The Streets That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Even a simple thing like taking a stroll around a Danish city can tell you about this country's deep commitment to combating climate change and supporting the welfare of its people.

Copenhagen's approach to sustainability quickly stood out to me; even the smallest details on the streets—like the city’s trash bins—have a deeper meaning and purpose than what meets the eye.

Most trash cans in Copenhagen have a small metal shelf sticking out that reads 'Giv din pant videre’ translated into: ‘Give your pant forward’.

Trashcan in Norrebro, Copenhagen with a metal shelf protruding from its side with the text ‘Giv din pant videre’. (Photo: Nela Chestojanova)

During the first month of my semester in Denmark my Danish skills were limited, but I noticed the trash can shelf in many areas of the city. I was puzzled—what could the purpose of this little shelf be?

I had multiple ideas about its intended use in mind, from an umbrella holder to a place where you could lock your bike. Then I noticed a person placing an empty can on the shelf and its purpose made more sense.

This shelf goes hand in hand with the so-called ‘pant system’ in Denmark. Each container, whether plastic, glass, or metal, has a redeemable value and is classified into one of three categories. Depending on its material and size, the containers can be exchanged for cash vouchers – known as ‘pant’ – to use in stores.

Some Danes are very determined when it comes to collecting the ‘pant’ and they go to supermarkets every Sunday to redeem their packed goods. However, if you are out in the city and finish a canned, plastic, or glass bottled drink but cannot or do not want to redeem the ‘pant’ on your bottle, you can simply place it on the trash can shelf. Instead of going to waste, the bottle becomes accessible to those who collect ‘pant’ – usually people in need who can redeem the container for a small refund at any participating supermarket. 

This small but powerful design element enhances both dignity and ease for the collectors and has environmental benefits, too. It helps reduce litter and boost recycling rates by providing an easy solution for passing bottles and cans forward. The “Giv din pant videre” initiative is a perfect example of the Danish welfare mindset — a simple, communal system where everyone benefits from the simple actions of others.

Making good use of the same trash can. (Photo: Nela Chestojanova)

Origin of the Pant System

Denmark is among the first countries in Europe to implement the ‘pant’ system, dating back to 1942. It was originally created for glass bottles, allowing the Danes to redeem the deposit in exchange for their recycled bottles. With time, the system expanded to include plastic and aluminium cans. Today, it is a closed-loop recycling system where used containers are recycled into new ones of the same type. The Danish ‘pant’ system has become one of the most successful in the world with more than 9 out of 10 bottles and cans returned, and participation rates continue to grow. The design of this system and its application on the bins showcases how even a small detail can reflect a society’s values.

Different colour, same message: Trashcan in the Bispebjerg area in Copenhagen. The imprinted text translates into Pure Love for Bispebjerg. (Photo: Nela Chestojanova)

The Pant Collectors

Denmark is a welfare state and even the simplest actions, such as individuals placing their bottles on the shelf instead of tossing them in the trash, directly contribute to the well being of others in their community.

The ‘pant’ shelves are a sort of lifeline for bottle collectors – typically Copenhagen’s unhoused people, immigrants, and others in need. The collectors are visible throughout the city both day and night; they are usually pulling trolleys equipped with big plastic bags and special tools. 

Yet, there’s another unique social dynamic happening as well. Often the neighbourhoods in Copenhagen belong to different “‘pant’ territories." This informal division among collectors gives rise to what locals refer to as “‘pant’ mafias.” Collectors respect each other’s territories, creating an unspoken system of cooperation amongst them. 

Efficient and Dignified Design 

The attitude of the people leaving their redeemables is equally compelling. Even when there is no ‘pant’ shelf on a trash can, many people in Copenhagen still leave their can or bottle on top of the trashcan or beside it. Their simple action signals that these items are intended for collection, not disposal. 

The community’s support and active engagement with the ‘pant’ shelves undoubtedly makes redeeming and recycling containers easier and more accessible to those in need. It’s a simple act that underscores respect for both the environment and the individuals who rely on collecting these items. Simple efforts like this reflect how aspirations toward environmental justice are affected heavily by people’s understanding of community.

Not all trash cans look the same. Some do not have metal shelves, yet that does not stop the people from passing the ‘pant’ forward. (Photo: Nela Chestojanova)

The simple design of this trash can on the streets of Copenhagen is a powerful model of community-driven sustainability. They demonstrate how infrastructure in the city can encourage recycling and foster a culture where everyday habits reinforce environmental stewardship. The ‘pant’ shelves on the bins are a small but impactful reminder that sustainable solutions are often