Waste separation in Germany

In short: In Germany waste is separated into several bins: residual waste, organic, paper, the yellow bin (packaging) and glass. Bulky items, electrical devices and hazardous substances have their own routes.

In more detail: Rules can differ by municipality. The waste calendar booklet or the city’s app gives information.

In detail

• Yellow bag/bin: Packaging of plastic, metal and composites. Scraping out is enough, rinsing is not necessary.
• Waste paper: Paper and cardboard, but no soiled paper or greasy pizza boxes.
• Organic waste: Fruit, vegetable and food scraps. No plastic bags, depending on region not even “compostable” ones.
• Glass: Separated by colour into the container, remove lids and caps.
• Electrical items and batteries: Return to a shop or recycling centre. Never in residual waste because of fire risk (recycling-von-kunststoff).