For DW reporter Wacera Ngunjiri, moving from Nairobi to Berlin for a while didn’t change her morning routine—but it did introduce her to some new aspects of sustainable living. Jogging through the city’s streets, she discovered not only great views but also a surprise: Germany’s waste sorting system. With separate bins for paper, plastic, glass, and general waste, recycling here feels like a color-coded game, but with real environmental impact.

Turning Trash into Treasure

One of Wacera’s biggest revelations was Germany’s deposit return system. Bottles aren’t just waste—they’re worth money. At supermarkets, machines called Pfandautomaten return deposits for empty bottles, encouraging people to recycle and reduce plastic use. Curious to learn more, Wacera visited Interzero’s plastic sorting facility, where advanced machines separate materials for recycling. General Manager Bjorn Schwich explains how mono-materials like PET and aluminum are easiest to recycle, while multilayer packaging remains a challenge. In 2023 alone, Interzero’s efforts helped cut 1.2 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions – according to researchers at Germany’s Fraunhofer institute. Plastic pollution is a huge global problem.

Small Habits, Big Impact

Despite progress, Germany still burns over half of its plastic waste. Some are calling for stronger policies, including refund systems for batteries too. But Wacera’s experience shows how small changes—like using a reusable bottle and understanding recycling systems—can make a big difference. Sustainability, she says, starts with everyday choices.