Disposing of butter packaging: Eco‑friendly practices described

Sometimes, even a few times a week, we encounter this issue. We run out of butter and would like to dispose of its packaging in an environmentally friendly way. How do we do it correctly? It turns out that many of us make mistakes in this regard.

Butter is a prevalent fat and is used in most homes. It is ideal for sandwiches, quick frying, and baking cakes. However, even a few "wrappers" of butter may end up in the trash each week—hopefully, always in the appropriate place.

Although butter packaging looks similar at first glance, it can differ significantly. It may be paper, but it may be made from different types of paper. It could be wax paper, paper combined with aluminum foil, or even eco-friendly foil that resembles paper. Some people also buy butter in plastic containers, similar to margarine ones.

Dirty butter paper should go into the mixed waste container regardless of the type. Only clean and dry paper is suitable for recycling. Throw those items unsuitable for recycling into the mixed waste container. This includes, among others, meat leftovers and bones, wet or dirty paper, used hygiene materials such as disposable diapers, cat litter, china, broken glass and mirrors, and textiles. Never throw away electrical and electronic equipment, household appliances, batteries and accumulators, construction and renovation waste, green waste, medicines, and chemicals.

Butter packaging, including clarified butter and other spreads, should be thrown into yellow containers for metal and plastics. There is no need to wash them before disposal, but they should be thoroughly emptied. Plastic undergoes mechanical recycling, during which it is sorted, shredded, washed, and processed into granulate. It is later used to produce new plastic products.