Waste sorting, recycling and Pfand
An Iranian household in Berlin follows the same local sorting rules as other residents: separate recyclables, paper, packaging glass, organic waste and residual rubbish. Keep deposit containers for return; a Pfand bottle is not automatically a reusable bottle.
Step by step
- Identify and separateCheck container labels and your building’s bins, set deposit containers aside for return and consult BSR’s guide for uncertain waste.
Berlin’s yellow recyclables bin accepts specified plastic, metal and composite items; paper and glass belong in their separate collections. Organic bins take suitable food and plant waste without plastic packaging. Use BSR’s sorting guide for unusual items instead of placing electronics or batteries among packaging.
The Umweltbundesamt distinguishes reusable containers from single-use deposit bottles and cans. The DPG symbol identifies single-use deposit packaging; check the label rather than the bottle’s material alone. Return deposit containers through the appropriate return system and sort non-deposit packaging by the local rules.
Sources
- Abfalltrennung in Berlin · Berliner Stadtreinigungsbetriebe (BSR)
- Mehrwegflaschen und Einwegpfand · Umweltbundesamt
