Does the garbage collection take the bin out of the garbage bin box? – What really happens (and what doesn't)
- A Tuesday morning, three bins, zero movement
- What is prescribed – and how is it handled?
- Garbage men are not enemies (but also not butlers)
- Five tips on how it still works well
- Our garbage bin boxes: thoughtful, accessible, winter-proof
- Conclusion: Whoever collects doesn't want to search
A Tuesday morning, three bins, zero movement
I hear the garbage collection approaching. Buzzing. Beeping, workers working with the full garbage bins of the neighbors. The rhythmic clatter when the bin is heaved up. And then... on the way to me... silence. No stop in front of my house. No short honk. No rolling sound. I sense trouble...
I run outside. Barefoot. (Mistake.) The bins? Still neatly in their BIO Stefan 3 boxes, neatly stored, lid closed, door closed, like a Swiss watch.
The garbage collection is already around the next corner. And my week begins with the smell of bio-waste, which now gets an extra round, in the form of a whole collection interval, standing at my home.
What is prescribed – and how is it really done?
Legally, it's simple: In almost all municipalities, you as the householder are responsible for providing the garbage bin. And visibly, freely accessible and usually from 6 or 7 a.m. at the roadside.
The garbage collection drives its route. And everything that was not clearly provided will simply not be emptied. No call. No note. Just your full garbage, in your bin.
Whether you have a 2 boxes garbage bin box, 5 boxes or a whole collection system – they have to be opened, the bins put out. Period. End of announcement.
BUT: garbage men are not enemies (but also not butlers)
I tried. For years. Sometimes forgot, sometimes hoped. And eventually got into a conversation with a garbage collector:
"If we had to take every bin out of every box, we'd be twice as long on the road. That just doesn't work, nobody pays us for that."
Which makes perfect sense. So: No, the garbage collection is not your butler. But they are not unapproachable either. They are people, like you and me. With deadlines, schedules – and surprisingly good humor.
Five tips on how it still works well
- Put the bins out the night before – not only in the morning when you overslept or there's snow.
- Open the doors of the garbage bin box when you are sure you are at home – that helps too.
- Get to know “your” garbage collectors. A friendly greeting often has more effect than you think.
- Tip or a Christmas gift – is not a must, but a sign. For everyone who deals with your trash week after week. (PS: sometimes helps if you forgot the night before, but ....psssht)
- Provide a crate of drinks: Water in summer. An energy drink or coffee to go in winter. No words needed, but effective (and possibly with a shot ;) )
Our garbage bin boxes: thoughtful, accessible, winter-proof
Why are we telling you this? Because we know that a garbage bin box must be not only pretty but also practical.
Our models – from Stahlfred to Holzmichl – offer convenient access, smooth doors, clean hinges, and winter-proof construction. For you – and for everyone who collects the garbage.
My personal conclusion: Those who collect don't want to search
Don't expect someone to take the bin out of the box for you. But create conditions that make garbage collection easy – for you, for the disposal, for the system.
Be friendly. Be prepared. And be honest: A bin waiting on the sidewalk is one less bin you have to struggle to bring to the dump on Wednesday afterwards. And honestly: no one wants to load garbage into their own car and transport it, not even the strongest vanilla air freshener helps...
Here you will find garbage bin boxes that think along – but do not replace you
Frequently asked questions about garbage collection and garbage bin boxes
1. Do I have to take the garbage bin out of the box myself?
Yes. In most communities, you are responsible for ensuring that the bin is clearly visible and accessible for collection.
2. Are there exceptions in smaller towns?
Sometimes. In small communities or rural areas, garbage collectors sometimes pick up bins directly – but only on a voluntary basis and usually by personal arrangement.
3. Can I make it easier for the garbage collection to access the box?
Yes! Clear paths, open doors, no snow piles – all of this helps. A friendly relationship often works wonders too.
4. What happens if I don't put out the bin?
Then it remains unemptied. A re-collection is usually chargeable and must be requested separately – if it is even offered.
