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Organic waste revolution in the Ostalbkreis: problems and progress at a glance!
The change in the organic waste system in the Ostalbkreis brings challenges and solutions. Find out everything about the new organic waste!
Organic waste revolution in the Ostalbkreis: problems and progress at a glance!
On October 1, 2024, a new organic waste system came into force in the Ostalbkreis. With this change, organic waste will now be disposed of in brown bins and paper bags, after orange plastic bags were previously used until the end of September 2024. The aim of the measure is to ensure clean and plastic-free disposal and to avoid the settlement of rats and other unwanted animals, such as Swabian Post reported.
However, problems quickly arose when the new system was introduced. Citizens complained about smelly organic bags left on the side of the road and unemptied bins, as well as the lack of durability of the paper bags. Despite these initial difficulties, handling has now become normal. An improvement was noticed, particularly in problem areas such as Schwäbisch Gmünd.
New requirements and solutions
The GOA, which is responsible for waste disposal in the region, has taken additional measures to improve the situation. This includes the introduction of new side loader vehicles that enable automated emptying of the bins, thus minimizing the bins falling over during emptying. Around 79,000 organic bag bins have now been distributed and the total number of GOA customers is around 136,000.
Filling the bins incorrectly, especially with plastic, remains a major challenge. Also new is an organic regulation that has been in force since May 1, 2025. This stipulates that contaminants in organic waste may only amount to one percent. In order to make disposal easier for citizens, 5 liter paper bags were introduced at their request and are available in packs of 10 for 1.80 euros. There are also the popular 10 liter paper bags, which cost 3.50 euros.
Flexible disposal options
The introduction of the organic bag bin is intended to promote sustainable waste management in the Ostalbkreis by converting organic waste into biogas and high-quality compost. These bins are available in different sizes from 45 to 120 liters. From 60 liters it is possible to have a lock installed, either free of charge upon collection or for a fee for lock installation on site.
The bins can be exchanged free of charge at any time at the Reutehau and Ellert disposal facilities. The organic bag bin can only be emptied with a registered chip. Orders are placed using an online order form and the bin is placed directly on your doorstep, meaning no personal pickup is necessary. Collection locations are the Ellert and Reutehau recycling centers and the GOA administration in Mögglingen.
Citizens who have questions about using the organic bag bin can contact the GOA administration in Mögglingen. Opening times are Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Further information about the organic bag bin can also be found on the GOA website here.