Recycling-obsessed Germany has been dethroned as the world’s best at carrying out the eco-friendly practice, as a new report revealed that 40 percent of waste in the country is missorted by consumers.
Data by country federal environmental agency (UBA) found that in Germany recyclable material is often thrown into general waste containers, where it is then incinerated or burned as landfill.
“The biggest challenges in recycling are incorrect pre-sorting and separation of waste by consumers,” the report says.
‘The quality of the collection mix has in some cases deteriorated considerably due to incorrect waste disposal. “A lot of waste ends up in the wrong collection containers,” he added.
The report also points out that the quality of collection in other European Union countries is now better than in Germany.
Poor sorting of recyclable materials leads to increased sorting and recycling efforts, which consequently increases costs, the UBA explained.
«For a long time, the Germans were considered the world champions of garbage separation. We must recover this title,” said Bettina Rechenberg, head of the circular economy department at the UBA.
In the 1990s, then-German Environment Minister Klaus Topfer developed the “green dot” recycling system, a packaging recycling system in which manufacturers pay a fee to display a green dot symbol. in their products.
This means they contribute to the cost of recycling packaging and promote producer responsibility in its disposal, making it a leading model for waste management in Europe.
A new report reveals that in Germany 40 percent of waste is missorted by consumers, despite the country being known for its eco-consciousness.
Colorful recycling bins marked: “Paper, plastic, other waste, glass and metal” at a factory on January 4, 2013 in Aurich, Germany. Germany has invested heavily in waste recycling systems and people regularly sort their rubbish for recycling.
Germany introduced a “green dot” recycling system in the 1990s, which became a leading model for waste management.
Studies have also shown that Germans have been consistent with their recycling mantra and have proven to be among the best in global recycling rankings.
Proper recycling is considered such a basic social obligation in Germany that it has become part of the country’s integration courses for refugees and other foreign residents.
Failure to recycle correctly can result in fines of between €10 and €80.
From 2030, all packaging in Germany will have to be recyclable and companies will have to use certain minimum proportions of recovered secondary raw materials in their packaging, thanks to new EU regulations.
The new data comes as research by DS Smith found that 54 per cent of Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) in the UK recycle all of their paper and cardboard, while only 19 per cent of Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) they do. .
This is despite the fact that younger generations are often perceived as the most environmentally conscious.