Biowaste containers

Biowaste containers have a ventilation system and a grate that stops moisture building up. This is essential when collecting kitchen and garden waste, where odours and bacterial growth need to be kept down. They are one of the container types in our range (see the full catalogue in the Waste containers section) and are designed specifically for organic waste. They meet Poland's requirement for a fifth separate collection stream (biowaste), which is a mandatory part of the municipal waste management system.

In summer, when temperatures are higher, biowaste decomposes faster and smells stronger. Where a lot of this waste is produced, more frequent collection or an extra container is worth considering, rather than simply choosing a larger container.

Biowaste containers come in two main materials: HDPE plastic and powder-coated galvanised steel. HDPE works well for households and housing estates because it is light, does not corrode and is easy to wash under running water. Steel is chosen where extra resistance to mechanical damage and high temperatures is needed, for example in bin stores that see heavy use over many years.

The right capacity depends mainly on how many households share one collection point and how often the local operator collects the waste. A single household may manage with a kitchen caddy holding a dozen or so litres, while blocks of flats and bin stores use 120- or 240-litre containers emptied according to the municipal collection schedule.

The colour of the container is practical as well as decorative. Under the colour-coding system used in Poland, biowaste is collected in brown containers, so residents can sort their waste correctly without reading the labels or symbols on each container.

Regular washing and disinfection of the container limit bacterial growth and odours, especially in summer, when organic waste breaks down fastest. Many local authorities provide container-washing points for residents or arrange regular washing services as part of their contract with the waste operator. This greatly extends the period in which the container stays pleasant to use, with no need to buy a new one.

In winter, the contents may freeze to the sides of the container in low temperatures. The grate that keeps the waste off the base reduces this problem, so the container is easier to empty even after a long frost. For households that compost some of their organic waste themselves, a biowaste container is a useful addition, especially in winter, when home composting is difficult or stops altogether.