Foreign substances in wastewater

• Tablets
• Liquid medicines
• Ointments and creams

Consequences of incorrect disposal:
Active ingredients end up in bodies of water, can pollute the ecosystem and jeopardise the health of animals and humans (e.g. hormonal changes in fish).

Tip:
Take old medicines to the pharmacy or dispose of them in the residual waste (permitted in Germany, but not in the toilet!).

• Paints and varnishes
• Solvents
• Household cleaners (e.g. toilet cleaners, chlorine cleaners)
• Plant protection products

Consequences of incorrect disposal:
Toxic substances damage microorganisms in sewage treatment plants and can end up in soil or water, which pollutes the groundwater in the long term.

Tip:
Dispose of hazardous chemicals such as paints, varnishes or solvents at pollutant collection points.

• Frying oil and cooking oil
• Butter and margarine
• Leftover sauces and soups

Consequences:
Clog waste water pipes, form mountains of grease and make water treatment more difficult.

Tip:
Place liquid fats in a container and dispose of in the residual waste. Put leftover food in the organic waste bin or compost.

• Wet wipes and tissues
• Cotton buds
• Sanitary towels and tampons
• Nappies
• Cat litter

Consequences of incorrect disposal:
Can block pipes, damage pumps in sewage treatment plants and often end up unfiltered in the environment.

Tip:
Only dispose of these items in residual waste.

• Engine oil and lubricants
• Battery acid
• Pesticides and insecticides

Consequences of incorrect disposal:
Oils form a film on water surfaces, preventing oxygen exchange and damaging aquatic organisms.
Pesticides and fertilisers enter the groundwater and promote algae growth in bodies of water, which can lead to "tipping".

Tip:
Dispose of used oils and chemicals at waste oil collection points or recycling centres.

• Plastic film
• Packaging residues
• Plastic particles from cosmetics (e.g. scrubs, toothpaste)

Consequences of incorrect disposal:
Plastic particles end up in rivers and oceans, where they are ingested by animals and enter the food chain.

Tip:
Put packaging and plastic waste in the yellow bag/residual waste. Use microplastic-free products.

• Cigarette butt
• hair
• condoms
• Coffee grounds

Consequences of incorrect disposal:
Toxins such as nicotine and heavy metals pollute aquatic life and sewage treatment plants. Hair and coffee grounds clump together in wastewater pipes, cause blockages and block sewage treatment plants. Condoms and other rubber items do not decompose, clog pumps and end up in the environment.

Tip:
Cigarette butts, hair, condoms and other rubber articles belong in the residual waste, coffee grounds in the organic waste bin or as fertiliser in the compost.