Dozens of Kilos per Capita: Flood of Packaging Material in Austria

Around the Christmas holidays, this consumption increases significantly. Massive amounts of packages from online shopping, wrapping paper, and significantly more food packaging accumulate in Austrian households and (over)fill the paper recycling bins. The Association of Austrian Waste Management Companies (VOEB) advises on proper waste separation.

Around Christmas, one should consciously avoid unnecessary packaging. When shopping in stores, paper waste can be avoided by using one's own containers and reusable bags. The waste management industry already recycles 80 percent of the separately collected waste paper today. The rest can be used for energy recovery if it is properly separated.

"Always unfold and flatten boxes before putting them in the bin"

Items that belong in the paper recycling collection include shipping boxes, cardboard boxes, (non-coated) wrapping paper, newspapers, brochures, paper bags, and food packaging made of paper, as long as they are clean and free of residues. "Always unfold and flatten boxes before putting them in the bin," appealed Roland Richter, waste paper expert on the VOEB board, in a statement on Friday. "This way, we use the bin volume optimally, avoid overflowing containers after the holidays, and ensure the high quality of our waste paper recycling."

Coated or metallic shiny wrapping paper, glitter paper, adhesive tapes, or bubble mailers do not belong in the paper recycling. Ideally, plastic components should be removed and disposed of accordingly in the residual waste or in the collection for plastic packaging.

Packaging effort, transport, returns

The VOEB reminded in the statement on Friday that online orders are often associated with high packaging effort, long transport routes, and many returns. In particular, orders from cheap platforms in third countries should be avoided.

Here is our Christmas special.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.