The correct separation of waste is important for recycling.
Waste glass (primarily container collection)
Waste paper (container and blue bin, blaue Tonne)
Yellow bin and yellow sack
Organic waste (organic waste bin)
Residual waste (grey bin)
Electrical and electronical devices
Batteries and accumulators
Textiles
Other waste
Tips
Buy and use reusable bottles – ideally from the region.
Do not use one-way bottles or cans.
Drink tap water. It is the most environmentally-friendly beverage when it is pure, but even still when it is carbonated.
Good to know
Reusable bottles are generally more environmentally friendly than one-way bottles. The usage of energy and resources for return transport and purification is often less considerable than the additional production effort for one-way bottles. This applies all the more, the more regionally the selling takes place and the higher the number of refills is.
Prefer reusable bottles over one-way bottles. Reusable bottles from the region are the number one choice for the environment. Here, it does not play a role whether the reusable bottles are made of glass or if they are PET bottles. However, it has become more difficult to recognize real reusable bottles due to the obligatory banderole on one-way drink packaging. One can often recognize reusable bottles by their logo “Mehrweg – für die Umwelt” or the blue angel sign (Blauer Engel). Bottle deposit for reusable bottles is usually 8 or 15 cents.
Avoid disposable bottles: plastic bottles that can be creased are always one-way bottles. They will not be refilled, but shredded and recycled. A good starting point from which to differentiate between one-way bottles that are subject to deposit and reusable bottles that can be deposited is the DPG symbol on one-way bottles and the amount of the deposit. Bottle deposits for one-way bottles always amounts to 25 cents.
Drinking tap water: In Germany, drinking water is of very good quality and still by far the most inexpensive beverage. With a sparkling water maker, carbonated water can be easily produced at home. This saves money and spares you the effort of lifting heavy boxes.