See how the Germans recycle garbage makes many countries shame

In the past, we were once known as a country with a recycling rate of nearly 100% Sweden. In an age where climate change is becoming more and more serious, countries with great contribution to the environment like Sweden really make the world admire.

But today, we will come to another country, that is Germany. Although there is no terrible recycling rate like Sweden, it is important to know that 50% of Sweden's garbage is put into incinerators to turn into energy for life.

Meanwhile, although Germany does not have a revolutionary energy system like Sweden, recycling rate is also up to 65%, even some years reach 86% (2015 data).

Germany has a recycling rate of up to 65%, even a year reaching 86% (2015 data).

These figures put Germany in the top of the world's most efficient recycling countries, surpassing Korea and Japan.

And do you know what caused Germany to achieve this achievement? It is only thanks to the good classification and awareness system of the people here.

Garbage classification system according to German color

The Germans really consider the classification of garbage , considering it as part of their obligations to the environment. In addition, some German cities also apply a fine (sometimes up to thousands of euros) if there are unclassified garbage.

Here, garbage is classified by color, even when it is recycled. Specific examples are as follows:

• Paper or carton: put in a blue box / bag,
• Glass: Put in a white / green garbage bag / bag. White for transparent glass, blue for colored glass.
• Plastic garbage, plastic bottles: put in yellow boxes / bags.
• Organic waste (from excess food): brown box / bag.

Such trash cans appear on every street corner.

As for organic waste, before 2015, they will be put in black boxes / bags, together with other household garbage (cigarette butts, fabrics, household items .). But then, Germany applied the law to collect organic waste for recycling in biogas plants, or use it as fertilizer. Since then, the average German recycles more than 10 million tons of organic waste each year.

Also, for bulky garbage that is difficult to handle like furniture, you are not allowed to throw them indiscriminately. You are forced to call environmental companies, they will refurbish and resell them in second-hand markets.

Garbage must be properly classified, otherwise it will not be collected.

If the classification is not correct, your garbage will not be collected. And if the environmental companies discover that you litter indiscriminately despite the rules, as stated, you may be fined.

Why recycling garbage?

As stated , the German recycling rate is almost at the top of the world. But the deeper purpose is probably fewer people know.

Compared with Americans: America has a recycling rate of only 30%, there is no standardized classification system like Germany, and people are less aware. What are the consequences: Americans use energy effectively only half of the Germans.

A garbage disposal plant in Germany.

Be aware, every recycled can of water can save up to 95% of the energy used to make a new can. Each sheet of paper is recycled, 50% of the water to produce new paper is preserved.

So what's the story here?Let's join hands to protect this Earth, just by means of basic waste treatment is okay.