In addition to its test-run door-to-door collection of kitchen food waste, MOHU has also made it possible to drop off such materials at selected waste collection centers. The service is already available in 33 locations, and the number of participating centers is continuously expanding, the company announced on Tuesday to MTI.
Initially, kitchen food waste can primarily be dropped off at centers located in towns where the test-run door-to-door collection is already operational. The system is gradually expanding based on the utilization of waste collection centers.
Currently, food waste can be dropped off at 33 locations, including Budapest, Cegléd, Kecskemét, Szolnok, Székesfehérvár, Kaposvár, Tatabánya, Zalaegerszeg, Orosháza, Gyomaendrőd, Békéscsaba, and Nagykanizsa.
According to MOHU’s estimates, one person generates approximately 1 kilogram of kitchen green and food waste per week. Selective collection of such materials is in everyone’s interest, as it transforms these wastes into valuable secondary raw materials.
Organic waste can be used to produce renewable energy in the form of biomethane and as compost, providing sustainable nutrients for agriculture, the company stated.
The drop-off process for kitchen food waste is the same as for other waste categories at the collection centers. Waste must be transported in personal containers and then placed in airtight, odor-proof collection bins at the centers.
Similar to door-to-door collection, organic waste such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea leaves (but not tea bags), eggshells, cooked leftovers, baked goods, processed foods, and meat products can be dropped off at the centers.
However, bones, food packaging, vacuum cleaner bags, dust filters, paper tissues, and diapers are prohibited, as these cannot be composted and may damage the equipment.
Additionally, tree branches, leaves, twigs, and communal waste are not allowed to be dropped off, MOHU emphasized.
According to 2022 data, only 16 percent of organic waste in the European Union is collected separately and properly treated.
In Hungary, 34 percent of municipal waste consists of biodegradable materials, of which kitchen green and food waste accounts for 440,000 tons annually. MOHU has set a long-term goal of collecting 155,000 tons annually.
