Glass

Modern life would no longer be possible without glass. Glass is a valuable raw material that can be recycled an infinite number of times without any loss of quality.

However, problems often arise when disposing of glass. There is a lack of clarity - many people do not know how to dispose of glass properly.

Information can be found here:

What fits into the waste glass?
Flyer "Separation aid glass disposal"
Locations of the glass containers

Deposit regulations

The general rule is: consumers can return non-refillable bottles and cans with a deposit wherever non-refillable drinks with a deposit are sold. It doesn't matter whether it's a can of cola, iced tea or beer. Retailers are now only allowed to differentiate according to the material, i.e. plastic, glass or metal. Shops that sell deposit-liable plastic and glass one-way beverage containers are obliged to take back plastic and glass containers, regardless of where they were bought. At the same time, they are obliged to refund the deposit. Conversely, those who do not sell beverages in cans are also not obliged to take back cans and refund the deposit. The protective clause for smaller shops with less than 200 square metres of sales area still applies: they only have to take back empty beverage containers of the brands and materials they offer.

Non-carbonated soft drinks in one-way bottles or cans are also subject to a deposit. This applies, for example, to juices, iced tea, fitness drinks, coffee or flavoured water as well as to so-called alcopops. This means that a shot of alcohol is no longer - as before - exempt from the deposit on cans. Milk, spirits, sparkling wine and wine as well as ecologically beneficial beverage packaging such as beverage cartons remain deposit-free.

Author: Federal Ministry for the Environment, Berlin