Getting rid of bulky waste in Germany, without violating local rules and regulations, can sometimes be a challenge. But for Berliners there is a simple solution, and it could provide the opportunity to swap your trash for treasures.
For anyone living in Berlin, and especially for recent arrivals, disposing of bulky waste (Sperrmüll) can quickly become a source of confusion. Old sofas, broken appliances and worn‑out mattresses have to go somewhere but figuring out how is not always straightforward.
Fortunately there’s a solution which makes the whole process surprisingly simple.
Organised by the city’s municipal waste management service (BSR), Berlin’s “Neighbourhood Days” (Kieztage) are designed to help residents get rid of bring bulky waste right in their own neighbourhoods, while also creating an opportunity to embark on something of a second-hand treasure hunt.
The idea is to allow residents to get rid of unwanted large items free of charge and close to home.
Even better, most Kieztage also include a swap and giveaway market, where items in good condition can find a second life with someone else in the neighbourhood.
What exactly are Kieztage?
Kieztage are temporary, local collection points set up in the middle of Berlin’s residential neighbourhoods at regular intervals. So instead of hauling a wardrobe or broken appliance across the city to a recycling centre, residents can simply take it to a nearby drop point on a fixed date.
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You can find out when the next Kieztag is taking place at a location near you here.
BSR staff are on site at these events to accept bulky waste such as old furniture, mattresses, waste wood, electrical appliances and old textiles.
In addition to making life easier a bit easier for residents, these events are designed to help keep neighbourhoods clean and discourage illegal dumping.
In Berlin and other German cities, residents have been known to leave items on the street near their homes in free giveaway boxes often labelled ‘zu verschenken‘ (to give away). But the capital city is trying to stop this practice and authorities have recently announced that people caught doing so could face fines.
READ ALSO: Can you really be fined for putting out ‘zu verschenken’ items in Germany?
The service is aimed exclusively at private households and is completely free of charge, provided the waste comes from normal household activities in Berlin.
There are some rules about what you can bring. Hazardous materials — including paints, varnishes, solvents, batteries, old medications, construction waste and contaminated wood — are not accepted and still need to be taken to a recycling centre.
Bulky waste can only be handed in in typical household quantities, typically up to a maximum of three cubic metres. Commercial waste from businesses is excluded.
Kieztage are designed as local, walk‑up events, so residents are asked not to arrive by car or van.
The swap and giveaway market
Alongside waste disposal, almost every Kieztag features a swap and giveaway market, adding a distinctly Berlin twist to the whole experience.
If you have items that are too good to throw away – from small pieces of furniture and bicycles to crockery, vases, toys or suitcases – you can hand them in here instead.
Once handed over, they become the property of BSR – and it’s BSR which decides how they’re passed along to other visitors who can take them home and continue using them.
Staff are on hand at all events to answer questions.
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