Fost Plus is seeing an increase in the number of sorting errors with regard to the blue PMD bags that are being collected. Around 14 per cent of the waste collected in the blue PMD bag should not have been put there! Fost Plus is a non-profit organisation set up by the private sector to fulfill the obligations of companies that market packaged products. It promotes selective collections of waste, waste sorting and organises and funds the recycling of household packaging waste. So, what is and is not allowed in the blue PMD bag?
Fost Plus spokeswoman Valerie Bruyninckx explains that it’s especially batteries, technological appliances and toys that are ending up in the blue PMD bag that should be there. In big cities, sorting is clearly also a lot sloppier, she adds. PMD, by the way, stands for Plastic, Metal and Drinks cartons and cans.
The basic rule is simple: if it is plastic, metal or drink carton packaging then it can go in the blue bag.
Still in doubt? Then take a look at the Fost Plus website . There you will find several handy sorting guides as well as answers to your many questions.
So, what is actually allowed in the blue PMD bag?
Plastic packaging: bottles, flasks, trays, jars, tubes, foils, bags, drink capsules (e.g. for coffee).
Metal packaging: beverage cans, aerosols, trays, bowls, lids, caps, crown caps, drink capsules (e.g. coffee)
Drink cartons
What does not belong in the blue bag?
Packaging consisting of a mix of materials that cannot be separated from each other:
Packaging with child-safety caps
Packaging that can contain more than 8 litres
Packaging of ‘small hazardous waste’, such as pesticides, silicone sealants and engine oils
Other materials:
Batteries and devices with (rechargeable) batteries, such as garden lamps, mobile phones and vapes
Electrical and electronic devices, such as toothbrushes and hairdryers
Styrofoam
Plastic toys
Textiles, shoes, nappies
Rules for proper recycling
Empty bottles and other containers properly
Flatten plastic bottles and put the cap on them afterwards
Remove plastic film from dishes and throw them into the bag separately
Separate foils from other packaging and throw them into the bag separately
Do not stick packaging together
Mistakes are costly and dangerous!
Fost Plus says the rise in sorting errors not only complicates the recycling process and increases costs, but it also increases the threats to binmen and women. Although the waste treatment process is done by machines, there is still some human involvement. When hazardous waste explodes at sorting centres, workers are at risk, Fost Plus warns.