Bulky Waste Disposal - How to Do It Properly

What is bulky waste?

We are frequently asked by our tenants where and how to properly dispose of bulky waste. Although we give advice on the issue during the tenant consultation at the place of residence, we would like to give you some tips right here.

Here is a simple definition of bulky waste:

Bulky waste comprises all household items which are too large to be put into the normal waste bin, including furniture and equipment, except electric appliances and items which are fixed to the tenancy property, such as flooring, windows, doors and construction material. The residents are required to provide for the proper disposal of such items.

Some examples of bulky waste:

cupboards, chairs, balcony planters, bed frames, carpets, wardrobes, suitcases, pushchairs, drying racks und ironing boards.

A comprehensive list of bulky waste items as well as of items that do not belong to the bulky waste can be found here.

The following items are not bulky waste:

car tires and other car parts (car sellers or recycling facility), construction waste (special recycling services), televisions (electronic waste recycling services), audio systems (electronic waste recycling services), vacuum-cleaners (electrical waste recycling services), computer and accessories (electronic waste recycling services), duvet covers (textile waste or residual waste collection), refrigerators and washing machines (electrical waste recycling services).

Difference between bulky waste and electric waste

Electric and bulky waste are often confused. Small electronic devices, such as mobile phones or razors or often mistakenly thrown into the normal dustbin. Therefore, we want to provide the following link containing a comprehensive list of items belonging to the electronic waste. Electronic waste does not only contain precious raw materials, such as gold, silver and copper, but also toxic substances, such as lead and cadmium. If these materials were incinerated with the normal household waste, this would generate harmful emissions containing heavy metals. Therefore, it is essential to properly dispose of electronic waste.

A money-saving tip for the disposal of bulky waste

Before throwing away household items, you should consider whether they may still be useful for other people. We recommend you ask your friends and acquaintances about it or offer usable items for sale or free collection on websites, such as ebay ads. This will help you save the money for the disposal or even earn a little money giving away the devices you do not need any longer. Refrain from leaving such objects in the hallway or staircase.

How does the disposal of bulky waste work?

There are local recycling services who are responsible for the disposal of bulky waste. They collect once or twice a year reasonable amounts of bulky waste up to four cubic metres. This service may even be provided free of charge. You have to give notice of the collection to the lessor. The date of the collection is fixed by the recycling service provider. It is recommended to talk to the neighbours to arrange a collection date where all tenants prepare their bulky waste for the collection. Generally, the bulky waste is deposited beside the street the day before the collection later in the evening or early in the morning on collection day. Of course, the waste may not embarrass pedestrians or cyclists. Please contact the local recycling business for more information about the services.

The costs for the collection of bulky waste vary depending on the town. Detailed information is available from the local recycling service or local administration. The costs for the collection (twice a year) may be included in the annual waste bill.

Improper disposal of bulky waste may be costly!

It is forbidden to throw bulky waste into the recycling bin or to deposit it at the waste collection facility. Any improper disposal is subject to criminal charges. A fine may be inflicted even for the illegal disposal of only one item. Depending on the federal state, you may be fined with up to € 5000 for the illegal disposal of bulky waste. Even if the offender is not caught, the illegal disposal is likely to cause an increase in waste disposal costs - for all tenants of the housing complex.

Please note that these are general tips regarding bulky waste disposal provided for your convenience. It is the local waste collection service who establishes the procedures and who you should ask for detailed information.