Moving out of Hamburg? What to do with your furniture

Moving out of your room or flat in Hamburg? Stilbruch takes things in good condition, the city cleaning service collects bulky waste to order - and what still works can go free to someone nearby. Below is what the city cleaning service, Stilbruch and the university themselves say, with the source next to every rule.

Please note: this guide is general information to help you plan, not legal advice. yeybu is not part of, or affiliated with, the city or the organisations named here. Fees, fines, opening hours and rules are set by them and can change at any time; the official page always prevails. No rights can be derived from this page.

When students move in Hamburg

  • At the University of Hamburg the winter semester 2026/27 lecture period runs from 12 October 2026 to 30 January 2027. (University of Hamburg - semester dates, 2026-10-07)
  • In the summer semester 2027 the lecture period runs from 5 April to 16 July 2027. (University of Hamburg - semester dates, 2026-10-07)

Many rooms come free around the end of the lecture period; start sorting out what to give away a few weeks before.

Give it away free

What still works can make someone else happy. On yeybu you can see what is being given away free in Hamburg, and post something yourself for free.

Having bulky waste (Sperrmüll) collected

  • Hamburg households can choose between the Standard service and the SPRINT service for bulky waste collection. (Stadtreinigung Hamburg - bulky waste, 2026-10-07)
  • In the Standard service, collection of up to 8 cubic metres costs 35.00 euro when put out outside buildings on private ground, or 50.00 euro when collected from inside the building; each further cubic metre or part of one costs 5.00 euro. (Stadtreinigung Hamburg - bulky waste, 2026-10-07)
  • In the SPRINT service (at most 10 cubic metres, 95.00 euro surcharge), an order placed by 12:00 is collected on the next working day. (Stadtreinigung Hamburg - bulky waste, 2026-10-07)

The recycling centres

  • The recycling centres (Recyclinghöfe) are the drop-off points for bulky waste. Many things can be dropped off there free, but not everything is free. (Stadtreinigung Hamburg - recycling centres, 2026-10-07)
  • The recycling centres are closed on public holidays, on the Saturday after Good Friday, on Christmas Eve and on New Year's Eve. (Stadtreinigung Hamburg - recycling centres, 2026-10-07)

Things in good condition: Stilbruch

  • For items in good condition there is Stilbruch's swap and give-away exchange. (Stadtreinigung Hamburg - bulky waste, 2026-10-07)
  • In Stilbruch's online give-away market you can give away useful things that are too good for bulky waste, free and without registering. (Stadtreinigung Hamburg - recycling centres, 2026-10-07)
  • Stilbruch is a subsidiary of Stadtreinigung Hamburg. Its shops in Altona and Wandsbek accept donations in good condition; only badly damaged and unsellable goods are refused. (Stilbruch - good to know, 2026-10-07)
  • Stilbruch does not offer collection. (Stilbruch - good to know, 2026-10-07)
  • At the EcoHHub in Altona you can drop off things in good condition for the Stilbruch stores. (Stadtreinigung Hamburg - recycling centres, 2026-10-07)

Free in Hamburg right now

  • Grauer Hochflor-Teppich 160 × 230 cm zu verschenken
  • Wäscheständer zu verschenken
  • Stehlampe zu verschenken
  • Vintage Vase DDR 70 iger, Übertopf zu verschenken
  • Kleider Garderobe Metall zu verschenken
  • Kleider Garderobe zu verschenken
  • Zu verschenken
  • Zu verschenken

Everything being given away free in Hamburg

Timeline

  1. 4 weeks before you move: decide what you take, what you give away and what has to go.
  2. 3 weeks before: post what you give away free online, with photos, sizes and when it can be collected.
  3. 2 weeks before: order a bulky waste collection or plan a recycling centre visit.
  4. Take things in good condition to Stilbruch in Altona or Wandsbek - it does not collect.
  5. Mind public holidays: the recycling centres are closed then.

Frequently asked questions

What does bulky waste collection cost in Hamburg?

In the Standard service, up to 8 cubic metres costs 35.00 euro when put out outside buildings on private ground, or 50.00 euro when collected from inside the building.

Does Stilbruch collect my furniture?

No, Stilbruch does not offer collection. Donations in good condition can be dropped off at its shops in Altona and Wandsbek.

Can I give something away without registering?

Yes, in Stilbruch's online give-away market - free and without registering.

Every rule above comes from the official source named next to it and was checked on the date shown. Rules can change: if in doubt, check the source.