Proper waste sorting means separating waste according to the material it is made of, allowing it to be recycled or disposed of correctly.
It is a simple, everyday action that helps reduce pollution, limit the waste of resources, and protect the environment.
Let’s take a look at how waste sorting works for the main types of waste: paper, plastic, glass, organic waste and mixed (non-recyclable) waste.
Paper
What to dispose of:
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Newspapers, magazines, notebooks
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Cardboard boxes and packaging
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Sheets of paper and envelopes
Please note:
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Do not dispose of paper contaminated with food (for example greasy pizza boxes)
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Receipts should not be placed in the paper bin, as they are made of thermal paper
Plastic
What to dispose of:
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Bottles and containers (preferably flattened)
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Trays and packaging
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Plastic bags and films
Common doubts:
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Toys, pens and toothbrushes are not packaging and should go in the mixed waste bin
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Very dirty containers should be quickly rinsed; they do not need to be perfectly clean
Mixed / Non-recyclable waste (black bin)
This bin is for all waste that cannot be recycled, such as:
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Broken items that cannot be recovered
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Cigarette butts and pet litter
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Sanitary waste, diapers and sanitary pads
👉 This is the “residual” bin: the less it is used, the better the overall quality of waste sorting.
Organic waste
What to dispose of:
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Food leftovers
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Fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, coffee grounds
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Soiled paper napkins
Tips:
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Use biodegradable and compostable bags
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Always remove any plastic or metal parts
Glass
What to dispose of:
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Glass bottles
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Jars and containers
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Glass flacons
Please note:
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Always remove caps and lids (dispose of them in plastic or metal waste)
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Rinse containers to remove residues
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Do not dispose of ceramics, porcelain, mirrors, crystal, Pyrex or light bulbs: they are not recyclable with glass
Helpful tips:
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Labels can be left on
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There is no need to break the glass
Frequently asked questions
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Items made of multiple materials: separate the components if possible
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If you are unsure: it is better to use the mixed waste bin than to contaminate recyclable waste
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Are the rules the same everywhere? No, they may vary: always check your local municipality’s guidelines
Sorting waste correctly is mainly a matter of attention. A few extra seconds are enough to make the right choice and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
