonne: close the compost loop

The simplest “zero waste” win in Cologne

About 40% of what lands in the grey residual bin is compostable organic waste. In Niehl it is burned: costing money, CO₂, and fertile matter that could return to parks and gardens as torffreier Kölner Kompost.

What you can do

• Ask your landlord for the free brown Biotonne (tenants can use Zero Waste Köln’s postcard template on their project page).
• Line the bin with newspaper, keep it in the shade, and skip “compostable” plastic bags: they need industrial conditions Cologne’s plants do not offer.
• Buy Kölner Kompost or Blumenerde from AWB/AVG outlets (the Verein advocates more neighbourhood pick-up points).

Why it matters

Separate bio collection has been mandatory in Germany since 2015, but Cologne households still need to request the bin. Less bio in residual waste can mean a smaller (cheaper) grey bin.

Source & repost

Shared here so you can get inspired or find action already happening near you. Solarpunker does not own or organise it. Facts and advocacy: Biotonne & Kompost · Collection rules: AWB Köln · Organiser: Zero Waste Köln e.V.