Topic overview
Correctly separating waste ensures that many materials can be recycled and reused. This reduces consumption of raw materials and energy and ensures that paper, glass, metals and plastics are kept within the materials cycle wherever possible.
Waste separation can also pay off in everyday life. In Germany, the waste disposal system can be broadly divided into two categories: the costs of disposing of residual waste and organic waste are usually covered by ancillary expenses. Packaging made of plastic, metal, composite materials, glass and paper is dealt with via the so-called dual systems. These are financed by the manufacturers (and thus indirectly through the price of the product).
For you, this means that if you separate waste correctly, less ends up in residual waste. This helps to reduce residual waste and therefore also determines how big bins need to be and how often they need to be emptied.
For this to work smoothly in everyday life, it all boils down to one simple, basic rule: What belongs in which bin?
In everyday life, it usually comes down to one simple question: What waste belongs in which bin?
Here you can find an overview of the main types of waste, along with clear basic rules and typical information.
Anything that cannot be recycled or composted belongs in residual waste. If you are unsure, these general rules can help:
Anything that is not packaging, paper/cardboard, organic waste or glass packaging is usually considered residual waste.
The following types of waste should usually be put in residual waste:
Empty packaging made of plastic, metal or composite materials goes in the yellow bin or yellow bag.
Typical examples of waste that goes in the yellow bin/yellow bag:
Common mistakes: toys, plastic bowls, pots or tools do not belong in the yellow bin, unless your municipal authority uses a recycling bin that also accepts plastic and metal items.
Only some municipal authorities use recycling bins. While it is generally only packaging that can be collected in the yellow bin/yellow bag, additional items can often be put in the recycling bin.
Basic rule: Anything that can also go in the yellow bin, as well as other items made of plastic or metal, should be put in the recycling bin.
Typical examples of waste that goes in the recycling bin:
The paper bin should be used for clean, dry paper and cardboard. In most cases, anything that is heavily soiled or wet cannot be effectively recycled, so it should not be disposed of as waste paper.
The following things can usually be put in the paper bin:
By the way: Window envelopes can be put in the paper bin. The window is separated during the recycling process.
The organic waste bin should be used for organic kitchen and garden waste. To ensure that organic waste can be recycled, no contaminants such as plastic or glass should be put in the organic waste.
Typical examples of things that can be put in the organic waste bin:
Our tip: These can be easily collected in a bowl that you regularly empty out or a paper bag.
The bottle bank should be used for glass packaging, i.e. bottles and jars that have been used as packaging. Other types of glass are processed differently and should not be put in the bottle bank.
Typical examples of waste glass:
Waste glass is usually separated into clear, brown and green glass. Blue or red bottles should usually be put in the green glass bottle bank, because it is less problematic for green glass to be mixed with “odd colors”.
Lids and caps can usually be left attached to the glass. Alternatively, they can be disposed of in the yellow bin.
For many items, it is not always immediately clear how they should be disposed of. This is particularly the case for coated paper, packaging made from several different materials or greasy leftover food. This overview will help you to quickly identify how to dispose of various items that often cause confusion.
Many types of waste do not belong in the bins in front of the building. For example, large pieces of furniture, electronics or harmful substances. Below you will find a brief summary of the most important rules.
Bulky waste includes bulky furnishings and household items that are too big for the household bin. This includes, for instance, tables, chairs, sofas, mattresses and garden furniture.
You usually need to arrange for the disposal of bulky waste yourself. Typical options are:
Our tip: If furniture is still in a usable condition, it is worth trying to pass it on first through online exchange platforms or neighborhood ads. Arranging a joint collection time with your neighbors can also help make things easier.
Electrical waste does not belong in household waste. It contains valuable raw materials, but also elements that must not be released into the environment.
How to correctly dispose of electrical waste:
The e-waste return finder shows you the places closest to you where you can hand in electrical appliances.
Disposing of bulbs separately: LED and energy-saving bulbs should also not go in residual waste. They are disposed of through recycling centers or special collection points.
If you are unsure, your municipal authority’s website will have information on collection points near you.
Some waste contains hazardous substances and does not belong in domestic waste or waste water. This must be disposed of through special channels.
Batteries
Batteries and energy sources should be taken to in-store collection points or to the recycling center. Many supermarkets, drug stores and electronics stores will accept them free of charge.
Paints and varnishes
Here, it depends on what state they are in.
Ensure you observe your municipal authority’s regulations.
Medication
Old medication should not be flushed down the toilet or the sink, as the active substances can end up in the waste water. Each municipal authority may have different regulations on the disposal of medication. In some places it is treated as residual waste, while in others it must be taken to collection points or pharmacies. You can get information from your municipal authority or the official information pages on disposal of medication.
Packaging (plastic/metal)
Aluminum foil, aluminum trays, polystyrene (packaging), drinks cartons
Yellow bin/yellow bag
Empty is sufficient, rinsing out not necessary
Paper & cardboard
Pizza box (clean)
Paper bin
Very greasy = residual waste
Organic waste
Food scraps
Organic waste bin
No plastic bags
Glass
Bottles, glasses
Bottle bank
Sort by color
Residual waste/non-recyclable
Receipts, transport tickets, baking paper, heavily soiled pizza box
Residual waste (black bin)
Thermal paper/coated paper
