Clear the basement: tips for the correct waste separation for environmentalists

Clear the basement: tips for the correct waste separation for environmentalists

When the basement or attic is full, it is high time for a thorough clearing. Expired food, old furniture and used electrical appliances collect over the years and block valuable space. When cleaning up, however, it is not only important to create order, but also to properly separate the waste and to dispose of it environmentally friendly. This not only benefits your own household, but also the environment, as valuable raw materials can be obtained and the climate can be spared. The "waste separation works" initiative offers helpful tips.

"If you make the right decisions when clearing out, you can do a lot of good for the environment," explains Axel Subklew, the spokesman for the initiative. It is crucial to clarify which objects and waste should really be disposed of. Many of the items that are no longer required contain materials that can be recycled. The first step towards environmentally friendly disposal begins with the right separation.

guidelines for waste separation

But which material belongs where? Clear rules apply to packaging: In the yellow bin and the yellow sack, there are empty plastic packaging, such as the containers of cleaning agents or the packaging of screws. Empty cans and aluminum spray bottles are also properly lifted here. It is important that the packaging is completely empty, since the only thing that works effectively works effectively. However, color and paint residues have to be disposed of in the residual waste, while large quantities are best brought to the recycling center.

What about old magazines or read books? These find their place in the waste paper. This also includes the boxes of televisions and other devices. With these packaging, however, you have to be careful: plastic parts such as foils or styrofoam are better off in the yellow bin.

Another point are the old electrical appliances. Flybules and halogen lamps are allowed to land in residual waste, while energy-saving or LED lamps require special collection points. The same applies to batteries and lithium-ion batteries, which, as is well known, can be dangerous. These should also be submitted at corresponding collection points. Larger electrical devices and old cables can be disposed of at the recycling center. Many supermarkets also offer acceptance points for electrical cleaning devices.

The correct disposal of glass and small stuff

A widespread misconception is that everything that is made of glass belongs in the old glass container. However, this is not the case. Drinking glasses, porcelain bowls and blind mirrors belong in the residual waste, while only empty glass packaging, such as bottles, may be thrown correctly into the waste glass containers.

Even small items have their own disposal paths. Ideally, CDs and DVDs should be the recycling center because they contain valuable raw materials. Smaller metal or plastic objects can be disposed of in the residual waste, unless there is a recycling bin, then they can go in there. Larger pieces of furniture or broken mattresses, on the other hand, have to go on the bulky waste.

How efficient recycling in Germany shows a calculation of the eco-institute: The recycling of packaging from the yellow ton and the yellow sack, as well as glass and paper, are saved around 1.95 million tons of CO2 equivalents every year. This makes it clear how important real waste separation and recycling are for environmental protection and that each of us can make a contribution.

If you want to learn more about the right waste separation, you will find numerous advice on the website of the "Will Senotion"