‘Deutschland trennt. Du auch?’

Municipalities, retailers, and waste management companies are working with the dual systems to promote recycling

Correct waste separation is the prerequisite for efficient packaging recycling and thus for the protection of important raw materials, the climate, and the environment. Today, 3 June, ‘Deutschland trennt. Du auch?’ is starting. The campaign – under the patronage of Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke – aims to raise awareness for proper waste separation. Until 16 June, more than 200 local authorities across Germany are joining forces for the first time together with the dual systems and major partners from the food retail sector as well as representatives from the waste disposal industry to achieve one goal: to motivate as many people as possible to separate their waste more and better. The campaign is initiated and arranged by ‘Mülltrennung wirkt’, an initiative of the dual systems, in which Interzero is significantly involved. The campaign focuses on eye-catching XXL packaging installed in public places.

With events and information against littering and waste myths

Education helps: Used nappies, food scraps and batteries are still popular ‘misfits’ in the yellow bin or yellow bag in many places. They do not belong there and can hinder the recycling of used packaging. This is why expert teams at live events around the XXL versions of retail packaging will answer all questions from citizens about correct waste separation. They provide on-site information about correct waste separation and dispel waste myths and prejudices.

The info on which German cities will be participating can be found on a map on the campaign’s website www.deutschland-trennt.de. 

Nationwide campaign shows local presence – social media competition with hundreds of prizes

As separation ambassadors, many waste advisors are the campaign's face in their city – for example on posters. The initiative ‘Mülltrennnung wirkt!’ is also supporting the campaign with a nationwide advertising and social media campaign. The citizens themselves can also show their face: By taking a selfie in front of the XXL packaging and using the hashtag #wertrenntgewinnt, they can take part in the nationwide social media competition organised by ‘Deutschland trennt. Du auch?’  and, with a bit of luck, win one of many prizes.

Strong partners from the food retail industry

The XXL packages show retail brand products from the food retailers that are part of ‘Deutschland trennt. Du auch?’ – namely Netto Marken-Discount, EDEKA and Netto Germany. Packaging recycling is an important aspect of sustainability in retail. To ensure that as much packaging as possible can be recycled, the partners inform their customers about proper waste separation while they are shopping. In a total of around 10,000 stores across Germany, they provide information about correct waste separation, for example with posters and displays, in their customer magazines or via their social media channels.

Photo: Initiative „Mülltrennung wirkt“/Maik Ludwig