Let’s not sugarcoat it; Germany produces 30 million tons of garbage annually. However, what you might not know is that the country is also one of the top recyclers of municipal waste in the European Union. With an estimated recycling rate of 67 percent. However, recent reports show that Germany is struggling with declining recycling efficiency. Up to 40% of waste in recycling bins is improperly sorted, leading to more waste being incinerated instead of recycled. Authorities are working on awareness campaigns to improve waste separation habits.
If you want to do your part in solving this problem, get ready to know how to separate waste in Germany and reduce your own carbon footprint successfully!
Here’s our easy guide on waste management in Germany. Spoiler alert: it’s way easier than you think!
A guide to recycling in Germany.
First, let’s have a look at the different types of waste disposal bins in Germany:
1. Blue bin: This is the bin for paper and cardboard waste. It is usually blue in color and can be found in many public areas such as streets and parks. You can dispose of your egg cartons, bread bags, envelopes, newspapers, magazines, and all types of paper waste!
2. Yellow bin: This bin is used for non-glass packaging waste such as plastic bottles, cans, and cartons. It is usually yellow in color and can also be found in public areas. Consider it as the most-used bin of them all –congrats yellow! Here you can throw your bread bags with plastic windows, Tetra Pak, milk cartons, food containers, plastic foil and bottle caps, and even aluminum foil.
3. Green bin: This bin is used for organic waste such as food scraps and garden waste. It is usually green in color and can be found in many residential areas. Germany is also seeing innovative ways to repurpose organic waste. For example, Bavarian startup HopfON transforms hop harvest waste into construction materials like insulation and acoustic panels.
4. Brown bin: This bin is used for garden waste such as leaves, branches, and grass clippings. Everything can be biodegraded, goes here! It is usually brown in color and can also be found in residential areas.
5. Black bin: This bin is used for non-recyclable waste such as diapers, hygiene
products, and other household waste that cannot be recycled. It is usually black in
color and can be found in both public and residential areas.
6. Glass recycling bins: For glass containers that don't have a deposit, glass recycling bins are the best options. Some apartment buildings have their own glass recycling bins. You can choose the Braunglas bin for brown glass; The Grunglas bin for green, red, and blue glass, or the Weißglas bin for transparent glass.
It is important to note that the rules for recycling and waste disposal may vary from region to region in Germany, so it is recommended to check with local authorities for specific guidelines.
How to recycle batteries and E-Waste in Germany.
Battery recycling bins: All WEEE and waste batteries must be recycled and should not be placed in any of your household wheelie bins. You can easily find battery recycling bins in almost every supermarket, electronics store, and hardware store.
Electronics recycling bins: Use the e-waste recycling bins in electronics stores, hardware stores, and some supermarkets to get rid of your WEEE -labeled electronics sustainably.
Recycling electronics in Berlin.
Berlin Recycling (BSR): For electronics or anything else in Berlin, look for the nearest recycling BSR center.
BSR is a waste management company in Germany. Apart from waste disposal in Berlin, they also offer various services like street cleaning and waste collection.
When you bring your electronic waste to BSR, the company will first check to see if the device can be repaired or refurbished. If it can, the device will be given a second life, either by being sold as a refurbished product or donated to charity. If the device cannot be repaired, it will be disassembled, and the individual components will be recycled.
At their collection points, you can recycle almost everything that can't go into your classic recycling bins in Germany. From home appliances, cables, and chargers to everything in between. You can also arrange for a pickup service if you have a large amount of e-waste that you need to dispose of in Germany.
Germany is also taking steps toward better battery recycling. A new industrial battery recycling plant backed by Porsche and Bosch is set to open in 2026, aiming to recycle up to 30,000 tons of end-of-life batteries annually. This initiative highlights Germany’s push toward a circular economy.
