A well-organised bin system can make sorting household waste part of your daily routine. Start with the collection instructions for your address: waste categories, bin colours and accepted materials vary between countries and local authorities. This guide helps you plan your setup; it is not a single set of rules for every EU country.
Choose a system that fits your kitchen
Consider the available space, number of compartments and ease of access. Measure the usable height, width and depth, including pipes and fittings, before choosing cabinet waste systems or drawer waste systems. Match the containers to the categories collected where you live.
Waste categories to check locally
The illustrations below come from the original Danish guide. Their labels and colours are not universal sorting instructions.
Food waste
Keep food scraps separate where your local collection scheme accepts them. Check which bags and organic materials are allowed.
Metal
Distinguish metal packaging from other metal items. Follow local instructions for cans, foil, screws and other objects rather than assuming they all belong in one bin.
Glass
Check the collection instructions for bottles and jars. Do not assume drinking glasses, mirrors and other glass products use the same collection route. Return deposit containers through the applicable return scheme.
Residual waste
Use the residual-waste bin for items your local authority assigns to it, not as a substitute for separate recycling or hazardous-waste collection.
Textiles
Consider reuse or donation for clothing that is still usable. Ask your local collector how to handle damaged or contaminated textiles.
Food and drink cartons
Composite cartons may have their own collection route or be collected with other packaging. Follow local instructions for emptying them and handling caps.
Hazardous waste
Check the designated collection route for paint, oil, chemicals, batteries and lamps. These categories may need separate drop-off arrangements; do not treat them as interchangeable.
Paper
Check which clean paper items your local scheme accepts. Receipts, coated paper and soiled paper may need different handling.
Cardboard
Keep cardboard separate as directed locally and flatten boxes where appropriate. Follow local advice for wet or heavily soiled packaging.
Plastic
Check whether the collection accepts packaging only or also other plastic objects. A plastic toy and a food container do not necessarily belong in the same bin.
Find the instructions for your address
Use your municipality's or waste collector's current sorting guide. If you live in Germany, the German Environment Agency's guide provides an introduction. Check local instructions whenever you are unsure about an item.
Explore our waste systems and bins for a setup that suits your household. Clear labels and accessible containers can help everyone use the system consistently.
For other home projects, see our guides to fitting new handles and patina.
