Sorting rubbish
| Bin | What goes in |
|---|---|
| Yellow (Gelbe Tonne or Gelber Sack) | Packaging: plastic, metal, drinks cartons |
| Blue (Papier) | Paper and cardboard |
| Brown (Bio) | Food scraps and garden waste |
| Black or grey (Restmüll) | Everything else |
| Bottle banks | Glass without deposit, sorted by colour |
Colours and rules vary a little between cities. Your building's bins or the city's waste website show the local version.
Pfand: bottle and can deposits
- Most single-use plastic bottles and cans carry a €0.25 deposit. Look for the Pfand logo.
- Reusable glass and plastic bottles usually carry €0.08 or €0.15.
- Return them to the machine (Pfandautomat) at almost any supermarket, and cash the receipt at the checkout.
- Since 2024 milk drinks in plastic bottles carry a deposit too.
Other everyday rules
- Most shops close on Sundays and public holidays. Shops in large railway stations and some petrol stations stay open.
- Many buildings have quiet hours at night and on Sundays; check your house rules (Hausordnung).
- Cash is still common in small shops, bakeries and some restaurants.
Sources
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you rely on a figure.