How to Sort Your Waste Properly: Expert Guide to Effective Recycling

Does the plastic bottle go in the green bin or the yellow bin? Tea bags and other organic waste—where do they belong? If you're like most people, sorting waste can be confusing. As environmental experts with years of experience in sustainability, we're here to guide you with proven best practices to protect our planet.

How Does Recycling Work?

The recycling process starts when you purchase an item like food, cosmetics, or hygiene products. After use, it becomes waste. Your role is key: deposit it in the correct bin. These bins go to sorting centers where materials are processed and transformed for reuse.

The 4 Essential Bin Colors for Sorting Waste

Memorize these four bin colors, each matched to specific waste types: Yellow bin: plastic bottles, flasks, cans, cardboard boxes, food cartons, tin cans. Green bin: bottles and glass jars. Blue bin: newspapers and magazines. Brown (or regular) bin: all organic waste and non-recyclables.

5 Proven Tips for Better Waste Sorting

Even with good intentions, mistakes happen. Is it recyclable? Which bin? Here's our expert advice to sort confidently:

• Place recyclables in designated bins: Cities provide bins for glass, plastic, and cardboard. Weekly collection makes it easy. Empty liquids or food residues—no need to rinse, as water conservation matters.
• Avoid nesting packaging: It complicates sorting. Keep items loose and separate components, like cardboard from plastic in a cake box.
• Don't crush or tear packaging: Larger items sort better. Skip compressing bottles or shredding cardboard.
• Verify plastic recyclability: Not all plastics qualify. Only bottles and flasks go in yellow bins. Yogurt pots, plastic dishes, and bags belong in regular trash.
• Return expired medicines to pharmacies: Never trash them. Recycle cardboard packaging separately.

Join the Eco-Citizen Movement with SERD!

During the European Week for Waste Reduction (SERD), organized by ADEME from November 16 to 24, 2019, communities, businesses, schools, and individuals raise awareness on sorting. Get involved.

Download the Citeo app or visit www.consignesdetri.fr to locate local sorting points. Search by waste type for the right spot. With these tips, you'll sort like a pro—go green!