Are bin colours the same everywhere?

No. Colours can differ between countries, cities, operators and even buildings. Use the label and official local instructions.

What if the container colour and label disagree?

Follow the printed label and current official service instruction rather than colour alone.

No. Collection schedules can vary by address and should be checked with the local service.

Local sorting guide

Use the colour, printed label and scope together. The guide below does not replace address-specific collection schedules.

Verified 2026-08-095 local streams

Quick sorting reference

Brussels, Belgium

Blue

Plastic packaging, metal packaging and drink cartonsBrussels-Capital Region bag system

Yellow

Clean, dry paper and cardboardBrussels-Capital Region bag system

Orange

Accepted food and kitchen wasteBrussels-Capital Region bag/container system

Green

Accepted garden wasteBrussels-Capital Region seasonal route

White

Non-recyclable household wasteBrussels-Capital Region bag system

Always read the label on the actual container. Colours are not globally standardised.

Confirm that the guide applies to your municipality, neighbourhood or operator.
Read the label on the container and check the accepted product format.
Keep batteries, electronics, chemicals and other special waste out of ordinary household streams.