Rubbish Separation & Recycling in Germany

An important theme in Germany since 1990, and frequently a point of dispute between housemates and neighbours, is the system of rubbish separation. This is also known as the dual system 'Duales System' or the green point scheme 'Der Grüne Punkt'. In some neighbourhoods rubbish separation is extremely important, and neighbours will observe whether you separate your rubbish or throw bags of unsorted rubbish into the communal bins. Luckily, rubbish separation in Germany is not too complicated. The following general rules apply:

• The yellow rubbish bin is for all rubbish which features a green point. This is a recycling symbol found on most plastic and tetra packaging, such as yoghurt pots and certain milk cartons.
• The green 'bio' rubbish bin is for any organic rubbish, such as left-overs and potato peelings.
• The black rubbish bin is for any other household rubbish.
• Any glass packaging must be separated according to colour and placed in the appropriate glass recycling bin. Blue glass should be placed in the green glass bin.
• Papers, such as newspapers, magazines and cardboard can be placed in an 'old paper' recycling bin. Some properties will have an old paper bin next to the communal household bins.
• Batteries, electrical equipment and poisonous substances should not be placed in household rubbish, but deposed of in recycling bins designed for the purpose.

If you are uncertain where your nearest recycling point is located, ask a neighbour or search online.