The trash bins Waste disposal has evolved significantly in recent decades as technology and environmental awareness have grown. This development has its origins in the need to properly manage waste to reduce environmental impact and decrease the consumption of raw materials. Gone are the days when everything was thrown into a single container; today there are at least four main ones in most homes and public spaces.
This article aims to be a comprehensive guide to the different types of garbage containers, explaining in detail each of them, their characteristics and the type of waste that we should deposit in them.
The 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
One of the fundamental principles governing recycling is that of 3 R: Reduce, Reuse and RecycleThis rule, originally promoted by Greenpeace, has become a vital pillar in the global context of sustainability. The way we organize and manage our waste follows this basic but crucial pattern.
The 3 R hierarchy is simple but highly impactful if applied correctly. Here are the guidelines:
- Reduce: The most important step. Reducing the amount of waste we generate in the first place will reduce the environmental impact and avoid wasting resources.
- Re-use: Try to give products a second (or more) use before throwing them away.
- Recycle: When waste can no longer be reduced or reused, it is time to recycle it properly. Added to this is the importance of correctly separating the materials and depositing them in the appropriate container.
Apply the 3 R's Not only is it an effective way to reduce environmental impact, but it also contributes to reducing the energy and resources used in the production of new materials. Small daily actions, such as using reusable bags or refillable containers, already make a big difference.
Types of garbage containers
Today, we have several types of garbage containers, each one intended for a specific type of waste. Below we explain how the most common containers work and what waste you should deposit in them.
Yellow container
El yellow container This is one of the most important types of recycling for plastics and packaging, but it is also one of the most confusing. Although it is obvious that plastics, cans and metal containers should be disposed of here, we often make mistakes about which type of plastic is valid. It is crucial to differentiate the materials correctly for the recycling system to work effectively.
In the yellow container you must deposit:
- Plastic containers, such as bottles, jars and trays.
- Aluminum and steel cans, such as those used for soft drinks and preserved foods.
- Milk cartons, shakes, broths, etc.
- Plastic and metal caps and wrappers.
- Plastic bags.
- Foil.
However, You should not deposit the following items in the yellow container:
- Plastic toys (which must be taken to the recycling center).
- Plastic or metal kitchen utensils.
- Coffee capsules (must be taken to a specific point or to the waste container).
- Plastic that is not related to containers or packaging.
It is important to empty the containers well before placing them in the container to avoid contamination of the recycling.
Blue container
El Blue container is intended for recycling paper and cardboard. It is one of the easiest fractions to recycle, as paper can be converted into new products relatively easily. However, it often happens that waste that really does not belong in this container ends up there.
In the blue container you must deposit:
- Cardboard boxes.
- Packaging paper.
- Magazines, brochures, newspapers, books.
- Office paper, envelopes, letters.
- Paper bags.
Although it may seem simple, one of the most common mistakes is trying to recycle waste that includes some type of plastic or metal, such as cartons or laminated paper, in this container.
Waste that You should not deposit in the blue container:
- Dirty or oily paper napkins.
- Diapers
- Aluminum foil (this goes in the yellow container).
- Laminated papers or papers with industrial ink (such as food wrappers).
green container
El green container It is intended for glass recycling. Unlike glass, glass is 100% recyclable and can be transformed again and again without losing quality. This makes it an ideal material for recycling.
In this container you must deposit:
- Glass bottles (water, wine, soft drinks).
- Jars (jams, preserves).
- Glass perfume and cosmetic bottles.
It is important that you remove the caps or lids before depositing the containers, as they must go into the yellow container.
The following waste should not go into the green container:
- Window glass (must be taken to a recycling centre).
- Mirrors.
- Tableware and ceramics.
- Tempered glass or ceramic.
By correctly disposing of waste in the green container, we help reduce air pollution and energy consumption.
Brown container: organic waste
El brown container It is intended for the collection of organic waste that decomposes in nature. This waste is transformed into compost or natural fertilizer that can be used again in agriculture and gardening.
In the brown container you must deposit:
- Leftover fruits and vegetables.
- Leftover prepared food.
- Eggshells and coffee grounds.
- Pieces of bread, nutshells, fish bones.
- Plant remains such as branches, leaves, etc.
Waste that They should not go in the brown container:
- Plastics and other non-biodegradable materials.
- Dirty kitchen cloths or towels.
- Diapers or hygienic products.
- Cooking oils (must be taken to a specific clean point).
Recycling organic waste correctly helps reduce the amount of garbage that ends up in landfills and contributes to the creation of natural fertilizers that improve soil quality.
Grey container: non-recyclable waste
El gray container This is intended for waste that cannot be recycled in the other containers. It is the last resort, and only those materials that do not fit into any of the previous categories should be deposited there.
Examples of waste that should go in the grey container:
- Diapers and pads.
- Coffee capsules that cannot be recycled in the yellow container.
- Materials contaminated with toxic or hazardous products.
- Vacuum cleaner residue.
The following should not be deposited in the grey container:
- Recyclable waste (plastics, papers, glass, etc.).
- Hazardous or polluting waste (these must go to a clean point).
Additional containers for special waste
In addition to the usual containers, there are other specific containers for special wasteThese containers are designed for waste that requires special treatment due to its characteristics.
Some examples are:
- Clothing and footwear containers: They are used exclusively for the collection of clothing, footwear and other textiles. They are generally linked to charities or selective collection programmes.
- Battery containers: They are used to collect used batteries, which contain toxic materials and should not be thrown into other containers.
- Medicine collection points: Stored in pharmacies, where expired or unused medications are stored.
- Used oil containers: For collecting oils from the kitchen, which cannot be poured down the drain as they contaminate the water.
Using these containers correctly helps prevent unnecessary contamination and ensures safe recycling of hazardous materials.
The correct use of available waste containers is essential to take care of our surroundings and reduce the impact of waste on the environment. If we all follow these simple recycling rules, we can contribute significantly to the well-being of the planet.