Recycling system in Estonia

Did you know that recycling one aluminium can save the same quantity of energy which is needed for the TV to run for 3 hours. Recycling one ton waste paper saves 17 trees, 1400 litres of fuel, 4000 KW energy and over 26,000 litres of water. Recycling plastic takes 70% less energy than making new plastic. Recycling glass creates 20% less air pollution and 50% less water pollution than making new glass. Recycling one ton of plastic bags saves 1700 litres of fuel.

Recycling and sorting garbage became popular in Estonia just a few years ago and it takes time to get used to it.

5 easy things to remember about sorting garbage:
1. Don't worry too much - In the beginning do as much as you can and don't worry about the rest. It is no use to make things complicated from the start and then realise that sorting garbage is too hard. It's important to remember that even a little bit helps.
2. Recycling garbage means more than just sorting it - Even giving away your clothes for charity is recycling. Ones old is someones new!
3. Practice makes perfect - You shouldn't worry if it isn't going so well at first. In time sorting garbage will be an everyday activity.
4. Everyone's effort makes a difference - Don't forget this!
5. Simplicity foremost - You shouldn't invest a lot of money for special trashcans. You can store paper into paperbags.

Sorting garbage - what and how?
Garbage can be divided into different groups: paper and carton, biodegredable garbage, packages, dangerous garbage and everything else is named mixed garbage.

This is where to put them:
Paper and carton container: Newspapers, magazines, catalogs, ads etc.
Biodegredable garbage container: Food leftovers, plants, etc. When sorting biodegredable garbage one must remember that it should be put into paper bags and food products with plastic packages should be separated from the plastic.
Package container: Plastic, glass, and metal packages.
Dangerous garbage collecting site: Old medicine and other medical products, batteries, products containing mercury.