Separation of waste is very important in Germany.
Many people rinse out packaging before throwing it away in the yellow sack.
We'll reveal whether this is really necessary.
Paper in the container, packaging in the yellow sack, biodegradable waste in the organic waste bin - Germans are at the
forefront
when it
comes to separating waste
.
In this way, some of the waste can be recycled *.
This
saves resources
and is therefore also
good for the environment
.
When it
comes to packaging waste,
however, many have developed a
less environmentally friendly habit
: things like yoghurt pots or packaging from delivery meals are rinsed out before they end up in the yellow bag.
But is that really necessary?
Also read:
Almost everyone disposes of these things incorrectly - are you one of them?
Yellow sack: why you shouldn't rinse packaging
If leftovers have been left in the garbage can for too long, they start to smell unpleasant.
This is especially true for packaging for dairy products such as yoghurt, which is why many consumers
briefly rinse
the corresponding
cups
before they land in the yellow bag.
However, this is not recommended from an environmental point of view.
Instead of conserving resources,
water is wasted
, as reported by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU).
Larger residues should be removed beforehand, but it is not necessary to rinse out the packaging.
In any case
,
these are
thoroughly washed again before further processing.
More on this:
Correct waste disposal is even more important because of Corona.
What goes in the yellow bag?
What belongs in the yellow sack is apparently clearly defined: packaging of all kinds, made of
plastic, metal or composite materials
.
But
blister packs
of tablets are also allowed inside.
Some typical examples of things that belong in the yellow sack are:
Yoghurt, pudding, cream or margarine cups
Beverage cartons for milk or juice
Styrofoam packaging
Bowls for vegetables or fruits
Aluminum foil
Sausage and cheese packaging
Bottles of detergent or fabric softener
Bowls of delivery meals
Video: Waste separation - this is how it works
Also interesting: did
you know?
Almost everyone dispose of receipts incorrectly.
There are some things that you need to be careful about.
Paper, glass or cardboard
have no place in the yellow sack.
Batteries, vacuum cleaner bags, transparencies, syringes or plastic bowls are
not packaging
and must be disposed of in some other way.
The case with tinplate cans is not quite so clear: In Augsburg, for example, this is prohibited, but allowed in the neighboring town of Landsberg.
In doing so, it is best to orient yourself to the
specifications of your municipality
.
(lw)
*
tz.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.
Sources: myhomebook.de, br.de
Almost everyone gets rid of these things incorrectly - are you one of them?
Almost everyone gets rid of these things incorrectly - are you one of them?
