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Lifestyle

How to separate trash like the Germans

June 7, 2017

The colorful bins in backyards are there to collect different types of trash: Germans are said to take their waste separation very seriously. Here's what you need to know about the routine.

Four trash bins in different colors
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/T. Eisenhuth

According to the most recent data published by the OECD, Germany is the country which recycles the most of its waste worldwide, with 65 percent of its municipal trash recycled and composted in 2013.

The country's waste separation system is very well organized – yet this appears at times either confusing or excessively fastidious for newcomers.

If this is any consolation, even Germans do not get it straight all the time.

However, if there happens to be anyone around to witness such an unacceptable trash faux pas, they will most certainly grumble about it. No one is perfect though, so let the person without sin cast the first bottle in the glass bin!

The good news is that it is not as complicated as it seems. Click through the gallery above to get a few pointers on how to separate your trash like the Germans – or even better than them.

Explore the gallery below for 10 things many Germans are passionate about (besides separating their waste). And you'll find more from Meet the Germans on YouTube or at dw.com/MeettheGermans.

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