The wardrobe is dismantled, the boxes are packed and you’ve found an old kettle on the top shelf. Where should it all go? Start by separating reusable belongings, large furniture, renovation waste and electronics. They may need different destinations.
Pass on what still works
Offer sound furniture and working appliances to neighbours, friends or through a listing. Photograph the item and any damage, include its dimensions and say which floor it is on. Explain whether collection requires dismantling and whether there is a lift.
Describe faults honestly. Agree on a collection time before moving the item outside. Keep it at home until handover if you have no other suitable space; a shared stairwell is not long-term furniture storage.
Before giving away a phone or computer, back up what you need, sign out of accounts and remove personal data using the manufacturer’s instructions. Take out SIM and memory cards. A device that no longer switches on may still contain your data, even if it is sold for parts.
What does not belong beside ordinary bins?
The waste-management agency explains that ordinary waste-collection sites must not be used for bulky items, construction waste, soil, cut branches, tyres or electronic waste, among other categories. An old sofa and bags of broken tiles need a separate arrangement.
Before renovation begins, ask the operator serving your address about suitable transport, packaging and where items may wait for collection. Coordinate with building management if the courtyard or shared passages will be affected.
If you do not know where to start, contact the agency’s 1205 call centre. Give your district and waste type, and ask for a current operator contact. A public enquiry line does not mean collection will be free.
Keep electronics and batteries separate
Set broken devices aside. Store batteries separately in a dry place out of children’s reach, and ask about handover conditions. Do not dismantle damaged rechargeable batteries; ask the receiving organisation how they should be handled.
Confirm acceptance of the exact item you have. A service taking large appliances may not accept batteries or lamps. Ask about condition restrictions, minimum quantities and whether private individuals can drop things off.
Check the address and opening hours before travelling. An old recycling-event announcement does not establish a permanent collection point. We have not listed drop-off addresses whose current operation we could not confirm.
Arrange the pickup
Send photographs and describe the amount. Give the floor, lift access, dimensions of large items and any restrictions on vehicle access. If a sofa will not fit through the door, discuss dismantling in advance.
Do not choose on price alone. If an operator cannot explain where the waste will go, look for another. You want a proper handover rather than a new dumping spot in someone else’s neighbourhood.
On collection day
Clear the route from the flat to the vehicle and warn neighbours if loading will briefly affect a shared passage. Keep stairs, entrance doors and access to bins unobstructed. Confirm the quantity and full price before loading.
Keep the conversation, contact details and payment record. Afterwards, check for leftover fragments and packaging. The contact may be useful next time, but confirm acceptance conditions again.
Before carrying things outside
Tick off what you’ve done — your list stays on this device
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Save this before moving or renovating, and share it in your building chat when someone needs to dispose of large items