Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle!

Germans are among the most avid recyclers. According to a BBC survey, Germany had the third highest recycling rate (48% of waste recycled), only just surpassed by its Swiss and Austrian neighbors. That sure puts our recycling attempts to shame (but hey, who is counting?!).

The country has been very successful in its fight against growing garbage heaps. But the whole subject of recycling can be a daunting issue for any newcomer to the country. The good news is that there are some easy guidelines to follow. Soon you will be able to handle the line of garbage bins at your front door like a recycling pro. 

Germany produces 30 million tons of garbage annually. The Green Dot system has been one of the most successful recycling initiatives, which has literally put packaging on a diet. The crux is that manufacturers and retailers have to pay for a "Green Dot" on products: the more packaging there is, the higher the fee. This clever system has led to less paper, thinner glass and less metal being used, thus creating less garbage to be recycled. The net result: a drastic decline of about one million tons less garbage than normal every year.

Germans are all about sorting their trash. It's not just as simple as one trash can and one recycling can like the ones we use here in the states. Germans use green, blue, yellow, brown and gray bins, all designated to a different type of recyclable material. Detailed, right?  

These are only a few reasons why Germany is number one in the recycling race. However, hopefully it will be enough insight for you to adapt to while visiting this incredibly conserving country!