Recycling: sorting your waste correctly
Which bin, glass, compost: the basics of sorting waste so you never hesitate in front of the bins again.
The main categories (a general guide)
| Bin / colour | Typical contents |
|---|---|
| Yellow / blue (recycling) | Packaging: paper, cardboard, plastic, metal (depending on local rules) |
| Green (glass) | Glass (bottles, jars — never broken crockery) |
| Brown (organics) | Food and garden waste, compostable |
| Grey / general waste | Everything else, non-recyclable |
Sorting rules vary significantly from one municipality to another (and even more between countries) — checking official local guidelines is more reliable than a general rule, especially for plastics (not all types are accepted everywhere).
Common sorting mistakes
| Mistake | Why it's a problem |
|---|---|
| Broken crockery in the glass bin | Different melting point, contaminates glass recycling |
| Unemptied containers | Can contaminate a whole batch of recyclables |
| Small plastic items (bottle caps, toys) | Often too small to be sorted mechanically |
| Soiled paper/cardboard (grease, food) | Not recyclable once contaminated |
Common packaging symbols
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The arrow triangle (Mobius loop) | The material is technically recyclable — doesn't guarantee it's collected locally |
| Green Dot | Signals a contribution to recycling schemes, not recyclability itself |
| Local recycling logos | Often mandatory labels indicating a product falls under a sorting rule |
Why composting makes a real difference
Food waste composted instead of thrown in with general waste significantly reduces the weight of non-recovered waste and avoids methane production in landfill — one of the highest-impact sorting habits.
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