Around 30 percent of the waste collected in yellow bins and bags in Germany is incorrectly sorted, which impairs the efficiency of the circular economy. To counteract this problem, the dual systems, together with municipal waste advisory services and major retail chains, are launching the nationwide campaign ‚Deutschland trennt.‘ The aim is to educate citizens about proper waste separation, thereby increasing the quality and quantity of recyclable materials.
Despite efforts to increase the recycling rate, research shows that a significant portion of waste collected in yellow bins and bags is not separated correctly. Nappies, vacuum cleaner bags, and food scraps are just a few of the common incorrect items. These affect the efficiency of recycling processes and lead to the loss of valuable raw materials. The campaign ‚Germany Separates.‘ aims to raise consumer awareness of the importance of waste separation and clear up misunderstandings.
Nationwide awareness campaign
From 6 to 21 June 2026, 500 live events will be held across Germany to engage citizens directly. With 20 educational show trucks and numerous hands-on activities, the public will be informed about the correct handling of packaging waste. Questions such as ‚How do you correctly separate yoghurt pots?‘ or ‚Do packaging materials need to be rinsed out?‘ will be answered by on-site specialists. The campaign aims to improve waste separation through direct interaction and practical demonstrations.
Trading partners support the initiative
The initiative is supported by 13 major retail chains operating in approximately 13,700 stores across Germany. These partners are directly involved at the point of sale to inform their customers about correct waste separation. Posters, social media campaigns, and special promotions are intended to raise consumer awareness and motivate them to dispose of their packaging waste correctly.
A broad alliance for more recycling
The ‚Germany Separates‘ campaign is the largest of its kind in Germany and is organised by the ‚Waste Separation Works‘ initiative. It brings together the dual systems, municipal waste consulting, the waste management and disposal industry, and retail to jointly increase the efficiency of the circular economy. By improving waste separation, the aim is not only to increase the recycling rate but also to contribute to climate and resource protection.
Source: ‚Waste Separation Works‘ initiative‘
