2023-12-27 13:12:00
In 2022, the volume of household waste in Germany decreased by 8.2 percent to 37 million tons. According to the Federal Statistical Office (You are ready), each resident of Germany generated about 438 kilograms of household waste last year, which is 1.3 kg per person per day. These are recent figures that were published in December 2023. This figure is the lowest in history since calculations began in 2004. The researchers call the decline they recorded “surprising” as Germany’s population grew by 1.1 million people in 2022.
What ends up in the trash most often?
In Germany, there has been a greater emphasis on waste separation since the 1990s. Each home has separate containers for paper, packaging, bio- and other waste. In turn, this procedure facilitates the classification and accounting of waste types. Thus, in 2022, of the total volume of garbage removed from private households and similar institutions, 34 percent was household items that are usually filled with so-called yellow containers or special bags. They allow you to dispose of packaging, including plastic, aluminum foil, Styrofoam and other items that can be recycled or incinerated. All containers intended for this waste have a special emblem, because according to the law, manufacturers are responsible for the disposal of the goods and packaging they produce even after they are used. 31 percent of waste is recyclables: paper, cardboard, glass. As a rule, they can be handed over at special points. 27 percent was organic waste: food scraps, grass, leaves, soil, etc. Large items accounted for 7 percent of the total, and other “harmful” waste such as batteries, light bulbs, accumulators, small electrical appliances or paint accounted for only 0.5 percent. By the way, Germany is the champion in waste recycling in Europe: more than three-quarters of waste here has a chance for a new life. Some of the garbage is removed from the country. Thus, in 2022, about 735 thousand tons of plastic waste left Germany – more than from any other state in the EU. A significant part was accepted for disposal by the Netherlands – 153 thousand tons, as well as Turkey – 92 thousand tons, Poland – 81 thousand tons and other countries.
The younger the population, the more waste
According to Federal Statistical Office, recently in Germany approximately 11 million tons of food are thrown away annually, which in terms of residents is about 78 kg per person. If we talk about what Germans throw away most often, it is fruits and vegetables – 35 percent of the total amount of organic waste. This is followed by prepared meals – 15 percent, bread and pastries – 13 percent, drinks – 12 percent, dairy products – 9 percent, prepared foods and frozen products – 6 percent. At the same time, researchers note that the younger people are, the more food they end up in the trash.
Overall, the EU countries generate approximately 2.2 billion tons of waste annually.
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