WASTE & RECYCLING IN DÜSSELDORF

Germany is a clean country and its residents like it that way. A functioning system of waste disposal and especially recycling has been set in place since the early days of debate on climate change.

The local waste disposal company responsible for collecting refuse in Düsseldorf is Awista, with experience stemming back to 1862. Privatisation in Germany has not reached the extreme lengths of other countries where huge Spanish or French players rule over rubbish bins. The system is efficient and reliable yet trucks can create a great deal of noise and cause traffic delays.

Recycling

Making an earlier start at aiming to save important resources, the Germans are famous for having created one of the most efficient recycling systems in the world. Doubts rise again and again. Many experts claim efficiency would be higher to separate after collection and not at source.

Different coloured bins at home are available. They are grey, grau, for general waste; blue, blau, for paper and cardboard; yellow, gelb, for plastic, metal and cartons; brown, braun, for biological, food and garden waste. Glass belongs in various containers on the streets all around the city. Collections take place at predetermined intervals, depending upon the type of bin.

Batteries should be brought back to the shops that sell them. Packaging can either be left at the store, returned or, with large items, be taken away when delivery has been ordered.

Electronics, electrical gadgets and other waste such as chemicals need to be collected as do bulkier objects such as furniture and kitchen appliances. German streets are infamous for their piles of collectables and junk, Sperrmüll, gathered by hunters from many countries and locals alike. Since many people like to grab a bargain, one person’s junk turns into someone else’s prize. The purest form of recycling!