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Waste Disposal/Refuse Collection

The waste disposal and recycling in Baden-Württemberg is the job of the districts (Stadtkreise and Landkreise) which each have different rules for their areas.

Tip: You can get further information on the applicable system and the individual requirements for your district on the website of your Waste Disposal Authority. This includes information on the waste disposal charges, dustbins (specified size, ordering), waste disposal calendar and types of waste. You can also receive information and advice in writing or by telephone.

If you move from the catchment area of the Waste Disposal Authority, then any waste disposal charges that have been paid in excess will be partially refunded by your previous Waste Disposal Authority.

One has to differentiate between waste from private households and commercial waste, for which there are special regulations. There are also special requirements for many types of waste (e.g. paper, glass, batteries, electrical appliances). Information will be issued by the responsible authority.

Responsible department

  • if you live in an urban district: the city council (Stadtverwaltung)
  • if you live in a rural district: the rural district office (Landratsamt)

Procedure

Please inquire at your relevant authority, whether you are obliged to have a dustbin. This is compulsory in many districts. In some cases, it is also possible to share a dustbin together with other residents.

Deadlines

If the provisions of your relevant waste disposal authority specify that you must have a dustbin, then as soon as you have moved, you immediately have to have such a dustbin.

Required documents

In some cases: valid confirmation of registration.

Costs

There are no common regulations of charges valid for the whole country. The amount of the waste disposal changes is specified by the provisions of the local parliament – municipal council (Gemeinderat) or district council (Kreistag). Please ask for information at your relevant office.

Release note

The German original version of this text was drafted in close cooperation with the relevant departments. The Ministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Verkehr released it on 29.06.2023. Only the German text is legally binding. The Federal State does not assume any liability for the translated texts.

In cases of doubt or if you have any questions or problems, please contact the relevant authorities directly.