Hazardous waste in Berlin – What is it?

Anyone who lives in Berlin is familiar with this problem: hazardous waste. But what exactly is hazardous waste? The city of Berlin defines it as “waste that cannot be placed in normal waste containers due to its chemical, physical or biological properties or its quantity.”

This means that hazardous waste cannot be put into yellow bins. This includes, for example, paints, varnishes, solvents, batteries, electronic waste, chemicals and medicines. However hazardous waste such as asbestos and oil and petrol are also considered hazardous waste.

Disposing of hazardous waste is relatively complicated and time-consuming. First, the waste must be sorted and separated. Then it must be treated depending on the type of waste. This is the only way to ensure that it does not pose a threat to the environment or people.

Disposing of hazardous waste in Berlin is not easy. There are several collection points where you can drop off waste. However, the journey is often long and time-consuming.

Dispose of hazardous waste in Berlin: How can I dispose of hazardous waste in Berlin?

Hazardous waste is constantly being generated in Berlin that is not included in normal household waste. This can include old televisions and computers, for example, but also large electrical appliances. This waste must be disposed of separately.

How do I do this?

• The first option is to take the hazardous waste to the nearest recycling center. Almost all types of hazardous waste can be disposed of there and it is free of charge.
• The second option is to contact various recycling companies and ask them for help. Many of these companies specialize in the disposal of certain types of hazardous waste and therefore often provide a free pick-up service.

Hazardous waste costs per ton: What are the costs involved in disposing of hazardous waste?

Small amounts of hazardous waste have no price! This includes such materials as:

• paints and varnishes,
• chemical cleaning agents,
• batteries,
• energy-saving lamps and
• old medicines.

The upper limit of free quantities ranges from five to ten or even 20 kilograms – depending on the recycling center.

Of course, disposal costs money, but this depends on many factors. The costs vary, for example, depending on the area you are in, the pollutant you want to dispose of, or the quantity.

As a rule, however, the cost is less than 2 euros per kilogram. Fire extinguishers and compressed gas containers are exceptions and can cost 5-10 euros. The most expensive pollutant is mercury, which costs up to 12 euros per kilogram.

Hazardous waste prices in Berlin: Is it worth disposing of hazardous waste in Berlin?

Many people think that hazardous waste disposal in Berlin is very expensive and therefore not worth it. But that’s not entirely true! Hazardous waste disposal prices may be higher than normal waste, but when you consider that you are also protecting the environment, it is an investment that is well worth it!

Hazardous waste disposal prices in Berlin vary widely. It depends on which provider you choose and the type of hazardous waste you want to dispose of.

If you have any further questions on this topic, do not hesitate to contact us!