ENJOY THE BEAUTY –
HELP KEEP IT CLEAN.
Welcome to Austria!
As you explore our lakes and mountains, charming cities and villages, you can also help us! Keep this beautiful country clean – it's as easy as sorting your waste properly. It's easy and It makes a real difference!
THE AUSTRIAN RECYCLING RAINBOW
Good to know: In Austria, we mainly sort packaging. We do it by colour. Here’s your cheat sheet:
RED = PAPER
Newspapers, cereal boxes cartons. If it's made of paper or was used for packaging, it goes in the red bin.
Please do not put tissues or dirty napkins in it!
YELLOW = PLASTIC & METAL PACKAGING
Cans, yoghurt pots and foil trays. All types of plastic or metal packaging go in yellow.
No toys, rubber gloves or electronics!
WHITE = CLEAR GLASS
Put clear glass in the white bin – only packaging. Easy!
No ceramics, drinking glasses or window glass! And don't forget to remove the lid.
GREEN = COLOURED GLASS
Coloured glass should be placed in the green bin – only packaging.
No ceramics, drinking glasses or window glass! Don't forget to remove the lid.
BROWN = ORGANIC WASTE
Plant-based kitchen waste such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, as well as raw and unseasoned food leftovers.
No cooked food, no meat or fish scraps.
BLACK = RESIDUAL WASTE
For example, hygiene products like tissues, diapers, or old toothbrushes, as well as food waste.
No batteries – please collect those separately.
The next bin is just around the corner
There are collection points everywhere! Check your local municipality's website or ask your host for advice on how to sort waste properly and what to bear in mind locally.
Sorting is caring
You're not just a visitor — you're part of the experience. By sorting waste the Austrian way, you're:
- Reducing pollution
- Supporting recycling
- Helping to keep Austria clean for everyone.
And it feels good to do good, doesn't it?
Thank you
for embracing the Austrian approach to caring for nature while you’re here!
- Take nothing but memories and leave nothing but footprints.
- Hiking? Take your rubbish home with you.
- Enjoy the tap water, which is fresh from the Alps, crystal clear and perfectly safe.
Together we keep Austria beautiful for your next adventure!