Poland and Hungary issue waste‑segregation guidance for egg cartons and medicine blisters

Guidelines clarify how to sort packaging from eggs and pharmaceuticals. Egg cartons made of paper or cardboard belong in the blue paper bin, provided they are dry and free of residue; wet or greasy cartons should be placed in mixed waste. Plastic, metal or styrofoam egg trays go to the yellow bin for plastics and metals, while reusable thicker‑plastic trays can be kept for transport before disposal.

For medication blisters, an empty multi‑material blister (PVC with aluminum foil) must be thrown into mixed waste because it cannot be effectively separated at recycling facilities. If the blister still contains tablets, it must be taken to a pharmacy or a special collection point rather than the household bin, as residual medicines can pollute water and harm wildlife. The accompanying paper box and leaflet go to the blue paper bin, and glass medicine bottles belong in mixed waste, not the green glass bin. Improper disposal can lead to environmental contamination, increased waste‑processing costs, and health hazards.

These rules aim to improve recycling rates, reduce contamination, and protect public health and the environment.