Collection Systems in Luxembourg 🇱🇺
About
Luxembourg uses a color-coded container system with Blue for packaging (Valorlux Blue Bag / PMC), Blue for paper, Green for glass (bring banks), and Brown for bio-waste. Collection methods vary by commune. A nationwide hazardous waste collection system (SuperDrecksKëscht - SDK) operates.
Collection Streams
Plastic/Metal/Drink Carton Packaging (Valorlux "Blue Bag" / PMC) - PACKAGING ONLY
What goes in:
- Plastic packaging: plastic bottles & flasks; plastic containers up to 5 L; plastic cups; plastic trays (not black); many plastic pots/tubs; plastic films & bags
- Metal packaging: drink cans; food tins; jar lids/caps; metal trays (incl. pet food trays); some (empty) cosmetic/food aerosols
- Beverage cartons (Tetra Pak-type)
What does NOT go in:
- Non-packaging plastics (e.g., toys, plastic household objects); black plastic packaging; polystyrene/Styropor; multi-layer pouches (e.g., coffee/chips/pet food sachets); medicine packaging; aluminium foil; paper/cardboard; glass; residual waste
Notes:
- Empty only (no need to wash), max 5 L, and flatten where possible
- Packaging must be empty—contents should be removed
Paper & Cardboard (Blue Bin)
What goes in:
- Paper bags; cardboard boxes; newspapers, magazines, leaflets; books; office/printer paper
What does NOT go in:
- Soiled/greasy paper; cellophane paper; wallpaper; aluminium paper/foil
Notes:
- Remove plastic wrap from newspapers/magazines before putting them in
Glass Packaging (Green Bin / Bottle Banks) - PACKAGING ONLY
What goes in:
- Bottles, flasks and jars (empty, no caps/lids)
What does NOT go in:
- Flat glass (windows, mirrors) in kerbside hollow-glass bins; heat-resistant glass (oven dishes, hob glass); porcelain/ceramics; earthenware; opaline/crystal; bulbs/neon tubes
Notes:
- Many communes ask you to remove caps/lids and may ask for a quick rinse
- Flat glass is typically handled via a recycling/resource centre (not the hollow-glass kerbside bin)
Bio-waste / Organics (Brown Bin)
What goes in:
- Solid food scraps (fruit/veg, eggshells); cooked food incl. meat/fish/bones; coffee filters & tea bags; kitchen paper; small/shredded garden waste (depending on commune) such as leaves/grass/plants and small branches if shredded
What does NOT go in:
- Liquids (soups/sauces); large branches not shredded; ash/dust; diapers; excrement/litter; frying oil; cigarette butts; vacuum cleaner bags; all non-organic materials (plastics, metals, textiles, batteries, paint, etc.)
Notes:
- Luxembourg rules emphasise: no plastics in bio-waste, including 'biodegradable/compostable' plastics
- Some syndicates promote corn-based biodegradable liners for keeping bins cleaner—follow local acceptance rules to avoid non-collection
- Availability varies by commune: some areas integrate a lot of garden waste into the brown bin, others use separate green-waste drop-offs/composting halls
Residual Waste (Grey Bin)
What goes in:
- Non-recyclable, incinerable household waste (i.e., 'what's left after sorting')
What does NOT go in:
- Anything with a dedicated collection: paper/cardboard, glass, bio-waste, packaging for the Valorlux Blue Bag, wood, etc.; hazardous/toxic waste (e.g., medicines, paints/varnish, batteries, bulbs, many aerosols)
Notes:
- Rule of thumb used by communes: only put items here if there is no separate stream for them
- Communes may refuse/penalise bins containing large amounts of recyclables/hazardous waste
Hazardous Waste (SuperDrecksKëscht - SDK)
What goes in:
- Household hazardous products such as: medicines; chemicals/solvents; paints/varnish; pesticides; batteries/accumulators; many pressurised containers (depending on type); certain contaminated packaging; lamps/tubes; etc.
What does NOT go in:
- Do not place these in residual waste or recycling bins. (Some items have special channels—follow SDK/commune instructions.)
Notes:
- SDK operates nationwide collection solutions for residents (drop-off and other systems) to keep hazardous items out of household bins
- Use SDK especially for anything with hazard symbols or leftover chemicals
What Gets Collected
Accepted Items
- • Packaging materials (varies by stream)
- • Empty and clean containers
- • Material-specific items
Not Accepted
- • Non-packaging items
- • Contaminated materials
- • Hazardous containers with contents
Regional Variations
Collection systems in Luxembourg may vary by municipality or region. Local sorting capabilities, collection infrastructure, and acceptance criteria can differ significantly even within the same country.
Important Notes
Luxembourg uses Valorlux Blue Bag system for packaging—this is a bring-bank system, not comprehensive kerbside collection
The SuperDrecksKëscht (SDK) system is a nationwide hazardous waste collection system—use this for hazardous items
Bio-waste rules vary by commune—check local guidance
Collection methods vary by commune—always check local guidance
Sources
Collection system information is based on national and regional guidelines. For the most current and location-specific information, consult local waste management authorities.