Restmüll

Restmüll, or residual waste, is the fraction of municipal solid waste that remains after the separation and sorting of recyclable materials and organic waste. It includes non-recyclable packaging, contaminated or broken items, textiles, nappies, hygiene products, ceramics, some plastics and other residues that cannot be practically reused or recycled in standard processes. The exact composition varies by region and consumer behavior.

In households and institutions, Restmüll is collected in dedicated bins or bags (for example, Restmülltonne in Germany and similar containers elsewhere), often color-coded black or gray. The aim of waste separation programs is to minimize the volume of Restmüll by diverting materials to recycling streams such as paper, plastics, metals, glass, and organic waste.

Disposal and treatment typically involve energy recovery in waste-to-energy plants, where incineration produces electricity and heat. Some residual fractions may undergo mechanical-biological treatment or be preprocessed to reduce volume and improve safety before disposal. Hazardous components are separated and treated according to regulations; bottom ash and air pollution control residues are managed as required.

In Germany and many parts of Europe, Restmüll is regulated under the national waste law (Kreislaufwirtschaftsgesetz, KrWG) and related directives, with the broader objective of waste prevention, recycling, and sustainable material use. The management of Restmüll reflects the balance between minimizing waste sent to landfills, maximizing energy recovery, and reducing environmental impact.