The times when all household waste went into one bag and then one bin are long gone. Today it is everyone’s responsibility to take care of themselves. Some people care about the planet, others fear high fines and increased waste disposal fees. Although we know that waste should be separated, several issues remain unclear. One of them concerns whether plastic and glass packaging should be washed before throwing it in the garbage.
Should waste be segregated? Experts speak clearly
Washing some plastic or glass packaging seems to be necessary. This applies, for example, to pet food cans or fish packaging, which start to emit a very unpleasant odor quite quickly, especially on warm days. But is it necessary to do this?
Packaging should not be washed unless the municipality expressly recommends it. Remember that washing packaging results in increased water consumption. However, packaging must be emptied
– we read on the website of the Ministry of Environmental Protection. This practice will help you avoid odor problems, but it will also increase your water bills. Julia Wizowska, author of the Nanowosmieci.pl blog, thinks the same. – There is no point in washing them. It is a good idea to simply empty this container of food and throw it away cleaned but not washed – she emphasized in the interview. The exception are situations in which plastic and paper waste are collected together in the commune. Then the packaging needs to be cleaned, although it is best to do it sparingly, e.g. using water after rinsing dishes.
Poles cannot sort waste. The Z gene is the worst – illustrative photo Larysa Prokopova/Istock.com
Can you throw away jars and packages with their contents? Better avoid it
Washing each package will lead to increased water consumption. If you are concerned about an unpleasant odor, remove the problematic packaging as soon as possible or clean the interior as thoroughly as possible. As a last resort, wash them with water, e.g. after washing dishes, cooking or rinsing clothes. However, remember not to throw food leftovers down the sink. Before throwing away uneaten yogurt, cream or jam into an appropriate container, dispose of any leftovers in a mixed waste container. Never throw packages with contents into separate waste bins! Also separate parts such as paper labels and jar lids.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
