SORT waste properly and PROTECT our environment!
Which bin is the right one?
By recycling, we reduce the amount of waste that would otherwise take up valuable space in landfills, and we also decrease the consumption of natural resources needed to make new products. This process saves water and energy as well. Therefore, recycling plays an important role in reducing pollution and preserving our environment.
But where should the waste go?
We start sorting waste at home. Different types of waste are collected separately and then placed in the appropriate bin in front of the house, or taken to the nearest recycling station or waste collection center.
In general, we sort into:
- Municipal packaging waste
- Plastic packaging (bottles, plastic bags and films, detergent containers, plastic cups, plastic tubes, Styrofoam)
- Metal packaging (cans, tins, aluminum foil, empty metal containers for sprays, lacquers, and food, metal tubes)
- Composite packaging (tetra packs for food and beverages, composite bags for food and other products)
- Paper (newspapers, magazines, books, notebooks, cardboard)
- Glass (bottles, jars for preserved foods)
- Organic waste (all types of vegetables, fruit, coffee grounds, eggshells, withered flowers, solid food leftovers)
- Mixed waste
- Electronic waste (appliances, machines, large household items)
- Bulk waste (bicycle parts, umbrella, textiles, etc.)
- Hazardous waste (cartridges, energy-saving light bulbs, oil, batteries, etc.)
Which bin is the right one?
- Paper tissues, cotton wool, paper napkins.
While it's true that all these items are made from cellulose (paper), they belong in the organic waste bin because they are compostable.
Leave a tissue out in the rain and note how long it takes to decompose.
- Tetra Pak
Tetra Pak is made up of 75% paper, 20% polyethylene, and 5% aluminum. Therefore, instead of placing it in the paper bin, it should be disposed of in the packaging waste bin.
- Cellophane
Once made from cellulose, today cellophane is primarily made from plastic due to cheaper alternatives, so it belongs in the packaging waste bin.
- Cotton swab
They usually end up in the mixed waste bin. However, if you look closely, you'll see that they consist of a plastic stick and a cotton tip. They should go in the packaging waste bin, as the cotton part gets washed away in the process. Caution: If you have 100% biodegradable cotton swabs, you can throw them in the biodegradable waste bin.
- Mirror and porcelain
It's true that mirrors, ceramics, and porcelain are as fragile as glass and can break into a thousand pieces, but they contain impurities, so they belong in the mixed waste bin.
- Citrus peels
According to some sources, citrus peels are classified as biodegradable waste, as they are said to accelerate decomposition. However, it is important to ensure they are organically grown and pesticide-free.