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DEEP DIVE RECYCLING GARBAGE CAN
We at flustix have collected 14 questions for you, which also come up again and again when it comes to waste separation in our own household.
Do I have to rinse yogurt pots or tomato cans?
No, packaging does not have to be rinsed out before disposal. That would only consume additional energy and, above all, water: But the packaging should be completely empty. Even if it saves space in the trash can: Plastic packaging stuffed into the aluminum can cannot be retrieved at the sorting facility.
Can I stack yogurt cups?
When the whole family has had breakfast, a real stack of yogurt pots can end up in the trash. No problem if they are made of the same material. Otherwise, it’s better not to build towers, as this makes sorting more difficult..
Do bubble envelopes belong in the yellow garbage can or in the waste paper?
This requires skill: if the bubble wrap can be completely separated from the paper, both components can be disposed of separately. Otherwise, the envelope must unfortunately be disposed of in the residual waste. The situation is different for envelopes with a viewing window: the plastic content is so small that the part can be disposed of as waste paper. In the recycling plant, the waste paper is mixed with water in a large blender. This causes the plastic film to come off and can be separated from the paper. Of course, it would be exemplary if you were to cut out the plastic film yourself and throw it in the yellow garbage can. The same applies to viewing windows for e.g: Pasta packaging, toy packaging or screw boxes with a viewing window.
The issue of deposits on non-refillable containers: Should PET bottles be returned with or without caps?
With! They provide more recycling material, are virtually decapitated in the processing plant. According to an EU regulation, manufacturers must ensure by 2024 that caps remain firmly attached to the bottles. Coca-Cola Germany already launched the bottle with the “inseparable” cap this spring. By the way, the cap should also remain on reusable bottles. It protects the screw thread and increases the service life of the bottle.
How am I supposed to remember which can to drop off where?
You don’t have to remember. Almost all disposable bottles and cans are now sold with a deposit. They can be identified by the one-way deposit symbol, are always worth a 25-cent deposit, and must be accepted at any supermarket that sells similar bottles and cans – regardless of shape or brand.
Do I have to unscrew the lids from jars or not?
When you throw jars or bottles into the glass container, you can always leave the lids on. Sorting systems recognize and remove the caps. However, it is more energy-saving to remove the lids yourself and throw them in the yellow garbage can.
How do I dispose of an orange liquor bottle or a blue water bottle?
Colored non-returnable glass that cannot be assigned to the three container colors belongs in green glass, since this type can absorb foreign colors best.
Can corona test cassettes be disposed of in the yellow garbage can?
No, corona tests, masks and disposable gloves must be disposed of in the residual waste – even in a sturdy extra bag for the safety of the disposal company employees.
Should old CDs just go in the trash?
They are made of relatively expensive plastic polycarbonate. Although they are banned from the yellow garbage can, they can often be disposed of in the recycling garbage can (Wertstofftonne), at the recycling center, or at special collections. Only if the effort for a few CDs is not worth it, you can dispose of them in the residual waste.
Do I have to take a broken kettle to the recycling center?
No. Since July 1, used electrical appliances such as toasters, shavers or smartphones can also be handed in at supermarkets and discount stores – regardless of where they were purchased. As a result, there are now 25,000 new collection points for e-waste.
What do I do with old oil from a fries night?
First, reuse it several times and then never pour it down the sink or toilet. The oil belongs safely packed in the original container, a bag or bound by livestock bedding in the residual waste. Here it then helps the waste to get burned.
Should broken socks go in the old clothes garbage can – for cleaning rags or something?
Better to throw them straight into the residual waste. Due to the fast-fashion trend, there are unfortunately already a lot of old clothes that end up as insulation material or cleaning rags. The sorting processes are so complex that it’s not worth it for a few old socks.
Can’t I throw such a tiny battery into the residual waste after all?
No, that is prohibited. Batteries can contain harmful substances and are flammable. They must be handed in at one of the 200,000 collection points (supermarket, drugstore), and contain valuable raw materials. Rule of thumb: Wherever you can buy batteries, they will be taken back.
Are coffee capsules actually packaging waste?
It depends! If the manufacturer participates in the dual system, they go in the yellow garbage can, otherwise in the residual waste. In individual cases, you have to research this on the Internet, look at the packaging or ask the manufacturer. In general, coffee capsules are not a climate-friendly option anyway.
Tip: There are small regional differences for organic waste, bulky waste, recyclables and hazardous materials. For Germany, you can enter your postal code here and you will be taken directly to the waste separation page of your regional waste disposal company – often with a waste ABC, addresses and dates.
