Munich and Regensburg switch to yellow bins for packaging waste

Munich will replace its packaging-waste collection system with yellow bins from Jan. 1, 2027, and Regensburg district will make the same switch, BR reported.

In Munich, the responsible waste collection companies will deliver a bin automatically to each collection point. The private companies will handle distribution, collection and emptying on behalf of Germany’s dual systems for packaging waste. The Munich Waste Management Company (AWM) said residents would be informed about the new service before it begins. Distribution started in October.

Bins are also being distributed automatically and in stages in Regensburg district, according to the district office. In Munich, residents should continue using the containers at recycling collection points through the end of 2026. The new bins should not be filled before the changeover and will not be emptied until January. In Regensburg district, residents should start filling them no earlier than the end of December; collections begin in January.

The bins are for empty sales packaging made of plastic, metal or composite materials, such as cans and drinks cartons. They are not intended for general plastic waste. Packaging made of paper, cardboard or glass does not belong in them.

The change will not increase municipal waste fees in either place, according to the AWM and the Regensburg district office. The dual systems pay for the collection and recycling of sales packaging through fees charged to manufacturers, which are included in the price of packaged products.

Munich’s city council approved a pilot scheme in late 2022 to compare collection systems for sales packaging with the existing recycling-point containers. The trial examined yellow bins, yellow bags and recycling bins. The AWM said the results informed the decision to introduce the yellow bin.