Separate – but do it right
The following tips will help you separate your waste correctly and live more sustainably. Each tip also includes a simple measure you can take to avoid waste in your everyday life and conserve resources. Give it a try!
This way, you can help protect the environment and support Frankfurt on its way to becoming a zero waste city!
Separate waste, save resources.
If you’re unsure about where other types of waste belong:
You can find more information on proper disposal in the Waste ABC:
Rule of Thumb: the Better Materials are Separated for Disposal, the Easier They are to Recycle.
Dispose of batteries properly
Take batteries to a collection point in a store or to a recycling center to prevent environmental pollution and save the valuable raw materials they contain.
Tip:
Use rechargeable batteries to reduce battery waste.
Separate glass waste correctly.
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.
Recycle paper waste
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.
Proper Disposal of Plastic Packaging
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.
Dispose of yogurt cups correctly
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.
Dispose of electronic waste correctly
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.
Proper Disposal of Food Waste
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.
Proper Disposal of Non-Recyclable Materials
Items that cannot be recycled should be disposed of as residual waste.
Tip:
Buy durable products and avoid disposable items.
Proper Disposal of Old Medicines
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.
Proper Disposal of Chemicals
Dispose of chemicals and paint at the hazardous waste collection vehicle to prevent environmental damage.
Tip:
Use environmentally friendly cleaning products without harmful chemicals.
Register bulky waste
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.
Dispose of packaging correctly
Separate packaging by material (plastic, glass, metal) and dispose of it in the appropriate containers.
Tip:
Buy unpackaged products or reusable packaging.
Proper Disposal of Aluminum Foil and Cans
Tins and aluminum foil belong in the yellow bin.
Tip:
Avoid aluminum foil whenever possible and use sustainable alternatives such as beeswax wraps.
Proper Disposal of Diapers
Diapers are not recyclable and should be disposed of with household waste.
Tip:
Use washable cloth diapers to reduce residual waste.
Separating organic waste correctly
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.
Dispose of Styrofoam correctly
Packaging polystyrene belongs in the yellow bin, polystyrene from insulation should be taken to the recycling center.
Tip:
Choose products without Styrofoam packaging.
Dispose of corks
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.
Proper Disposal of Coffee and Tea Filters
Used filters and their contents should be disposed of in the organic waste bin.
Tip:
Use reusable coffee filters and tea strainers.
Proper Disposal of Candle Remnants
Candle stubs and wax belong in the residual waste.
Tip:
You can also easily make candles yourself from candle stubs.
Proper Disposal of Porcelain and Ceramics
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.
Proper Disposal of Photos and Coated Paper
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.
Become
Zero Waste Hero!
- Cool & easy: Apply with us!
- Participate in the shooting.
- Advocate for Zero Waste on Instagram and other social media
- Grab a Zero Waste Hero shirt.
