Trash Adventures

I stare at four cans in my kitchen, trying to figure out which one the empty egg carton should go into. As I’ve talked about before, every time we move, there’s an adjustment period where nothing’s familiar. The drive to the grocery store. The sound of the heating system in our home. The smell of the local restaurants. 

Dare I say I’m somewhat used to this? Hmm, that might be going too far. Let’s just say I expect it. I knew that moving to Germany would stretch this newness to a level I’d never experienced before but knowing something and experiencing it are two very different beasts.

I did not expect to be stumped by trash.

In the US, the various states and counties handle their trash slightly differently, but for the most part, it’s simple. There’s a trash can and sometimes there’s a recycle can. That’s it. The US is both blessed and cursed to have space for large landfills. I say blessed because there’s a lot of space and it’s wonderful. I say cursed because it allows us to be a bit lazy.

Germany doesn’t have a ton of space for landfills. And they strive to keep the country with its trees and castles as pristine as possible. They’re dedicated to this goal. And with that in mind, it’s everyone’s job to help achieve it. 

And so, I stare at four trash cans in my kitchen. The first one is for biodegradable items. Technically, I think paper egg cartons are biodegradable. But there’s also a can for paper. So does it go in bio or paper? I can at least rule out the yellow, or gelbe bag, because that one’s for plastics, and the residual can because an egg carton definitely fits into paper or bio. But which one?

I finally pick the paper can and return to making breakfast. It’s not long, however, before I’m presented with another trash moment. A jar of yogurt. The glass is easy…I think. There are glass recycling spots all over the area with dumpster like containers for us to separate out the green, clear, and brown glass. So, I set the jar in the wooden crate we’ve set aside for just that and then stare at the metal lid in my hand. 

I do a lot of staring at trash lately. 

Anyway, I eventually recall someone saying that metal goes with the plastics in the yellow can. It’s only later that I learn there are jars you can return to the grocery store for money back. And some of those, not all, but some of those jars can be returned with their lids on. 

This just touches the surface. 

If you have a broken power adaptor, like we did when we moved here, you have to find an electronics recycling bin. Batteries, a battery recycling bin. Probably outside a store that sells batteries. 

If you have a broken power adaptor, like we did when we moved here, you have to find an electronics recycling bin. Batteries, a battery recycling bin. Probably outside a store that sells batteries. 

Something larger? Schedule a pickup on the curb. 

I admire the German’s dedication to recycling and taking care of their country. It’s both inspiring and humbling. And at first, overwhelming. But we’re figuring it. We haven’t had a can rejected at the curb yet, so that’s a good sign. 

Blessings,

Jennifer

This is a series on all the New Stuff I’m learning after moving to Germany. If you’d like, you can read last week’s post here: Jet Lag’s a Thing!

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