Waste and recycling in Amsterdam - what goes where

The City's waste guide (Afvalwijzer) on amsterdam.nl shows, for your address, where each type of waste goes, collection days and times, and the nearest containers. The City's container map shows all street containers, and the Recyclepunten map shows the drop-off points. The same information is published as open data by the City.

If a container is full or broken, report it to the City (online or through the general number 14 020) instead of leaving bags beside it.

• Residual waste (restafval): everything that cannot be separated. Usually into the residual waste container near you; in some central streets in a closed bag on the collection days and times shown for your address, for example between 6:00 and 7:30.
• Paper and cardboard (papier en karton): into the paper container. Flatten boxes so they fit.
• Glass (glas): bottles and jars into the glass container. Deposit bottles go back to the shop (see below).
• Textiles (textiel): clean clothes, shoes and household textiles into the textile container.
• Food and garden waste (groente, fruit, etensresten en tuinafval, GFT): in some areas there is a separate container or wheelie bin; in many areas it goes with residual waste. Garden waste can often go to a neighbourhood garden waste basket (tuinkorf), a Recyclepunt or be collected.
• Bulky waste (grof afval): furniture, mattresses, large items. See below.

In the City's address data, plastic packaging is not listed as a separate stream for households; follow the instructions for your address.

You have two options for bulky waste:

• Put it out on the collection evening shown for your address, at the edge of the pavement or the fixed spot, within the set window, for example from 21:00 the evening before until 7:00 on the collection day. Outside that window it counts as dumping. In some central areas you book a collection online or by calling 14 020.
• Bring it to a Recyclepunt, the City's drop-off points for residents, where you can also hand in garden waste and other separated waste.

• Deposit (statiegeld): in 2026 there is €0.15 on small plastic bottles (under 1 litre) and on cans with the deposit logo, and €0.25 on large plastic bottles. Return them undamaged to supermarkets and other shops that sell them, and at many stations and venues.
• Electrical appliances: anything with a plug or battery. Shops must take back an old appliance free of charge when you buy a similar new one, including online purchases; you can also bring appliances to a Recyclepunt or a collection point.
• Batteries: never in the bin. Return them to any shop or supermarket that sells batteries, or a collection point.
• Small chemical waste (klein chemisch afval): paint, chemicals and similar go to the municipal collection point; empty batteries and broken energy-saving lamps can also go back to shops.
• Medicines: return unused medicines to a pharmacy. Never flush them down the toilet or sink.

The City charges occupants a yearly waste collection charge (afvalstoffenheffing) through its municipal tax assessment. According to the City-funded tenant advice service !WOON, it was €469 for multi-person households and €352 for single-person households in 2025. You can pay in instalments, and residents on a low income can apply for a waiver. See utilities in the Netherlands for other local charges.