March 12, 2024, 1:59 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Especially in spring, many people bring a touch of nature into their homes with bouquets of flowers. But after a few days, the flowers start to wilt, and you might need to dispose of the bouquet–but where?
Trash or organic waste? In which bin should you dispose of your bouquet once it has wilted? It’s no secret that many cut flowers come from countries with different pesticide regulations. So, is it permissible to dispose of bouquets in organic waste? myHOMEBOOK investigated and consulted experts.
Can a Bouquet Go in Organic Waste?
According to the Association of Municipal Enterprises (VKU), cut flowers can indeed be disposed of in organic waste. However, a few points should be noted: “All foreign materials should be removed and disposed of separately.” According to VKU, these foreign materials include:
- Strings, rubber bands, or wires that hold the bouquet or arrangement together
- Foils or paper
- Decorative elements
- Artificially colored plant parts
All these items should be disposed of in the appropriate bins. “Transparent foil in the yellow bin, paper in the blue paper bin, rubber bands or strings and decorative elements in the trash,” says the VKU. The disposal of plastic and floral foam elements is particularly emphasized. “These should not be thrown into organic waste, as they can break down into microplastics.”
Also of interest: Why You Shouldn’t Buy Cut Flowers in Winter
Why Bouquets Can Be Disposed of in Organic Waste Despite Possible Pesticide Contamination
It’s not uncommon for cut flowers to be imported from abroad. In these countries, different regulations often apply regarding pesticide use. The flowers need to grow quickly to meet demand. They should also last long, as they have traveled a long way before reaching flower shops. And then the end consumer wants to enjoy them for a few more days. So, the use of pesticides is almost unavoidable unless you exclusively buy regional organic products.
Despite potential pesticide contamination, cut flowers can still be disposed of in organic waste. This is confirmed by Corinna Hölzel, a pesticide expert from the German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND), when asked by myHOMEBOOK. “Pesticides break down over time, but it cannot be ruled out that this process may take months. Such pesticides can also lead to contamination of compost soil, albeit in low concentrations. Nevertheless, I would recommend organic waste disposal.”