How do Other Countries Handle Trash?

As you see a barge full of American trash float down the river in your city or you drive past the smelly mound that is the trash dump, do you ever wonder how other countries handle their trash? You may be intrigued to find out.

For example, Germany is one of the leading countries in recycling. While Americans only recycle or reuse approximately 30 percent of their trash, Germany recycles or reuses approximately 70 percent of their trash. That's more than double the U.S. One way that Germany achieves such a high rate of recycling its waste is that the manufacturers of German products are highly aware and involved in creating products that can be recycled or reused.

There are also some German recycling laws thrown in for good measure that require product companies to consider waste avoidance, waste recovery and environmentally compatible ways to dispose of waste before they begin the manufacturing process. This and as you wander around Germany, you'll find a variety of recycling receptacles where German citizens can easily deposit their items in the appropriate recycling container, which is something that isn't as prominent in the U.S.