Disposing of household waste

Household waste or residual waste comprises solid, mixed waste generated during normal household activities in private homes. This also includes out-of-date medicines in quantities typical for household use.
This waste should be placed in the household waste bin or residual waste bin.

Recyclable household waste, such as paper and cardboard, packaging, glass, organic and green waste, must be sorted for recycling. Used batteries and waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) do not belong in the residual waste bin either.
Waste electrical and electronic equipment and used batteries from private households can be handed in free of charge at local collection points, e.g. recycling centres. In addition, retailers subject to take-back obligations will generally accept small waste electrical and electronic equipment with a side length of no more than 25 cm free of charge, even without the purchase of a new appliance. Larger appliances can be returned to the retailer when purchasing a new appliance of the same type, or arranged for collection via the bulky waste collection service.

The relevant city or district authority determines the specific details regarding disposal via the household or residual waste bin, such as collection frequency, bin sizes and prices.

Please note: Special regulations apply to commercial waste.