garbagesorting.
Sort your everyday waste in Germany correctly! Avoid heavy fines from landlords and learn the quick, practical rules of German recycling.
Your Bins Setup 🏡
Printable Guide 📜
Get a beautifully formatted, single-page PDF waste sorting guide to stick on your fridge or kitchen cupboards.
Where does this waste go? 🔍
Start typing any item to find its correct recycling category
Select an item pill or type a search query above to see detailed disposal guidelines!
Quick Rules
- ✔Packaging often goes in Yellow only if it is actually packaging.
- ✔Food scraps commonly go in Bio if you have it; otherwise, check the bin label.
- ✔Paper and cardboard should be dry and clean.
- ✔Glass often goes to color-sorted containers (clear/brown/green).
- ✔Batteries, electronics, and chemicals should not go in normal bins.
- ✔When in doubt, follow your building’s posted bin guide.
- ✔If a bin is missing, follow your building or city guidance for alternatives.
Tricky Bins
Pizza box: clean vs oilyView details ➔
Tetrapak cartonsView details ➔
Tissues & paper towelsView details ➔
ReceiptsView details ➔
Jar lidsView details ➔
Ceramics or mugsView details ➔
Shared Apartment Building Tips 🏢
- 🏘️Shared bins fill up fast — break down cardboard boxes.
- 🏘️Keep lids closed to reduce smell and pests.
- 🏘️Ask Hausverwaltung about pickup days if you miss a collection.
- 🏘️If a bin is locked, check your key set or ask your landlord.
- 🏘️Label a small bag for glass or special items to avoid mix-ups.
What varies by city? 🗺️
Waste sorting regulations, container collection schedules, and bag colors can vary by municipal region and private real estate owners. Bins at your actual building containing direct visual guidelines are always the ultimate legal authority!
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