RECYCLING IN PRAGUE: COMPLETE GUIDE

Prague, like many European capitals, is gradually improving its waste management and recycling system. Although the Czech Republic is not yet among the leading countries in Europe for recycling rates, in recent years the city has made progress to make the correct disposal of materials easier and more widespread. For residents, students, and tourists, knowing the recycling rules in Prague is useful not only to comply with the law but also to actively contribute to reducing unsorted waste and protecting the urban environment.

The colors of the bins and what to throw in each one

The core of Prague’s recycling system is the network of colored bins, available in practically every neighborhood. The legend is simple:

• Blue → paper and cardboard
• Yellow → plastic and, since September 2023, also Tetra Pak containers
• Green and white → glass (formerly separated by color, now simplified)
• Brown → organic and garden waste (bio–waste)
• Black → mixed unsorted waste

The city has digitalized the system, allowing people to locate bins through official apps like Moje Praha or via online maps on the City Hall website. This makes recycling in Prague easier even for those staying only temporarily.

Map of bin colors and collection points:
https://webgis.mepnet.cz/mapa/pasport-odpadoveho-hospodarstvi/?c=-738250.5%3A-1048079&z=1&lb=osmll&ly=odse%2Codst%2Chmc%2Chr%2Cad%2Cul&lyo=

Recycling and mixed waste

Special attention is given to organic waste: brown bins, which can be requested from the municipality, are intended for kitchen scraps (peels, vegetable leftovers, coffee grounds, eggshells) and garden clippings, while meat, bones, oils, and diapers are prohibited. However, in the city center, due to lack of space and odor issues, organic waste is still disposed of in the mixed waste bins. The black mixed-waste bins are not freely accessible on the street: they are assigned to individual buildings or housing associations, which manage their capacity and use. These bins are for all non-recyclable or contaminated materials, such as dirty or mixed items. Reducing mixed waste is one of the city’s main goals, aiming to increase Prague’s recycling rate.

Tetra Pak and special waste: what to know

A major change took place in September 2023, when Tetra Pak containers were permanently integrated into plastic recycling. This simplification eliminated separate bins, reducing errors and improving logistics.
For special waste, the city provides several options:

• Sběrné dvory (municipal collection yards): for bulky waste, furniture, large quantities of recyclables, used oil, and appliances.
• Batteries and small electronics: collected in supermarkets, schools, and electronics stores.
• Textiles and used clothes: dedicated containers, generally white.
• Expired medicines: accepted only at authorized pharmacies.
• Hazardous waste (paints, solvents, lightbulbs): disposed of at special collection points designated by the city.
• Oils and fats: can be delivered in plastic bottles to certain collection centers (marked in purple on the map).

Waste tax in Prague: who pays and how it works

Every resident in Prague must contribute to the waste management service through the waste tax (poplatek za odpad). The amount depends on the size of the container assigned to the building and the frequency of collection. Generally, payment is handled by the landlord or building administrator, while tenants contribute through rent or service charges. The deadline is March 31 each year, with payment possible via bank transfer, payment slip, or municipal offices. An additional incentive is that organic waste collection is free of charge, encouraging greater citizen participation.

Useful information for students and tourists

Even non-residents can contribute to proper recycling in Prague. International students living in dorms or shared apartments always have colored bins available and must follow the same rules as residents. Tourists can freely use the public bins on the street: colored containers are accessible to everyone, while small mixed waste can also be thrown into public litter bins. In case of doubt, official apps and city websites provide English translations and maps to locate the nearest collection points.

In summary, Prague’s recycling system is well structured, making life easier for citizens while contributing to environmental sustainability. Knowing the bin colors, the rules for special waste, the Tetra Pak integration, and how the waste tax works is essential for living in the city while respecting the environment—whether you are a resident, student, or temporary visitor.