It is now very common for plastic packaging to be the most accumulated waste type in households. Our survey indicates that most of our residents generate significantly more plastic waste than other types.
Our buildings have dedicated waste bins or suction pipes for plastic packaging. By sorting plastic separately, you save on the building’s costs, as sorted waste costs approximately half as much as mixed waste. Therefore, waste sorting affects your rent.
Additionally, plastic recycling conserves natural resources, as recycled plastic is used to make new plastic products. Recycled plastic is used to produce, for example, shopping bags, refuse sacks, and flower pots.
Only plastic packaging in the plastic waste bin
But what exactly can you put into your building’s plastic waste collection? This includes plastic containers, wrappers, bags, bottles, and bands used for packaging products. Other plastic items, such as children’s toys, buckets, dish brushes, cutting boards, and balcony chairs, do not belong in the plastic waste bin.
Collect plastic packaging in a plastic bag, which you can also place in the same waste bin.
Place these in the plastic waste bin:
- Empty food packaging (ready-meal packaging, cold cut and cheese packages, yogurt pots, butter tubs)
- Shampoo and soap bottles, detergent packaging
- Other household plastic packaging, bottles, and containers (e.g., toothpaste tubes, disposable plastic pots, plastic bottles, canisters, jars)
- Plastic lids from takeaway food containers
- Plastic bags, pouches, and wrappers
- Styrofoam packaging and other plastic packaging fillers (e.g., bubble wrap).
Did you know: Plastic packaging does not need to be perfectly clean; rinsing or wiping is sufficient. However, they must be empty.
Do not place these in plastic waste:
- Plastic items purchased from stores (e.g., plastic bowls, buckets, balcony furniture, freezer containers, plastic toys, plastic mats, hoses). These belong in mixed waste.
- Fresh cling film and freezer bags purchased for home use. These belong in mixed waste.
- Packaging containing residues of hazardous substances (e.g., motor oil canisters, medicine packaging that contained liquid medicines). These belong in hazardous waste collection.
- Bottles containing residual cleaning chemicals (e.g., toilet cleaner, laundry detergent, household cleaner, dish soap) belong in hazardous waste collection. However, an empty bottle is suitable for plastic waste.
