Recycling is everyone’s business
As the world moves forward, recycling remains a central driver of a sustainable movement. Waste materials power the circular economy, helping protect the planet and conserve valuable resources for future use. In this context, how packaging waste is stored matters deeply. Proper containment and avoiding cross-contamination are essential. When packaging is mixed or put into the wrong bin, the collective effort loses momentum. A container that lands in the wrong category can stall the entire process, preventing recycling from proceeding smoothly.
This guide explains how to separate packaging and where to place it for recycling, so communities can work more efficiently and with clearer results.
Which containers go to the yellow container?
The yellow container typically accepts a wide range of packaging materials, including metal cans, briquettes, and plastic containers. Understanding the common mistakes helps the system run smoothly and waste less energy in the recycling chain.
Here are practical clarifications and tips to avoid errors:
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Oil-contaminated cans, tomato sauce jars, yogurt cups, and similar items may be dirty, but they should still go into the yellow container if they are packaging materials. Rinsing them improves recycling outcomes and reduces contamination.
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Small containers still matter. They should be placed into their corresponding stream. Tiny cardboard boxes, bottles, or milk jugs all belong in the appropriate yellow-labeled container.
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Cardboard or glass containers do not belong in the yellow container. Only metal, briquettes, and plastic items are accepted there.
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Product packaging from street vendors or public places, such as beverage cans, should not be discarded in street litter bins. Use a proper recycling bin instead to keep streets clean and recycling organized.
To maximize effectiveness, containers should be emptied thoroughly, and reusable store-bought bags can be used to carry items to the container.
The visuals below outline which items belong in the yellow container and which items should not be placed there.
Even when the rules seem clear, many products end up in the wrong container. This misplacement is a form of inappropriate waste that can disrupt processing.
What goes into the blue container?
The blue container is straightforward for cardboard and paper packaging. The image below shows examples of items suitable for this stream and explains why they fit here.
The accompanying visuals and captions offer a quick reference. If questions remain, refer to the official recycling guidelines provided by local authorities. Reading the labeled categories and following the color-coded system serves as a fast check for proper sorting.
Additionally, this guidance helps resolve common uncertainties about recycling streams: which items go where and how to prepare them for processing before waste services pick them up.
Waste becomes resources when packaging is recycled correctly. Reducing, reusing, and recycling have real, tangible impacts when followed consistently across households and businesses.