household
With this waste, accuracy is key
Those who recycle intelligently are doing something good for the environment.
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On average, every German produces more than half a ton of garbage a year. Some of it is dangerous to the environment. What belongs where.
Waste can be reduced, but never 100% avoided. But improperly disposed of household items can be a problem for the environment, even in small quantities. Some everyday things contain small amounts of pollutants, which is why they should not be disposed of in the residual waste. Instead, they have to go to collection points where professional recycling begins. This is the only way to recycle and recycle hazardous substances in a closed cycle. But what belongs where?
Face masks, disposable gloves, protective clothing
Since the outbreak of the global corona pandemic, surgical and safety masks as well as disposable plastic gloves have become everyday items. However, they produce enormous amounts of plastic waste. The Federal Association of German Waste Management, Water and Raw Materials Management (BDE) points out that they are not packaging waste. The Hamburg Environmental Institute also says that up to 1.5 billion masks have already landed in the oceans. So when it comes to disposal, care is of the essence: Consistently in the residual waste, with the masks it is best to cut the elastic bands beforehand. Because if masks escape the cycle, at least no animals get caught in them.
Printer cartridges, toners and cartridges
Those who dispose of cartridges or toner from printers or copiers in the residual waste are not only doing the wrong thing, they are even making themselves liable to prosecution. A single toner in the gray bin can result in a fine of up to 400 euros. The reason: A toner contains large quantities of harmful fine dust. Many manufacturers therefore offer take-back offers, and electronic stores and recycling centers also accept cartridges and toners. And they can even be sold: portals such as "Leergedruck" or "Tonerkartuschen.de" transfer money to users for old cartridges, cartridges and toners.
Electronic devices
For 15 years now it has been illegal in Germany to dispose of broken electronic devices such as irons, toasters, laptops, PCs, smartphones, scanners or printers in the residual or household waste. That is why most of the municipalities in Germany have set up recycling centers – there are more than 3,000 of them in Germany. In 2016, the legislature created another option: Shops with more than 400 square meters of sales area must take back devices with a maximum edge length of 25 centimeters free of charge. And it is best to pay attention to the seal of e.g. Blue Angel or TCO when buying in order to protect the environment, recommends the consumer advice center.
Fluorescent material
On the one hand, LED and energy-saving lamps protect the environment because they consume less electricity, usually last longer and are efficiently recyclable. However, anyone who does not adhere to the latter can potentially cause great damage. Because all so-called discharge lamps, including fluorescent tubes, contain mercury. The toxic heavy metal must not get into the environment in an uncontrolled manner. Consumers should collect lamps and hand them back intact, preferably at one of the more than 9,000 collection points operated by Lightcycle, which is a leader in light recycling in Germany. Many celebrities are ambassadors for the lamp recycling of the Munich non-profit company, in the current initiative Gil Ofarim (38, "Everything on Hope") campaigns for the topic with a video call.
Medication
If you want to be on the safe side when disposing of old drugs, take them to the pharmacy – but never dispose of them via the sink or toilet. In general, it depends on which type of waste disposal the respective municipality relies on. If the residual waste ends up in an incinerator, old medication can also be disposed of in the gray residual waste bin without hesitation – the incineration process ensures that no further ecological damage occurs. The situation is different in regions that are connected to so-called mechanical-biological waste treatment plants (MBT): Here there is only the option of pharmacies or collection points to prevent residues from getting into the drinking water.
House construction and renovation waste
Mixed wallpaper paste, varnish or thinner must not be disposed of in the wastewater. Not only do the chemicals it contain pollute the drinking water, the drain pipes also run the risk of clogging. Paint and varnish residues as well as thinners and cleaners belong to special waste collection points. Most municipalities offer waste advice and provide information on the details of the respective city or region. Only paste, wallpaper scraps or dried paint are usually allowed in the waste bin.
Batteries and rechargeable batteries
Some batteries are best avoided when buying them: lead, cadmium, nickel, mercury – these batteries, which contain heavy metals, are potentially the most dangerous for the environment. But even power cells without these heavy metals are tough: they contain manganese dioxide, potassium hydroxide or sulfuric acid. The disposal of batteries or accumulators in the household waste is therefore taboo, regardless of whether it is a button, car or AAA battery. For this, dealers and municipalities are obliged to accept old batteries and accumulators. The only restriction is that retailers only have to take back and recycle the types that they have in their range.