Compost

Compost

Composted biowaste from households and businesses, garden and parking areas as well as waste from food processing and agriculture contain valuable plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace elements such as copper and zinc. In addition to nutrients, however, compost can also contain inorganic pollutants (heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium) as well as organic pollutants and foreign substances (e.g. dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls, perfluorinated surfactants).

Agricultural utilization of compost

In order to minimize potential risks to the environment, only approved fertilizers may be applied. Organic residual fertilizers such as compost are regulated in accordance with the Fertilizer Ordinance (DüMV). Among other things, the DüMV sets minimum requirements with regard to compliance with limit values for harmful substances as well as disease and phytohygiene. In addition, further restrictions, prohibitions and requirements from the Biowaste Ordinance (BioAbfV) must be observed when spreading biowaste on agricultural and horticultural land.

Furthermore, as with all other fertilizers, the principles of good professional practice according to the Fertilizer Ordinance (DüV) must be observed.