How to sort waste

Proper sorting of waste is key to efficient recycling. In this section you will find detailed instructions on how to sort different types of waste correctly, including plastics, paper, glass and bio-waste.

A guide to proper household waste sorting

Paper

They belong in a blue bin or paper bag:

  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • advertising leaflets
  • catalogues
  • paper bags
  • paper and cardboard packaging
  • office paper
  • envelopes
  • Postcards
  • letters
  • workbooks
  • cartons (cut into smaller pieces)
  • toilet paper rolls
  • paper egg wrappers

They do not belongin a blue bin or paper bag:

  • soiled paper
  • wet paper
  • greasy paper
  • paper napkins
  • used nappies and toiletries
  • beverage carton packaging (e.g. packaging for dairy products, juices and other beverages)
  • foil, cellophane
  • wooden packaging
  • books

Did you know...?

Paper first appeared in China in the 14th century. It is a thin, smooth material produced by compacting fibres. It makes up about 20-25% of waste. Recycling 1 tonne of paper saves 17 trees. Paper can be recycled 5 to 7 times. It is labelled with graphic symbols using letters and numbers so we know what the packaging is. (corrugated, plain cardboard, cardboard).

Cartons

Plastic, metal, or beverage cartons belong in a yellow bin or bag:

  • non-returnable compressed plastic bottles
  • bags and plastic bags
  • household plastic packaging
  • packaging for cosmetic products and pharmaceuticals
  • yoghurt crucibles and lids
  • non-returnable beverage cans
  • canned food without food residues
  • metal packaging
  • aluminium foil
  • closures for canned drinks
  • beverage cartons (milk, juice...)

Plastic, metal, or beverage cartons do not belongin a yellow bin or bag:

  • soiled foils
  • packaging with food residues
  • packaging for chemicals, oils and paints
  • floor coverings
  • foam
  • rubber
  • leatherette
  • Textiles
  • plexiglass
  • construction waste
  • scrap metal

Did you know...?

Around 400 million tonnes of plastics are produced in the world every year, of which 10 million tonnes end up as waste in the oceans. Up to 50% of plastics are used once and then thrown away. Slovak households consume up to 300 microtene bags on average. The metals we collect along with plastics can be recycled indefinitely.

Glass

The following belong in a green container or glass bag:

  • non-returnable glass bottles
  • white and coloured clear glass
  • glass jars
  • Shards
  • compote glasses
  • glass containers for cosmetics, coffee and snacks without plastic lids
  • vases
  • bowls

They do not belongin a green bin or glass bag:

  • dirty glass
  • mirror
  • glass with admixtures
  • safety glass
  • technical glass
  • glass bottles of chemicals
  • porcelain
  • ceramics
  • auto glass
  • wire glass
  • light bulbs
  • plexiglass

Did you know...?

Glass is a material that can be recycled indefinitely without loss of quality. Recycling glass saves primary raw materials and energy.

Do not put in the sorted waste containers:

  • non-combustible waste (building rubble, bricks, sand)
  • hazardous waste (batteries, oils)
  • bulky waste (refrigerators, furniture, plasterboard cores...)
  • mixed municipal waste
  • batteries
  • oils