European household waste sorting guidance

In July 2026, Belgium's EcoWerf and Fost Plus published a guide for households on how to sort barbecue packaging waste for the PMD collection, listing acceptable items such as empty plastic bottles, trays, foil, aluminum, metal cans and drink cans, and warning against non‑empty packaging, charcoal bags or cutlery.

Later that month, Polish authorities and service providers issued similar guidance for residents, focusing on renovation debris and organic waste. They outlined authorised disposal channels for concrete, old furniture, paint residues and plasterboard, and described the use of temporary containers in Wrocław and municipal PSZOK points. The guidance also detailed what may be placed in brown bio‑waste bins, excluding meat, liquids, oils, soil and other prohibited items, and directed garden waste and hazardous materials to specific collection points.

Both sets of instructions aim to improve household waste segregation, reduce illegal dumping and increase recycling rates by providing clear, country‑specific sorting rules.