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Recycling trash bins
All our homes have recycling containers at your disposal in the kitchen.
In order to gain space, some homes with Regular services might have the most common trash (bio waste, general waste), however recycling is still required.
Please take a look at the basic illustrations for the recycling signs in your city below and visit the websites provided for more information before you take action.
You can find out more 👉 here.
♻️ How to Return Bottles – The Pfand System 🇩🇪
Germany has a bottle return system called the Pfand system. When you purchase certain drinks, you pay a small deposit (Pfand) for the bottle. When you return the empty bottle, you get your deposit back — a great way to encourage recycling and reduce waste 🌍
🧐 How to Identify Pfand Bottles
You can recognize Pfand bottles by checking the label, usually near the barcode. Look out for logos such as:
“Pfand”
“Mehrweg” (reusable)
“Einweg” (single-use)
Some symbols might be small, so take a closer look! If a bottle doesn't have one of these indicators, it might not be part of the Pfand system.
🏪 Where to Return Bottles
Supermarkets: Look for the return machines, usually near the entrance or at the back of the store. Insert your bottles, and the machine will print a voucher you can redeem at the cashier 💶🧾
Liquor Stores: Ideal if you have many beer bottles 🍺 However, they usually only accept the brands they sell.
Spätis (corner shops): These small shops will typically only take back the bottles they originally sold you. They’re not suitable for returning large quantities.
📌 General rule: If a store sells Pfand bottles, it will usually accept returns — but only for the bottle types or brands it carries.
🗑️ Non-Pfand Glass Bottles
Some glass bottles (like wine or oil bottles) are not part of the Pfand system. These should be disposed of in designated glass recycling bins, usually found in public areas around the neighborhood.
To locate the nearest one, you can use websites like Berlin Recycling or your city’s waste management site 🗺️
If you're in doubt of where the nearest bottle recycling bin can be found, you can search for one using this website.
🚮 Trash & Bottle Disposal at Home
LifeX Members are responsible for sorting waste properly into the designated bins (plastic, paper, residual waste, bio, glass, etc.).
The housekeeper will not re-sort incorrectly separated trash, and this may result in bins not being collected.
Housekeepers only take out trash on their scheduled cleaning days.
⚠️ If the bins are full outside of cleaning days, please take them down to the courtyard trash containers yourself.
Overflowing bins, heavy or extra bags, or cleaning after private parties are not the responsibility of the housekeeper.
🧴Important: Housekeepers do not manage Pfand returns or bottle recycling. If bottles pile up, it's your responsibility to return them or dispose of them correctly.
🔎Still need help? Contact LifeX Support via the app!🛠️