polystyrene
Confidence: high · Place: Germany · Last checked: September 2026
Why
- Polystyrene packaging is classified as lightweight packaging and should go in the Gelbe Tonne (yellow bin).
- It is not paper, glass, or organic waste, so it does not belong in those respective bins.
- After collection, it is sorted and used for polystyrene recycling.
Before you throw it away
- Remove the polystyrene from the packaging.
- If possible, compress or break the pieces into smaller parts.
- Place the polystyrene in the Gelber Sack (yellow bag) or Gelbe Tonne (yellow bin).
What you can make from it
insulation material for garden beds
- Cut the polystyrene into suitable blocks.
- Surround the blocks with soil or mulch.
- Use them as a base for garden beds.
packaging and padding material
- Collect clean pieces of polystyrene.
- Place them in a cardboard box.
- Use the padding for shipping fragile items.