The European Union is preparing for major changes in the waste sorting system. As part of the new regulation, it plans to introduce a unified system with 11 colorful containers that will replace disparate national approaches and reduce confusion during waste sorting. This is reported by InPoland.net.pl.
This concerns the EU Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR), which aims to unify sorting rules across all EU member states. It is expected that the new system will help reduce waste, increase recycling rates, and promote the development of a circular economy, particularly regarding reusable packaging.
Waste sorting in the EU: why unified colors are introduced
As reported by Portal Samorządowy, starting from 2028, special markings indicating material will appear on packaging. Similar symbols and colors will be applied to both the packaging and the corresponding containers to simplify the sorting process for consumers.
The EU acknowledges that the lack of clear information on the composition of packaging leads to sorting errors and reduces the effectiveness of waste recycling.
11 colors of containers: how waste will be distributed
The reform project proposes the following color classification:
blue — paper and cardboard;
green — glass (clear, colored, green, brown);
yellow — hard and soft plastics;
orange — beverage cartons and composite paper;
gray — metal;
brown — compostable household and industrial waste;
pink — textiles;
light blue — ceramics;
light brown — wood and cork;
red — hazardous waste;
purple — mixed waste.
Currently, scientific analysis is ongoing, the results of which will form the basis for the preparation of implementation legislation by the EU Directorate-General for Environment.
It is worth noting that the environmental damage from the war already amounts to €108 billion.