Vienna/Austria (OTS) – What to do with leftover candles, tinsel, leftover fireworks or party decorations? Aside from empty glass bottles and packaging material, a lot of waste is generated around the holidays and it is not always clear how it should be disposed of correctly. The Association of Austrian Waste Management Companies (VOEB) provides clear tips on how to successfully separate waste after the holidays and thus enable sustainable recycling.
The festive season around Christmas and New Year brings not only joy but also a lot of waste. If this is separated and recycled correctly, it protects the environment because the collected recyclables are then used in the best possible way by the recycling companies. This is important to the vast majority of Austrians, as current studies show. However, when separating Christmas and New Year’s waste, many people are unsure about what needs to be taken into account when separating. Gabriele Jüly, President of the Association of Austrian Waste Management Companies (VOEB), explains: “The correct disposal of plastics, metals, paper, glass, food or Christmas trees makes it possible to convert waste into valuable materials. Those who separate carefully make an active contribution to environmental protection and the careful use of our limited resources. Every right disposal move is a step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for all of us.”
Rockets and fireworks are still very popular to ring in the New Year. However, they are particularly harmful to animals, the environment and people. “It would be best to avoid the banging altogether. However, if you can’t help it, then please be sure to collect the trash and rocket remains again the next day! This means that no toxic substances can harm animals and nature,” appeals the VOEB President.
With the VOEB recycling guide, Jüly is convinced that the new year can begin with a clear conscience.
Waste paper (red bin):
YES: Christmas cards & envelopes, wrapping paper, boxes, fireworks packaging, Advent calendars – everything is always folded flat to save space in the bin.
NO: Plastic parts of packaging, such as the interior of Advent calendars (yellow bin); coated or dirty paper, such as B. Glitter wrapping paper, pizza boxes or coated take-away packaging, photos, adhesive tape, cellophane or confetti cannons (residual waste)
Glass (bin for white and colored glass):
YES: Glass bottles such as beverage bottles, pickle jars, wine glasses, vinegar bottles, medicine bottles, jams, flacons, perfume bottles
NO: Reusable bottles (trade), lids or closures (yellow bin), broken glasses, Christmas tree decorations and decorations made of glass (residual waste)
Plastic and metal (yellow bin, yellow bag):
YES: Plastic films and bubbles, metal or plastic candle holders (free of wicks and wax), plastic Christmas tree decorations, plastic fireworks packaging, plastic party decorations, washed plastic disposable tableware
NO: tinsel, garlands, white Styrofoam balls (residual waste)
Organic waste (brown bin):
YES: Shredded Christmas trees and Advent wreaths (free of wax residue and Christmas decorations such as tinsel), pine needles and organic waste such as food scraps, vegetable and fruit waste, cut flowers, wooden Christmas decorations
NO: Leftover candle wax, meat, seasoned foods (residual waste)
Waste collection point:
YES: Oils, used cooking fat, fire paste, burning gel from fondue, fairy lights, electric candles, old and broken electrical appliances, leftovers from lead casting (banned since 2018)
NO: Waste collection centers are not allowed to accept pyrotechnic waste or intact fireworks – they fall under the Pyrotechnics Act. Once they have completely burned out and cooled down, leftover cardboard and fireworks can be disposed of in the residual waste bin. Return non-functioning or unfired fireworks, firecrackers or pyrotechnics to the dealer as they may contain explosive residue.
Special case batteries:
Batteries must always be disposed of separately as they can cause fires in residual waste. They can be disposed of in stores or at waste collection centers. Attention: Batteries are not only hidden in cell phones and hand blenders, but also in e-cigarettes, flashing children’s shoes or singing greeting cards.
About the VOEB:
The Association of Austrian Waste Management Companies (VOEB) is the voluntary representation of the interests of commercially managed waste and resource management companies in Austria. The association currently represents over 250 member companies and therefore represents two thirds – measured in terms of sales and employees – of private Austrian waste management companies. The industry directly and indirectly employs around 43,000 people, disposes of and recycles around two thirds of all waste generated in Austria in 1,100 high-tech plants and generates sales of around 4 billion euros per year.
Questions & Contact:
Veronika Wüster – Managing Director VOEB
Tel.: (01) 713 02 53
E-Mail: wuester@voeb.at
Website: www.voeb.at
Vanessa Salzer
Ecker & Partner Public Relations and Public Affairs GmbH
Tel.: +43/(0)699 15 90 90 93
v.salzer@eup.at