In what year did the very first official recycling bins designated for paper and rags appear?

1883

The movement towards organized resource recovery, distinct from general refuse collection, began formalized efforts in the late 19th century. Evidence points to the introduction of the very first designated bins specifically intended for separating materials, such as paper and rags, in the calendar year 1883. This date is notable because it coincides exactly with the passage of the key Parisian ordinance regulating general household waste collection containers. This parallel development in the same year highlights a turning point where European cities began addressing waste management through two lenses simultaneously: disposal for public health and recovery for material reuse, signifying an early rise in environmental consciousness regarding discarded resources.