The abbreviation PMD stands for plastic packaging, mdisplay packaging and ddrink cartons (or drink cartons). So not only plastic food packaging, but also empty dairy and soft drink cartons are allowed, as are metal food cans. Technically, soft drink cans are also allowed in there, although nowadays you can of course return them for a deposit.
Depends on each municipality
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Depending on the municipality in which you live, you may or may not be able to deliver your waste separately. For source separation, you deliver PMD separately, in a (semi-)transparent bag or in the appropriate container. During post-separation, the waste processor in your region sorts the PMD from the residual waste. All other waste (such as organic waste and paper) must be delivered separately in both cases.
Both ways have advantages and disadvantages. During post-separation, only PMD can be removed, because other types of waste cannot be separated afterwards, according to Milieu Centraal. Nevertheless, the environmental organization advises to separate your waste as best as possible, wherever you live and whatever the separation policy is. This makes it easier to recycle and valuable materials can be given a second life.
But what is allowed in the PMD container and what is not allowed?
Coffee cups
Coffee cups are made of mixed materials, including metal and plastic. Due to this composition, until recently they could not be placed in the PMD container, but this has now changed. Since January 1, 2026, aluminum and plastic coffee capsules have been allowed in the PMD container, even if they are not empty, writes Verpact, a Dutch organization for packaging recycling. In addition, you can return the cups of some brands directly to the supplier, so that they get a second life.
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is not allowed in the PMD waste, because it is processed in different ways. These must therefore also be disposed of in different ways. For example, Styrofoam from food packaging must be thrown into the residual waste and Styrofoam used as filling material must be sent to the recycling center.
Yogurt and whipped cream cups
Despite the combination of plastic and aluminum, these can be disposed of as PMD waste. Remove the aluminum lid from the cup and place it separately in your PMD bin, so that both parts can be better processed at the waste center.
Plastic shopping bags
Reusing plastic shopping bags is certainly encouraged, but after some time they can easily be broken by heavy or sharp objects. If the bag can no longer be used, it can be disposed of as PMD waste. Although recycling organizations kindly ask you to empty the bag completely and cut the handles, so that nothing can get stuck in it.
Vegetable and fruit nets
The nets that are wrapped around onions and tangerines, for example, are also often thrown into the PMD container, but they do not belong there. A net for fruit or vegetables is usually made of plastic or textile and therefore belongs to the residual waste.
Spray cans
Until recently, aerosol cans were not allowed in the PMD container, but this has been allowed since January 2026. This includes all household aerosols, such as deodorant and hairspray, but also paint and whipped cream.
Hard plastic such as toys and cutting boards
Hard plastic items do not belong in the PMD bin. Consider, for example, toys, watering cans, garden furniture, buckets, clothes hangers, plant pots or PVC pipes. You can hand these in at the recycling center.
Makeup packaging
Most make-up packaging consists largely of hard plastic, and should therefore not be thrown into the PMD container. These can also be thrown in the residual waste.
Bread bags with plastic window
Combination packaging that consists partly of plastic or metal, such as soup bags, spice bags or paper bread bags with a plastic window, may be disposed of as PMD waste. As with coffee capsules and aerosol cans, this has been permitted since January 1, 2026.
Are you unsure about which bin or bag to put your waste in? Then look at the Waste Separation Guide. There you will find a clear and up-to-date overview of what belongs to PMD waste.
