Recycling and Trash

In most places recycling is not available, and one is expected to throw all types of waste into the trash. Families recycle in their own houses. Glass bottles are returned to the shop when buying new mineral water or beer; otherwise, new drinks cost more. Plastic bottles are used for the tomato juice or paprika cream that women prepare for using over the winter. Paper is sometimes recycled in schools or institutions. In big cities one finds containers for glass and paper, or different shops that buy different types of bottles. Every house or block needs to have "pubele," which is a special type of trashcan that closes hermetically. Trash is collected twice a week.