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Getting rid of things

Where to take a sofa, mattress, fridge or old paint in Germany: bulky-waste pickup (Sperrmüll), recycling centres and costs – explained per city.

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Recycling centres in Germany (Wertstoffhof): what you can drop off, rules and fees

How a German Wertstoffhof (recycling centre) works: what you can drop off, free amounts, proof of address, trailer rules and fees, with real city examples.

Updated 6 Nov 2026

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    ! Getting rid of things: the key facts

    1. 01

      Booking a bulky-waste pickup

      Large furniture and items are collected as bulky waste (Sperrmüll) by your city's or district's waste company – almost always after booking. Many cities offer a certain amount per year for free; others charge per pickup or cubic metre.

    2. 02

      Electrical appliances

      Electrical items never go in household waste. Large retailers must take back small appliances for free, and larger ones when you buy a similar new device. Alternatively: the recycling centre.

      ElektroG § 17

    3. 03

      Batteries

      Every shop that sells batteries must take old ones back for free – no purchase needed. Remove batteries from devices first where possible.

      BattDG

    4. 04

      Paint, varnish, chemicals

      Hazardous waste such as solvents, paint, varnish or pesticides goes to the hazardous-waste collection (Schadstoffmobil). Dried-out emulsion paint may go in general waste in many places.

    5. 05

      Recycling centre

      At the recycling centre (Wertstoffhof) you drop off bulky waste, electronics, garden waste, wood, metal and more yourself. What's accepted and what it costs is set by the city's waste rules.

    6. 06

      Give things a second life

      Furniture and appliances that still work are welcome at social department stores, swap groups or classified ads – it saves fees and resources.

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    ↗ Where does it go? Item by item

    In your town, bulky waste (Sperrmüll) is collected by the waste company of the town or district – usually after booking. Electrical appliances, paint, batteries and chemicals don't belong in household waste: take them to a recycling centre (Wertstoffhof), a hazardous-waste collection or back to the shop.

    Getting rid of things: what you should know

    Each city or district sets its own rules for bulky waste and recycling centres, so costs, free pickups and booking differ a lot.

    Our guides explain where each item goes, what it costs and how to book a pickup.

    ? FAQ

    Q01How do I book a Sperrmüll pickup?

    Usually online or by phone with your local waste company. Plan two to three weeks ahead.

    Q02Where do old electrical devices go?

    To the recycling centre (Wertstoffhof) or back to a large electronics shop, which must take them back.

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