Bottle caps in quantities - and where should what go now?
We come across a whole range of different packaging on the shelves in the stores and each one is sealed differently, many with a lid. But can we actually throw the lids away with the empty packaging?
The packaging is of course sent to the correct recycling channel, as the waste separation (opens in a new tab) initiative colorfully and memorably communicates. All packaging except paper and glass therefore belongs in the yellow bag or yellow garbage can. But do the lids too?
We took a look at all the different types of lids and took a closer look at their disposal.
Yogurt lid
The lid of a yoghurt pot is made of aluminum and can be easily recycled and is not only used for packaging, the metal is also used in automotive and mechanical engineering as well as in air conditioning and solar technology.
The umbrella organization Swiss Recycling (opens in a new tab) has published figures on the recycling of aluminium for further processing. One kilogram of recycled aluminum produces "only" around nine kilograms of carbon dioxide and saves up to 95% of the energy otherwise required compared to "new" aluminum. More information on aluminum as a raw material can be found here (opens in a new tab).
However, for the lid to be recycled, it must end up in the yellow bag or in the yellow garbage can.
Important: Separate it completely from the cup beforehand so that the separation in the system works.
Glass bottle lids
Preserving jars for jams or dried fruit, but also honey jars or even many wine bottles are now often found with this type of screw cap. The empty jar should then be sorted by color in the glass container, but should the lid be included or not?
The lids can be recycled and should therefore be put in the yellow bag or garbage can. When collecting used glass, however, the lids are often left on and then go into the glass container. The lid no longer needs to be removed. Simply sort the waste glass by color and throw it into the container with the lid, do not put it on top or throw it next to it. The lids are then sorted out for recycling in the plants.
However, the jars should always be spoon-clean. Dispose of spoiled food waste in the organic waste garbage can beforehand.
Crown cap and cork stopper
The cork of a champagne bottle is often made of natural cork, i.e. a natural material obtained from the cork oak. This can be recycled as long as it is still free of mold. As soon as the cork is infested with mold, it must be disposed of in the residual waste.
The crown cork is made of sheet metal and plastic, so it can be recycled easily, as can the plastic cork.
Old corks are also good for crafting. Either follow your own creativity and make a pinboard out of cork or a picture frame out of crown corks, for example, or find inspiration on the internet.
Undamaged corks made from natural cork and crown corks can be taken to the recycling center (opens in a new tab) for recycling. Otherwise, the plastic corks belong in the yellow bag/yellow garbage can and the damaged natural cork in the residual waste. The wine merchant may also accept the collected natural corks.
In addition, all crown corks collected at the recycling center are sold for further processing and the proceeds are donated to charitable projects in Offenbach. So the more that ends up in the garbage can at the recycling center, the higher the amount donated.
Disposable/reusable bottle lids
Who doesn't know them, the deposit bottles, available as reusable and disposable models. But what happens to the lid here?
Basically, the lid can remain on both types of bottle when they are returned.
There are a few small differences in the recycling process. Disposable bottles are compressed directly on site when they are handed in, even with the lid on. This saves space, especially during transportation. Later, both are shredded and the different types of plastic are separated from the cap and bottle using a float-sink process.
The reusable bottle, on the other hand, retains its shape and is transported to the plant for cleaning and refilling. Before cleaning, all lids are removed by machine and sent for recycling. Reuse is not possible as the ring of the cap was broken when the bottle was first opened and a new ring with a new cap is therefore required. The advantage of mechanically separating bottles and lids is that they are collected by type, so that the uniform material can then be processed more easily.
There are now also new EU requirements for bottles. From summer 2024, all lids of disposable and reusable bottles must be converted so that the lid and bottle can no longer be separated. On the one hand, this should reduce the amount of plastic lids lying around and, on the other, increase the proportion of recycled plastic.
As a small addition. The lids on drinks cartons such as juice and milk can also be recycled and therefore, like the carton itself, belong in the yellow bag or garbage can.
If you have any questions about resources and waste, the staff at the resources and waste advisory service will be happy to help you.