New collection system in Murau-Murtal: yellow bin replaces blue tons

New collection system in Murau-Murtal: yellow bin replaces blue tons

From January 1, 2024, a new collection system for packaging materials will come into force in Styria. In the future, light and metal packaging will no longer be disposed of in the blue bin, but together with plastic packaging in the yellow bin or in the yellow sack. This change is also implemented in other federal states such as Vorarlberg and Tyrol, so that Austria introduces uniform standards for waste separation.

The blue bin is gradually removed from December, and all associated waste materials, with the exception of beverage bottles and doses that are subject to the disposable deposit system, must then be disposed of in the yellow bin. Lisa Tatschl, waste consultant from the Judenburg waste management association, confirms that the changeover to Murau-Murtal will start in December and will be completed by the end of January 2024. "Where the blue bin was removed, metal packaging can also be collected together with light packaging," explains Tatschl.

disposable deposit from January

An important reason for the abolition of the blue bin is the introduction of a disposable deposit for plastic beverage bottles and marked beverage cans. From January 1, 2024, a deposit of 25 cents will be charged, which can be returned to almost all grocery stores and local suppliers. This new system aims to increase the recycling rate from PET bottles to 90 percent by 2030, as is specified by the European Union.

With regard to the recycling rate, it should be noted that Austria currently has a quota of 26 percent for plastic packaging. As part of the European Green Deal, 50 percent and 55 percent recycled quota are sought by 2025. The new collection system and the disposable deposit should contribute significantly to the achievement of these goals.

sustainability in focus

The new collective methods not only bring order to waste separation, but also promote recycling. Modern sorting technologies should better separate and reuse packaging, which ultimately contributes to saving raw materials. According to Tatschl, citizens should pay attention to the waste correctly so that the materials recovered can effectively be converted into new products.

The initiatives in the area of waste management are part of a larger strategy to reduce littering - carelessly throwing away waste into nature. The focus is on sensitizing people and offering them more effective opportunities for waste disposal.

For further information on the changes in waste separation and the specific regulations, interested citizens can report the reporting on www.meinbezirk.at pursue.