No More Guessing!

Learn How to Throw Away Your Trash in Germany Without Getting Into Trouble

Master the German way for waste separation in one afternoon. 

Did You Know?

Germany Has Very Strict Rules When It Comes to Waste Separation

Of course, the are the basic rules of separating trash into the paper, plastic, organic, and general waste bins.


However, many newcomers struggle to understand where to throw:

  • socks emoji Clothes
  • low battery emoji E-waste (computer monitor, batteries, broken appliances)
  • chef emoji Cooking oil
  • utensils emoji Broken utensils (pans, pots, plates, cutlery)
  • poop emoji Dog and cat poop
  • pill emoji Medical waste (old medicine, syringes)
  • plastic bottle emoji Personal care containers (shampoo bottles, deodorants, hair spray)
  • pizza emoji Pizza boxes
  • receipt emoji Receipts

Additional to that, there are the general rules for all of Germany, and there are rules for specific cities.


If you’re moving to Berlin or Munich, this course is especially relevant for you.

You're not alone...

Separating trash in Germany as a newcomer can be confusing

I remember the mix of emotions I felt when I first arrived in Germany and realized just how much effort was needed to separate trash properly.


On one hand, I was thrilled to be in a country that took recycling seriously. On the other hand, I felt completely overwhelmed because I didn’t understand the basic principles of the system.


For months, I left batteries and broken electronics lying around at home, simply because I didn’t know where or how to dispose of them correctly.


Plus, I had disposed of them incorrectly once and a German neighbour 'caught' me and gave me a snarky comment.


But once I got the hang of the rules, separating waste became super easy! I had the confidence that I was doing it properly.


I know many internationals go through this same learning curve. To get a sense of the common struggles, I asked our international community on Instagram what they were unsure about when it came to waste separation. 


The number of questions I received was overwhelming!


I did my best to respond to everyone, but the volume of questions was so high that I couldn’t keep up.

That’s why Yvonne and I decided to create this mini crash course! To help internationals like you gain the clarity and confidence to separate trash in Germany more smoothly.


Smoothly yours,


Jen

Introducing

Recycling Made Simple:  A Video Crash Course for Expats

"Recycling Made Simple" is the fastest way to learn the principles of waste separation in Germany.


By taking this course, you will:

Get clarity and confidence in Recycling

Gain a clear understanding of Germany’s recycling system, eliminate confusion and the fear of making mistakes. 

Save time and avoid corrections

Save time and avoid the hassle of researching recycling rules on your own. Additionally, you’ll prevent potential complaints from your neighbors from improper waste disposal, ensuring you follow local regulations smoothly and without stress.

Contribute to a Greener, More Sustainable Future

By learning to recycle correctly, you will minimize your environmental impact, and contribute to Germany’s commitment to sustainability.

This course is perfect for anyone who plans to move or has moved to Germany and wants to learn the principles of waste separation and recycling.

What's inside

Course Curriculum

♻️ Module 1 - The Basics

In this lesson, you’ll understand the why behind Germany’s recycling rules.

🗑️ Module 2 - Trash Separation at Home

Build a strong foundation for sorting and managing waste at home. In this module, we tackle some of the most common questions and challenges people face when trying to recycle correctly. You’ll learn how to effortlessly separate waste across various categories, from understanding the purpose of each bin—paper, plastics, organics, and residual waste—to safely disposing of glass and hazardous materials. By the end of this module, you’ll know exactly what goes where, and how to find your local waste collection services to make recycling simple and hassle-free.

 🧠 Module 3 - Miscellaneous Trash Disposal

In Module 3, you’ll master the disposal of items that don’t fit neatly into everyday recycling categories. Learn the proper methods for disposing of things like used batteries, printer cartridges, and cooking oil, medicines, syringes, and hazardous items like paint. By the end of this module, you’ll be equipped to confidently handle these uncommon waste items in line with German regulations.

 🤑 Module 4 - The Deposit System (Pfand)

In Module 4, you’ll dive into Germany’s Pfand system. By the end of this module, you’ll understand how to spot Pfand items, return them correctly, and make sure you’re not “throwing money away” by discarding these recyclable containers.

Who are we?

About the Creators

We’re Jen and Yvonne, the founders of Simple Germany, where we’ve been helping internationals settle into life in Germany more smoothly through our YouTube channel and website since 2020. We have a passion for empowering internationals to thrive in Germany.


Jen, originally from Guatemala, understands the challenges of adapting to a new country firsthand. Yvonne, a native of Germany, brings her local expertise and insight into the mix. 


Together, we share practical advice, tips, and resources to help you overcome everyday challenges, from understanding German systems (like recycling!) to adapting to the cultural differences. Our mission is to simplify your journey, so you can enjoy your new life in Germany without the stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can't I find this information online for free?

Absolutely! There's a wealth of recycling information available online, but it can be scattered, outdated, or confusing, especially since recycling rules in Germany can vary by region. This course is designed to save you time and effort by giving you everything you need in one convenient, well-organized place. We’ve done the research, filtered out the noise, and condensed the essential information into clear, easy-to-follow steps so you can start recycling confidently and effectively right away.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for expats living in Germany who want to understand the country’s recycling system and feel confident about separating waste correctly.

How long will it take to complete the course?

The course is designed as a quick crash course, and you can complete it in just a couple of hours. You can also go at your own pace and revisit any sections as needed.

Can I get a refund?

You will receive the product immediately after purchase. Since it is a digital product, there is no way to return it. We will not be able to process any refunds.

Ready to master recycling in Germany?

Enroll today and quickly gain the knowledge to separate waste properly!

Simple Germany® is a trademark of Purple Ideas GmbH and it's registered in the European Union.