When we arrived we got some lengthy and serious instructions about how and what to recycle. Here’s what we learned must be separated and disposed of separately:
Bio = organic food waste
Altpapier = old cardboard or paper, must be clean
Gelber sack = metal, cans and plastic, must be clean
Glass = separate into green, brown and clear, must be clean
Restmühl = everything else, trash
Here’s the view from the window by our front door looking down on the garbage cans:
Each can has instructions on it. DON’T MESS UP!!
The glass must be separated into receptacles like these out in the streets and on corners. Sometimes they actually grind up the glass and spit out some small change in return.
We’re learning the Germans are great about waste and keeping things clean. Paper products like plates and cups are avoided. Instead they’ll take the time to wash some dishes. Grocery stores don’t provide bags. Everyone carries their own so they can be reused. We are happy to do our part and to learn from our friends here.
Our Frankfurt Germany Mission 