Dealing with Waste and Recycling in Israel: A Newcomer’s Guide
Moving to a new country comes with a lot of adjustments, and one thing you might not have thought about is how to handle your household waste and recycling. In Israel, waste management is an important part of daily life, and understanding the system can help you contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment. Whether you’re settling in a bustling city or a quiet moshav (village), knowing where to toss your trash and how to recycle can make life easier. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of dealing with waste and recycling in Israel.
1. Understanding the Waste Collection System
In Israel, waste collection is primarily managed by local municipalities. The system is fairly straightforward, but there are a few differences compared to other countries that may catch you by surprise.
Municipal Collection Days
Most cities and towns in Israel have designated days for waste collection, with separate days for general trash and recyclables. You’ll typically see large green bins (or pach yerok) outside residential buildings or on street corners, where you can dispose of your general household waste.
It’s important to note that these bins are for mixed waste—anything that is not recyclable. Be sure to place your trash in tied bags to avoid pests and odors, especially during the hot Israeli summers!
Cleaning Crews and Street Sweepers
In many urban areas, especially in cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, street cleaning crews and mechanical sweepers are a common sight. These teams help maintain cleanliness by clearing public spaces of litter. However, as a resident, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your trash is properly bagged and placed in the bins, not left on the ground.
Pro Tip: Some municipalities use a “pay-as-you-throw” system, where the number of garbage bins distributed to each building is limited, and additional bins cost extra. Be mindful of your waste output to avoid overfilling your building’s bin!
2. Recycling in Israel: What You Need to Know
Recycling is taken seriously in Israel, but the system can be a little different from what you might be used to. Israel has made significant strides toward improving recycling rates, and as a resident, you can play a part in this effort.
Recycling Bins and What Goes Where
You’ll notice several types of recycling bins around your neighborhood, each with a specific purpose. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Orange Bins for Packaging Waste: The orange bins are for packaging materials like plastic containers, cans, and cartons. This includes things like shampoo bottles, yogurt containers, and tin cans. However, not all plastics are recyclable, so be sure to check local guidelines (usually posted on the bins themselves).
- Blue Bins for Paper and Cardboard: The blue bins are for paper products, including newspapers, magazines, and cardboard boxes. Flatten your cardboard boxes to save space in the bin.
- Purple Bins for Glass: You’ll find purple bins specifically for glass bottles and jars. These bins are usually located in public areas rather than directly outside homes. Rinse your glass bottles before recycling them to avoid attracting insects.
- Battery and Electronics Recycling: Many grocery stores, schools, and public buildings have special collection points for electronic waste and batteries. Look for small collection bins near the entrance of supermarkets or inside municipal offices.
Deposit Refunds on Bottles
Israel has a bottle deposit law known as the Deposit Law (Chok HaPikadon), which applies to plastic and glass bottles up to 1.5 liters. When you purchase beverages, you pay a small deposit, which you can get back by returning the empty bottles to designated machines or collection points. You’ll notice deposit machines (usually located near big supermarkets) where you can return bottles and receive a small refund.
3. Composting and Reducing Food Waste
Another way to reduce your environmental footprint in Israel is by composting and being mindful of food waste. This is especially important in a country that experiences long, dry summers and is constantly looking for ways to conserve resources.
Composting at Home
While composting isn’t as widespread in Israeli cities as it is in some other countries, more and more residents are starting to embrace this eco-friendly practice. If you have a garden or a small outdoor area, you can easily set up a compost bin for food scraps and garden waste. Some municipalities even offer workshops or discounts on composting bins to encourage residents to take part in this initiative.
Food Rescue Initiatives
Food waste is a growing concern globally, and Israel has several initiatives aimed at reducing it. One of the most notable is Leket Israel, a national food rescue organization that collects surplus food from restaurants, hotels, and farms, redistributing it to those in need. As a newcomer, you may want to get involved in local community efforts to reduce food waste or donate excess food to these organizations.
4. What Happens to the Waste in Israel?
Now that you’re sorting your trash and recyclables, you might wonder—what happens next?
Landfills and Waste-to-Energy
Much of Israel’s waste still ends up in landfills, but the country is working hard to reduce this number. Israel has invested in waste-to-energy plants, which convert non-recyclable waste into energy that can power homes and businesses. These efforts are part of the country’s goal to reduce landfill use and increase recycling by 2030.
Recycling Centers
Recyclables are processed at various recycling centers across the country. The materials are sorted, cleaned, and then sold as raw materials to manufacturers. By separating your waste properly, you’re helping ensure that these materials can be reused in new products.
Conclusion: A Cleaner Future Starts with You
Navigating Israel’s waste and recycling system might take a little getting used to, but it’s an important part of daily life here. By separating your recyclables, composting when possible, and being mindful of food waste, you’re contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable Israel. The local municipalities and national organizations are working hard to improve waste management, but every resident’s effort counts. So, next time you take out the trash or drop a bottle in a recycling bin, know that you’re helping to make a difference!
Welcome to Israel, and thanks for doing your part!