Proper waste segregation: what to discard in which trash bin?
To prevent wastage is the most logical thing. But if it's already been produced, it's essential to sort it correctly so that recycling functions efficiently later on. Some pitfalls exist in this process.
When addressing paper waste, it's placed in the paper bin. Plastic waste from plastic goes into the yellow bin or yellow bag, and empty wine bottles and pickle jars into the color-matched glass container. It may seem straightforward, but waste sorting has its obstacles.
Not all items labeled as "paper" genuinely belong in the paper bin, and not all things crafted from glass should be in the glass container. Identifying these potential error areas is crucial:
Paper napkins: Blue bin or garbage?
What about old paper napkins? They - contrary to their name - shouldn't be in the paper bin. The initiative "Waste Separation Works" states that they, along with kitchen towels, paper napkins, and paper pads, should be thrown away in the residual waste.
Gift wrap: A tricky situation
Gift wrap isn't a straightforward matter. If it's made entirely of paper, it can be disposed of in the paper collection. If it has a plastic coating, it must be thrown in the residual waste after unpacking the gift. The divide appears when torn; with coated paper, a thin film often becomes visible.
Receipts: Distinguishing between white and blue
White, smooth receipts from thermopaper should be discarded in the residual waste. Bons on thermopaper without developer, which are identifiable by the darker, occasionally blue paper, can be disposed of with the paper in small quantities.
Paper plates: Ketchup stains suggest the right bin
Used paper plates? According to the initiative "Waste Separation Works," they should not be in the paper bin but in the residual waste. The rationale is contamination and the plastic coating. Unused paper plates without coating, however, can be discarded in the paper collection.
A general principle: Heavily coated papers, such as baking paper, takeaway cups, and takeaway packaging, should be in the residual waste or the yellow bin, not the paper. The Nature Conservation Union (NABU) also offers a helpful guideline: If you can easily tear a paper packaging with a plastic coating, such as frozen food packaging or paper bags, it can usually be disposed of in the paper. However, it's crucial to also consider any disposal instructions on the packaging.
Though they're made of glass, these items shouldn't be in the glass container: broken mirrors, broken window glass, temperature-resistant glass dishes for the oven or microwave. The reasoning behind this is that these items have a different composition than beverage bottles or canning jars and interfere with the recycling process. They belong in the residual waste. However, there's an exception with glass flasks, such as perfume flasks. The initiative "Waste Separation Works" states that they should be placed in the old glass container.
Plastic toys should not be thrown into the yellow bin
Worn-out plastic toys belong to the initiative "Waste Separation Works" in the residual waste or the waste container. But they're not related to the yellow bin or yellow bag, as they're not packaging. The same applies to broken plastic bath toys. They should be disposed of in the residual waste, too.
Eggshells: The correct destination
Eggshells are gently placed in the organic waste bin. This also includes colorfully painted eggshells fashioned using food dyes. However, it's a different scenario if foils were used for the egg decoration, such as with glitter or metal effects. Then, the shells with the foils should be placed in the residual waste bin, per the VKU.
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Consumers seeking environmental protection may opt for an environmental advisor's guidance in reducing their plastic waste. Discounter stores often sell organic food, but it's important to check the packaging for recyclability before purchasing. The fashion industry contributes significantly to environmental pollution, with many textiles being made from non-biodegradable materials. By choosing sustainable and organic clothing, consumers can contribute to environmental protection. Encouraging manufacturers to use eco-friendly materials and practice proper waste segregation is crucial in reducing overall environmental pollution.
