Moving out of Cologne? What to do with your furniture

Moving out in Cologne and have furniture or things you cannot take? AWB, the city's waste company, collects up to 3 m³ of bulky waste free - but free dates are limited and need about three weeks' notice. Below is what AWB 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 Cologne

  • At the University of Cologne, winter semester 2026/27 lectures end on 5 February 2027; the semester ends on 31 March 2027. (University of Cologne - dates and deadlines, 2026-10-06)
  • In the summer semester 2027, lectures run from 5 April to 16 July 2027. (University of Cologne - dates and deadlines, 2026-10-06)

Rooms come free around those dates; start sorting out 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 Cologne, and post something yourself for free.

Free bulky-waste collection

  • On an agreed date, AWB collects up to 3 cubic metres of bulky waste free of charge. Free dates are limited and the lead time is about 3 weeks. (AWB Köln - bulky waste, 2026-10-06)
  • On collection day, put the bulky waste out by 07:00 in the morning, clearly visible on the pavement near the road, without blocking anyone and clearly belonging to your address. (AWB Köln - bulky waste, 2026-10-06)
  • For more than 3 m³ or in a hurry there is the paid Flex service. With the carry-out service, AWB staff carry the bulky waste out of the building: €108 for the first hour, €54 for each further started half hour. (AWB Köln - bulky waste, 2026-10-06)
  • For things in good condition that are too good to throw away, AWB runs a free online second-hand exchange for swapping or giving away. (AWB Köln - bulky waste, 2026-10-06)

Taking it to a recycling centre

  • There are recycling centres (Wertstoff-Center) in Gremberghoven and Ossendorf. Household quantities are free, bulky waste up to 3 m³. (AWB Köln - recycling centres, 2026-10-06)
  • Only waste from Cologne properties is accepted; Cologne residents need their ID card (Personalausweis). (AWB Köln - recycling centres, 2026-10-06)

Free in Cologne right now

  • Möbel zu verschenken. Heute ab 10:30 Uhr
  • Wohnzimmertisch in Weiß mit Glasplatte zu verschenken
  • Musik CD Sammlung zu verschenken
  • Schaukelpferd zu verschenken
  • Kleiner Kindertisch mit zwei Stühlen zu verschenken
  • zu verschenken
  • Spiegel Schrank / Garderobe zu Verschenken – bereits abgebaut
  • Lexikon zu verschenken Meyers Taschenlexikon 10 Bände

Everything being given away free in Cologne

Timeline

  1. 5 weeks before you move: decide what you take, what you give away and what has to go.
  2. 4 weeks before: book the free bulky-waste collection - the lead time is about 3 weeks.
  3. 3 weeks before: post what you give away free online, with photos, sizes and when it can be collected.
  4. The week before: take leftovers to a recycling centre yourself, with your ID.
  5. Collection day: put the bulky waste on the pavement by 07:00.

Frequently asked questions

Is bulky-waste collection free in Cologne?

Yes, up to 3 m³ on an agreed date. But free dates are limited and need about 3 weeks' notice.

When does the bulky waste have to be outside?

By 07:00 on the morning of collection day, clearly visible on the pavement near the road.

What do I need at the recycling centre?

As a Cologne resident, your ID card; only waste from Cologne properties is accepted.

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.