Before the recyclable materials contained in waste can undergo a recycling process, the waste must first be treated. This treatment can be carried out in various ways. A distinction is made between material recovery and energy recovery, with material recovery being considered superior in the waste hierarchy and, where technically feasible and economically reasonable, should be prioritized over energy recovery. The “recovery” of food can also be included here.

Valorlux

The recyclable materials in the Valorlux bag or recycling bin consist mainly of glass, metal, paper and cardboard, and various plastics. For these materials, there are several recycling processes that allow them to be recovered and reused as secondary raw materials in new manufacturing processes.

Combating littering

It’s often the same story: cigarette butts, cans, and other litter carelessly discarded “litter” the meadows, parks, and streets of Luxembourg. The trash is thrown out car windows or dropped while walking. This highly questionable method of “disposing of trash,” known as littering, is essentially “pollution by trash.”

A large portion of litter is caused by cigarette butts. Broken glass left on playgrounds or grassy areas also poses a danger to children and adults. Furthermore, this waste often takes years, or even decades, to decompose completely. In addition, plastic bags and cigarette butts release toxic substances into the soil or groundwater, posing a significant risk to plants, animals, and humans.

For this reason, make these simple habits part of your daily routine: don’t litter. Recycle your waste or dispose of your packaging in a trash can.
https://www.valorlux.lu/fr/

Food Sharing

Saving food, sharing it, and raising awareness about food waste: that is the principle and goal of Foodsharing. The Foodsharing initiative is actively committed to ensuring that food does not end up in the trash.

On a small scale, this works through a network of individuals: they can use the platform to donate food they’ve bought in excess or don’t like.

On a large scale, partnerships with businesses such as supermarkets, bakeries, and cafeterias make it possible to salvage and redistribute food nearing its expiration date, produce removed from the fruit and vegetable sections, excess baked goods, and prepared meals made in excess quantities.

www.foodsharing.lu

Gielt Band

Every year during harvest season, many fruit trees in Luxembourg are adorned with yellow ribbons. These ribbons indicate: “Here, you may pick fruit for free and without permission.”

This allows passersby to pick fruit from nearby trees for their own personal use, free of charge. This initiative stems from the “Bande Jaune” harvesting campaign, which has been gaining momentum in recent years. It helps harvest more fruit and ensures that fruit trees in Luxembourg are put to better use.
https://agriculture.public.lu/

Against food waste

Throughout the food supply chain, from production to our plates, about one-third of the food intended for human consumption is lost worldwide. According to estimates by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), this amounts to 1.3 billion tons each year.

More awareness, less waste: With the campaign “Zu gut für die Tonne!” (Too good for the trash!), the Ministry of Agriculture is committed to raising awareness among consumers and stakeholders throughout the food supply chain about sustainable food management and reducing waste.

Learning about food production, resource use, the labor that goes into food, and the consequences of food waste helps us better appreciate the value of food and use it more sustainably.
http://www.antigaspi.lu/