Nuremberg

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Waste Management

Guidance on Nuremberg's waste disposal and recycling system for households and businesses.

Sections

1. Waste Categories in Nuremberg

In Nuremberg, waste is sorted into several categories to facilitate recycling and proper disposal. The main categories are:

a) Residual Waste (Restmüll)

  • What it includes: Non-recyclable waste such as hygiene products, vacuum cleaner bags, cigarette butts, and broken ceramics.
  • Disposal: Placed in the black bin (Restmülltonne).

b) Organic Waste (Biomüll)

  • What it includes: Food scraps, fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, tea bags, garden waste (leaves, grass clippings, etc.).
  • Disposal: Placed in the brown bin (Biotonne).

c) Paper and Cardboard (Papier)

  • What it includes: Newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, books, and other paper products.
  • Disposal: Placed in the blue bin (Papiertonne).

d) Packaging Waste (Wertstoffe or Gelber Sack/Gelbe Tonne)

  • What it includes: Lightweight packaging such as plastic, metal, aluminum, and composite materials (e.g., Tetra Paks).
  • Disposal: Placed in the yellow bin (Gelbe Tonne) or yellow bags (Gelber Sack), which are provided by the city.

e) Glass (Altglas)

  • What it includes: Bottles, jars, and other glass containers (sorted by color: clear, green, and brown).
  • Disposal: Taken to designated glass collection containers (Glascontainer) located throughout the city.

f) Hazardous Waste (Sondermüll)

  • What it includes: Batteries, electronics, chemicals, paints, and fluorescent bulbs.
  • Disposal: Taken to special collection points or recycling centers (Wertstoffhöfe).

g) Bulky Waste (Sperrmüll)

  • What it includes: Large items such as furniture, mattresses, and appliances.
  • Disposal: Requires a special pickup service or drop-off at a recycling center.

2. Procedures for Sorting and Disposing of Waste

Proper waste sorting is mandatory in Nuremberg. Here’s how to manage your waste:

a) At Home

  • Use separate bins or containers for each waste category.
  • Ensure items are clean and dry before disposal (e.g., rinse packaging waste).
  • Follow the guidelines provided by the city for what goes into each bin.

b) Collection Schedule

  • Waste collection schedules vary by neighborhood. You will receive a calendar from the city or your landlord detailing the pickup days for each type of waste.
  • Residual waste and organic waste are typically collected weekly or bi-weekly, while paper and packaging waste are collected less frequently.

c) Recycling Centers (Wertstoffhöfe)

  • For items that cannot be disposed of in regular bins (e.g., hazardous waste, bulky items), visit one of the city’s recycling centers.
  • Popular recycling centers in Nuremberg include:
    • Wertstoffhof Hafen (Hafenstraße 100)
    • Wertstoffhof Nordost (Klingenhofstraße 190)
  • Check the opening hours and any restrictions before visiting.

d) Glass Collection

  • Glass must be sorted by color and taken to public collection points. Avoid disposing of glass during quiet hours (e.g., Sundays or late evenings) to minimize noise disturbance.

3. Costs and Fees

Waste management in Nuremberg is funded through municipal fees, which are typically included in your rent or utility bills. Here’s what you need to know:

a) Household Waste Fees

  • Fees are based on the size of the bins and the frequency of collection.
  • Your landlord or property manager usually arranges for the bins and includes the cost in your monthly rent (Nebenkosten).

b) Special Services

  • Bulky waste collection: Free for a limited number of items per year, but additional pickups may incur a fee.
  • Hazardous waste disposal: Free at designated collection points.

c) Yellow Bags (Gelber Sack)

  • Provided free of charge by the city. You can pick them up at local municipal offices or designated distribution points.

4. Legal Considerations

Proper waste sorting is not just encouraged—it is legally required in Germany. Failure to comply can result in fines or penalties. Here are some key points:

a) Mandatory Sorting

  • Residents are required to separate waste into the appropriate categories. Incorrect sorting (e.g., placing recyclables in the residual waste bin) can lead to warnings or fines.

b) Quiet Hours

  • Avoid disposing of glass or other noisy waste during quiet hours (typically 10 PM to 6 AM and all day on Sundays/public holidays).

c) Illegal Dumping

  • Dumping waste in unauthorized locations is strictly prohibited and can result in hefty fines.

5. Tips for New Residents

  • Get Familiar with the System: Ask your landlord or neighbors about the local waste management rules and collection schedules.
  • Use the City’s Resources: The Nuremberg city website (https://www.nuernberg.de) provides detailed information on waste management, including schedules and recycling center locations.
  • Download Apps: Some municipalities in Germany offer apps to help residents track waste collection schedules and find nearby recycling points.
  • Participate in Recycling Initiatives: Nuremberg often organizes events and campaigns to promote recycling and sustainability.

6. Environmental and Financial Benefits

  • Proper waste sorting helps reduce landfill use, conserves resources, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Recycling can also reduce overall waste management costs, which benefits residents in the long term.

By following these guidelines, you can contribute to Nuremberg’s efficient waste management system and ensure compliance with local regulations. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact the city’s waste management department (Abfallwirtschaftsbetrieb Nürnberg, or ASN) for assistance.