Used paper, cardboard, and paperboard that is collected in order to be reused or recycled.
example
Vergiss bitte nicht, die Zeitungen und Kartons zum Altpapier zu bringen.
Please don't forget to take the newspapers and cardboard to the waste paper collection.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word 'Altpapier' (waste paper) is a simple compound made up of the adjective 'alt' (old) and the noun 'das Papier' (paper). So it literally means 'old paper.'
EXAMPLE
Altes Papier gehört nicht in den normalen Müll.
Old paper does not belong in the regular trash.
Use in the singular
'Altpapier' (waste paper) is a mass noun (like water or sand) and is therefore almost always used in the singular. It describes the material as a whole, not individual sheets.
EXAMPLE
Wir sammeln das ganze Altpapier in einer blauen Tonne.
We collect all the waste paper in a blue bin.
Typical collocations
In everyday life, 'Altpapier' (waste paper) is often used with verbs such as 'sammeln' (to collect), 'wegbringen' (to take away), or 'entsorgen' (to dispose of). Common nouns in this context are 'die Altpapiertonne' (waste paper bin) and 'der Altpapiercontainer' (waste paper container).
EXAMPLE
Jeden ersten Montag im Monat wird bei uns das Altpapier abgeholt.
Every first Monday of the month, our waste paper is collected.