Dispose of glass bottles and jars in the designated glass containers, separated by color. Do not put porcelain, ceramics, or window glass in the bottle banks.

Tip:

Choose reusable bottles to avoid single-use packaging.

Paper and cardboard belong in the paper bin. Dirty paper, such as greasy pizza boxes, goes in the general waste bin.

Tip:

Pizza boxes usually contain a paper liner that prevents the box from coming into direct contact with the pizza.
It is often sufficient to dispose of this paper, which is dirty with pizza residue, in the residual waste. The clean cardboard box can then be placed in the paper recycling bin.

Empty plastic packaging, yogurt cups, disposable plastic bottles, Styrofoam packaging, beverage cartons, food cans, and much more belong in the yellow bin.

Tip:

Buy products without plastic packaging or use refillable alternatives.

Yogurt cups are often made of several materials. Before throwing them away, make sure that any outer packaging made of paper or cardboard goes in the paper recycling bin. The plastic cup and aluminum lid belong in the yellow recycling bin.

Tip:

When disposing of yogurt cups, separate the aluminum lid before placing the plastic cup and lid in the recycling bin. Only then can both be recycled.

Old electronic devices can be taken to a recycling center or returned to a certified electronics retailer.

Tip:

If possible, repair or donate old devices while they still work.

If you do decide to dispose of an old device, you can return it to a retailer—even if you didn’t buy it there.

Kitchen scraps belong in the organic waste bin. Important: So-called biodegradable bags made from corn starch or similar materials do not go in the organic bin—even if the packaging says they’re compostable. These should be disposed of in the regular trash.

Tip:

Shop smart to cut down on food waste. You can also use food-sharing services for leftovers.

Items that cannot be recycled should be disposed of as residual waste.

Tip:

Buy durable products and avoid disposable items.

Take expired medicines to your local recycling center or dispose of them in the general waste bin. Never flush them down the toilet!

Tip:

Buy medicines consciously and in smaller quantities.

Dispose of chemicals and paint at the hazardous waste collection vehicle to prevent environmental damage.

Tip:

Use environmentally friendly cleaning products without harmful chemicals.

Large items like furniture can be placed out for bulky waste collection or taken to the recycling center.

Tip:

Sell or donate old furniture, e.g., to Newfoundland or the Teilerei, to extend its life.

Separate packaging by material (plastic, glass, metal) and dispose of it in the appropriate containers.

Tip:

Buy unpackaged products or reusable packaging.

Tins and aluminum foil belong in the yellow bin.

Tip:

Avoid aluminum foil whenever possible and use sustainable alternatives such as beeswax wraps.

Diapers are not recyclable and should be disposed of with household waste.

Tip:

Use washable cloth diapers to reduce residual waste.

Biowaste is organic waste and should be disposed of in the organic waste bin. Please note: only paper biowaste bags belong in the organic waste bin!

Tip:

If possible, compost yourself to obtain valuable soil.

Packaging polystyrene belongs in the yellow bin, polystyrene from insulation should be taken to the recycling center.

Tip:

Choose products without Styrofoam packaging.

Natural corks are easy to recycle. You can drop them off at your local recycling center, recycling bin, or FES Service Center.

Tip:

Use corks for DIY projects, for example as natural drainage at the bottom of flower pots or as felt glides under furniture.

Used filters and their contents should be disposed of in the organic waste bin.

Tip:

Use reusable coffee filters and tea strainers.

Candle stubs and wax belong in the residual waste.

Tip:

You can also easily make candles yourself from candle stubs.

Broken porcelain and ceramics belong in the residual waste, not in the glass recycling bin.

Tip:

Don’t throw away tableware that is still in good condition; give it away or sell it instead.

Photos and coated paper are not recyclable and should be disposed of with your regular household waste.

Tip:

Only print photos if necessary, and avoid coated paper.