Waste Separation for Kids – Simply Explained

Here you will find the topic of waste separation simply explained for children.

By Howa
5 min. reading time

Mülltrennung-für-Kinder-einfach-erklärt-

waste separation for children an exciting one topic or annoying duty? We know how you can make the topic bring closer and have summarized the most important information. The topics waste separation and environmental pollution are repeatedly hotly discussed. Those who already pay attention to careful separation of waste do good for the something good for the environment. Because waste separation conserves resources, is environmentally friendly and also cost-saving.

As soon as the garbage collection is outside as the garbage truck passes by, the little ones are already eagerly standing at the window watching how when the waste is dumped into the big orange truck. But what happens actually with our waste? Even the colorful bins are for the youngsters still a puzzle. What belongs in which container and how do you separate plastic, Glass & Co. actually correctly? Here children quickly become little waste detective and even adults can still learn something.

Waste separation is usually a lot of fun for children

The blue bin for waste paper

Let’s just start and focus on first the blue bin. Here you dispose of all paper waste. Nevertheless, a bit of caution is needed: only clean and no dirty paper is allowed here thrown in. Also, you have to make sure that the packaging waste that is not coated. The following products, for example, may be disposed of in the blue bin:

  • writing paper
  • school notebooks
  • newspapers
  • brochures
  • books
  • cardboard
  • egg cartons

In some regions, the paper bin is also green. Depending on the residential area, parents should check the color coding inform. Anyone who wants to clearly explain waste separation to children should also don’t forget the purpose behind sorting. At this point, you can explain to the little ones introduce the principle of recycling. From old paper, you can make paper again produce. The new paper is then somewhat darker but more environmentally friendly. This is because no wood and less water as well as energy are needed. Products made from recycled paper can be recognized by especially the seal “Blue Angel”. This indicates that in the production of the labeled products for environmentally friendly processing was observed.

Waste glass belongs in the green container

There is a green container for waste glass. To facilitate later processing, it is recommended to separate the closures before disposal. to separate closures from the glass before disposal. Those who teach waste separation to children who want to explain should also not forget disposal by color. Here there is a distinction between white, brown, and green. All glass waste that cannot be clearly assigned to a color belongs belong in the container for green glass. For example, the recycling container is for:

  • canning jars
  • jars of spreads
  • nail polish bottles
  • nasal drops
  • preserving jars
  • glass bottles

Often the question arises whether jam, honey jars & co. must be rinsed before disposal. This is not necessary if you make sure the recycling glass is “spoon-clean” is. You can also give children a sustainability tip here disposed of. Even more environmentally friendly than collecting glass in the recycling container is so-called deposit glass. After thorough cleaning, these can simply be can be refilled again.

Yellow bin – waste separation for children explained

The yellow bin or yellow sack are a bit more versatile. This includes all lightweight packaging made of plastic, plastic, metal, or paper with coatings. Later, these waste is broken down into its individual components and, for example, turned into plastic reprocessed. This process then falls under the so-called recycling. For example, the yellow bin is for:

  • milk and juice cartons
  • cling film
  • plastic bags
  • beverage or canned food cans
  • yogurt cups
  • candy wrappers

waste separation for children also includes the necessary sustainability aspects. It is important to teach children the pitfalls to explain the issues behind plastic packaging in more detail. The waste manufactured plastic, for example, must not be used for food must be produced again and again. New plastic packaging always has to be made, for which new plastic, energy, and especially oil are regularly needed. This is extremely harmful to the environment. That’s why you should avoid plastic as much as possible verzichten. Auf unserer howa Instagram page we have regular sustainability tips for you on how to reduce plastic waste with very you can avoid with simple tricks.

On the howa Instagram page, you’ll find even more tips on sustainability

Waste separation for children – organic waste is not waste?

You must put organic waste in the brown bin or dispose of it in the compost. Unlike other types of waste, Organic waste is not really waste. Everything that goes into the brown bin is back to soil, which in turn produces new plants. That means Plastic waste has no place in the brown bin! The brown bin is for for example:

  • Vegetable scraps
  • Coffee grounds
  • Banana peels
  • Tea bags
  • Garden waste

In some regions, there is no bin at all for organic waste available. In others, a distinction is made between green and brown instead. The green bin is mostly intended for garden waste. The brown bin is for fruit and vegetable waste.

Residual waste belongs in the black bin

Residual waste is such waste that is not must be recyclable. Often the waste is incinerated, which in turn harms harms air and the climate. Whoever explains waste separation to children should therefore also consider waste avoidance. The black bin is for:

  • Hygiene products
  • Diapers
  • Pens
  • Fabric scraps
  • Plastic toys
  • Toothbrushes

Are you interested in sustainability? Then also take a look at unseren anderen Blogbeiträgen vorbei. Hier geben wir dir Tipps zu nachhaltigen Kindermöbeln oder erklären, wie du auf ökologische Children's clothing you can pay attention to.

No waste thanks to sustainable toys

Especially when it comes to toys, you can avoid waste. Plastic toys, for example, break quickly and then end up in the bin. Better are toys that are durable and can be passed down from generation to can be passed down through generations. Wooden toys from howa are exactly according to made according to this concept. All products are made of solid wood with child-safe paint, making them robust and durable. In addition, the Products are kept neutral and will appeal to both young and old even in a few years still. These are our top 3 tips from the howa range for sustainable Toys:

  1. Toy store
  2. Rocking horse
  3. Play kitchen
howa wooden rocking horse with removable handle ring white 55941
Wooden toys are more sustainable and last for generations

Image rights: © iStock / KatarzynaBialasiewicz



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These products can be managed by setting up a metafield called "Product List" for items and assigning it at the top of the product settings.