Connecting The Dots Project
How Germany became the champion of recycling
Followed by #2 Austria, #3 South Korea, #4 Whales, and #5 Switzerland (top 5 countries of recycling)
Germany has a recycling rate of over 67.1%, which is much higher than the global average of 19%!!! They have implemented various programs and initiatives to promote recycling. Here are some examples.
* Green Dot System: Introduced in 1991, this system assigns responsibility for packaging waste to manufacturers and retailers. They must display the Green Dot symbol on their products and contribute financially to the recycling and waste management infrastructure.
* Packaging Act: Germany has a packaging regulation called the Verpackungsgesetz (VerpackG) that aims to eliminate waste by requiring certain packaging materials to be recycled. The law affects all manufacturers and retailers that sell packaged goods to consumers in Germany, including companies shipping internationally.
* Pfand System: The deposit system (Pfand) encourages the return of beverage containers, such as plastic bottles and cans, for recycling. Consumers pay a deposit when purchasing these containers, which they can reclaim when returning them to collection points.
* Waste Separation: Households are required to sort waste into different categories, including paper, glass, plastics, and organic waste. Local municipalities provide color-coded bins for easy separation.
* Dual System: The "Dual System" refers to a waste management approach that involves private organizations responsible for collecting, sorting, and recycling packaging waste from households and businesses. These organizations are known as "Dual Systems" because they operate in parallel with the public waste management system.
* Curbside Collection: Many municipalities offer curbside collection services for different types of recyclables and organic waste. Collection schedules and guidelines are provided to residents.
* Recyclinghof: These are recycling centers where residents can drop off items that can't be recycled through the regular curbside collection, such as furniture, electronics, and hazardous materials.
* E-waste Recycling: Germany has specific regulations for the proper disposal and recycling of electronic waste (e-waste), ensuring that valuable materials are recovered and harmful substances are managed responsibly.
* Composting: Many households engage in composting organic waste, which is collected separately or managed in on-site compost bins. The resulting compost is used for gardening and landscaping.
* Awareness Campaigns: Ongoing educational campaigns raise awareness about waste reduction, recycling, and responsible consumption. These campaigns encourage citizens to adopt environmentally friendly practices.
* Circular Economy Initiatives: Germany promotes the concept of a circular economy, which involves designing products for longevity, repairability, and recyclability. This approach reduces waste and resource consumption.
* Plastic Bag Regulations: Starting from January 1st 2022, German stores are prohibited from providing plastic shopping bags. This ban applies to all types of bags with a thickness ranging from 15 to 50 micrometers, which used to be the common standard for shopping. However, thin plastic bags for unpacked fruits are still permitted.
* Bottle Return Machines: Automated machines are located in stores where consumers can return beverage bottles and receive their deposits back.
* Textile Recycling: Germany has initiatives for the collection and recycling of textiles, diverting clothing and fabrics from landfills.
* Battery Recycling: Collection points for used batteries are available in various public spaces, making it easy for consumers to dispose of batteries properly.
Germany's success in recycling is a testament to the importance of strong government policies, public awareness, and convenient recycling systems. These factors can be replicated in other countries to help them achieve higher recycling rates and reduce their environmental impact.
Resources:
https://deutsche-recycling.com/.../electronic-waste-in.../
https://www.bmuv.de/.../waste-electrical-and-electronic...
https://www.ecosistant.eu/en/green-dot-e-commerce/