Page plan · 13 pages

Written for: Tenants of a housing association

1. 1

   Tonight's route from the residual bin to the recycling yard

   • Tonight we follow your waste step by step, from the kitchen bin to the recycling yard.
   • We cover each bin, the bottle banks, deposit returns and special collections.
   • You will leave knowing where each common item belongs.
   • Questions are welcome at any point.
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   Two waste laws in plain words

   • Two laws shape how we sort: one on waste management in general and one on packaging.
   • Waste prevention and reuse come first, then recycling, and disposal is the last resort.
   • Packaging rules make producers responsible for collecting and recycling their packaging.
   • In plain words: sorting properly is a legal duty as well as good practice.
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   The residual bin: only what cannot be sorted

   • The residual bin is only for waste that cannot be recycled or composted.
   • Typical items: cigarette butts, vacuum cleaner bags, broken ceramics and used hygiene products.
   • Putting recyclables here wastes material and raises disposal costs for everyone.
   • When in doubt, check the item's material before choosing this bin.
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   The organic bin: food scraps and garden waste, no plastic bags

   • The organic bin takes food scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags and garden clippings.
   • Plastic bags do not belong in it, including ones labeled biodegradable.
   • Wrap scraps in newspaper or paper bags instead.
   • Clean organic waste becomes compost and biogas.
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   The yellow bin: plastic, metal and carton packaging

   • The yellow bin is for packaging made of plastic, metal and composite cartons.
   • Typical items: yogurt cups, drink cartons, tin cans and foil wrappers.
   • Empty packaging thoroughly, but there is no need to wash it.
   • Do not put in non-packaging plastic such as toys or buckets.
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   The blue bin: paper and flattened cardboard

   • The blue bin takes paper, newspaper, magazines and cardboard.
   • Flatten boxes so the bin does not fill up with air.
   • Greasy pizza boxes and used tissues do not belong here.
   • Remove plastic wrapping before paper goes in.
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   Bottle banks: white, green and brown glass

   • Glass goes into the bottle banks, sorted by color: white, green and brown.
   • Blue and other colored glass usually goes into the green bank.
   • Remove lids and empty the jars; rinsing is not needed.
   • Drinking glasses, mirrors and ceramics do not belong in the bottle banks.
   • Respect quiet hours when using the banks.
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   Deposit bottles and cans go back to the shop

   • Many drink bottles and cans carry a deposit and go back to the shop.
   • Look for the deposit logo on the label.
   • Return them empty and undamaged to the machine in the store.
   • You get the deposit back as a voucher or cash.
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   Old electronics and batteries: return points, never the bin

   • Old electronics and batteries contain pollutants and valuable raw materials.
   • Never put them in any household bin, since damaged batteries can cause fires.
   • Shops selling such products and collection points accept them for return.
   • Tape the terminals of loose batteries before returning them.
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    Bulky waste and the recycling yard

    • Bulky waste means large items such as furniture and mattresses.
    • Take them to the recycling yard or book a collection with the local waste service.
    • Do not leave items in stairwells, cellars or on the pavement.
    • The yard also accepts hazardous waste like paint and solvents.
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    Five common sorting mistakes

    • Mistake one: bagging organic waste in plastic.
    • Mistake two: putting greasy cardboard in the blue bin.
    • Mistake three: throwing batteries into the residual bin.
    • Mistake four: nesting or stacking items so they cannot be sorted.
    • Mistake five: filling the yellow bin with non-packaging plastic.
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    How much packaging Germany recycled in 2023

    • Ferrous metals reached 86.8% in 2023, above the 80% EU target for 2030.
    • Paper and cardboard reached 86.6% against a target of 85%.
    • Glass reached 80.6% against 75%, and aluminium 68.0% against 60%.
    • Plastics reached 52.2%, still below the 55% target.
    • Wood reached 30.2%, just above the 30% target.

    Bar chart: Germany's packaging recycling rates in 2023 against the EU 2030 targets. Source: Verpackungsabfälle (packaging waste data, reference year 2023) · checked 2026-10-10

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    Five everyday rules to stick on the fridge

    • Rule one: separate at home with clearly labeled bins.
    • Rule two: empty packaging, flatten cardboard, no bags in the organic bin.
    • Rule three: glass by color, and deposit bottles back to the shop.
    • Rule four: batteries and electronics to return points.
    • Rule five: when unsure, ask the housing association or check the waste guide.