Waste Disposal in Germany — Proper Waste Separation

Why Waste Separation?

Germany is among the world champions of recycling. Waste separation is mandatory and is taken seriously by neighbors and landlords. Improper separation can lead to complaints and even fines.

The Containers at a Glance

Gelber Sack / Gelbe Tonne

What goes in:
- Plastic packaging (yogurt cups, foils, bags)
- Cans and aluminum trays
- Tetrapak (milk and juice cartons)
- Styrofoam packaging

What does NOT go in: Toys, coat hangers, CDs — these belong in Restmüll.

Biotonne (brown)

• Fruit and vegetable scraps
• Coffee grounds and tea bags
• Garden waste (leaves, flowers)
• Eggshells

No plastic bags in the Biotonne — not even "compostable" bags (they decompose too slowly).

Papiertonne (blue)

• Newspapers, magazines, brochures
• Cardboard boxes (break them down!)
• Letters and office paper

Not: Coated paper (baking paper), pizza boxes with grease stains, photos.

Restmüll (black/gray)

Everything that doesn't belong in any other container:
- Diapers, hygiene products
- Cigarette butts
- Broken items (dishes, mirrors)
- Vacuum cleaner bags

Glascontainer

Glass bottles and glasses are sorted by color:
- Clear glass — transparent bottles and glasses
- Green glass — green bottles
- Brown glass — brown bottles

Important: Observe deposit times — usually not between 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM, not on Sundays.

Sperrmüll — Large Items

Furniture, mattresses, and electrical appliances must not simply be placed on the street. Instead:

• Register Sperrmüll — with the waste management office (online or by phone)
• Free or for a small fee (depending on the city)
• A pickup date will be assigned
• Alternative: Wertstoffhof (recycling center) — bring it yourself

Electronic Waste

Old phones, televisions, computers do not belong in Restmüll:
- Drop off at Wertstoffhof (free of charge)
- Major retailers (Media Markt, Saturn) accept old devices

Costs

Waste disposal fees are paid through additional costs (approx. 15–30 €/month per household). Gelber Sack is free of charge.

As of: March 2026. All information without warranty.