If you are moving to Zagreb, one of the first practical things you will need to understand is how waste separation works.
This guide explains the basics — what ZG bags are, how waste is sorted, and what you are expected to do as a tenant.
What are ZG bags?
Since 2022, mixed waste in Zagreb must be disposed of using official city bags called ZG bags. They are used for everything that cannot be recycled. ZG bags are available in three sizes (10 L, 20 L and 40 L) and can be purchased in many shops across the city. A full list of locations is available here.
How much does waste disposal cost?
Waste collection in Zagreb includes a fixed monthly fee and the cost of ZG bags. The fixed fee is €5.97 per month, plus the cost of the bags you use.
Where do you throw your waste?
People dispose of waste in designated bins and containers, which are usually located in the building courtyard, shared waste rooms, or designated areas on the street. In most cases, the exact location depends on the building, so it is best to ask your landlord where to dispose of your waste.
How to separate waste properly
Zagreb divides waste into several categories. The most important ones are:
Plastic and metal (yellow bins or bags)
This includes:
- plastic bottles (water, soft drinks, oil, cleaning products)
- food packaging (yogurt cups, containers, etc.)
- plastic bags and foil
- cans and metal packaging
- tetra pak packaging
Glass (green containers)
This includes:
- glass bottles
- glass jars
Do not dispose of:
- window glass
- mirrors
- ceramics
- light bulbs
Paper (blue containers)
This includes:
- newspapers and magazines
- notebooks and office paper
- cardboard and boxes
- paper bags
Do not dispose of:
- dirty or oily paper
- diapers
- photo paper
Bio waste (brown bins)
Bio waste includes:
- fruit and vegetable scraps
- coffee grounds and tea bags
- eggshells
- bread and plant-based food leftovers
Do not dispose of:
- meat, fish or bones
- dairy products
- oils and fats
Mixed waste (ZG bags)
Finally, everything that cannot be recycled goes into ZG bags, which are then placed in the designated mixed waste containers.
Final note
After you move in, check with your landlord where to dispose of waste and what the collection schedule looks like, as it can vary depending on the building. For more details on waste separation in Zagreb, check out the flyer!