Germany produces 30 million tons of garbage annually. The recycling system is structured and comprehensive, making Germany a model for other countries. Citizens play an active role in waste sorting and recycling through laws and regulations.
Waste Sorting at Home
Recycling starts at home by pre-sorting waste into appropriate bins. There are multiple color-coded bins to sort garbage in Germany, where recycling efficiency shines. With time it became habit in households and a matter of pride.
Types of Bins and the Green Dot System
There are seven types of bins: blue for paper and cardboard, yellow or orange for plastic, metal and mixed material packaging, brown for compostable material, black for general waste, grey or green for glass and additional bins for batteries and electrical appliances. The Green Dot system has manufacturers pay fees based on packaging, incentivizing less packaging.
In 2009, Germany’s recycling rate was 70 percent. By 2015, it increased to 79 percent, leading the EU. Recycling reduces the need for raw materials, saves energy and reduces greenhouse emissions.
Leading Recycling Efforts
Waste separation in Germany is comprehensive and strict. Multiple color-coded bins sort garbage. This habit became ingrained over time into German households as a matter of pride.
Manufacturers pay fees based on packaging, incentivizing less packaging. In 2009 Germany’s recycling rate was 70 percent, increasing to 79 percent by 2015, leading the EU. The system paved the way for greener global waste practices. Recycling reduces the need for raw materials, saves energy and cuts emissions.