Moving out of Leiden? What to do with your furniture

Moving out of your room in Leiden and have things you cannot take? Below is what the city and the university themselves say, with the source next to every rule. Note: the recycling centre does not accept things that can still be used - give them away free.

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 Leiden

  • Leiden University's 2026-2027 exam periods include 4 - 24 January 2027 and 17 May - 25 June 2027, the last of the academic year. (Leiden University - academic calendar, 2026-10-06)

Rooms come free around the end of those periods; 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 Leiden, and post something yourself for free.

Free bulky-waste collection

  • Bulky-waste collection is free in Leiden. Book online or call 14 071. (Municipality of Leiden - bulky-waste collection, 2026-10-06)
  • On the agreed day, put the bulky waste out between 6:30 and 7:15. It is collected between 7:15 and 15:30; you do not need to stay home. (Municipality of Leiden - bulky-waste collection, 2026-10-06)
  • The total is at most 2 m³ (it fits on one parking space). Bundle long items to at most 1.5 m and 20 kg; furniture may be larger. (Municipality of Leiden - bulky-waste collection, 2026-10-06)
  • Not with the bulky waste: among others mattresses (collected separately), electrical appliances, broken glass and mirrors, building rubble, chemical waste and cardboard. (Municipality of Leiden - bulky-waste collection, 2026-10-06)

Taking it to the recycling centre

  • The recycling centre (Milieustraat) is at J.C. de Rijpstraat 11, open Monday to Saturday 8:00 - 16:00. Residents bring bulky waste there free of charge. (Municipality of Leiden - recycling centre, 2026-10-06)
  • Coming by car? Book an appointment first. On foot or by bike you can come without one. Bring valid ID. (Municipality of Leiden - recycling centre, 2026-10-06)
  • Reusable items and electrical appliances (working or broken) are not accepted at the recycling centre; for those the municipality points to the second-hand company Het Warenhuis. (Municipality of Leiden - recycling centre, 2026-10-06)

Free in Leiden right now

  • Diverse studieboeken: statistiek, economie, recht en meer
  • Smartrike driewieler met duwstang
  • Gratis: Bosch tafelmodel vriezer
  • Ikea kinderstoel kleur blauw
  • Roze (beval)bad met afvoerslang - Slechts kort gebruikt
  • FSA AGX crankset 172.5mm
  • Fietsstoeltje Yepp
  • Oplader voor Samsung Galaxy Watch Active (SM-R500)

Everything being given away free in Leiden

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 usable things free online - the recycling centre will not take them.
  3. 2 weeks before: book a free bulky-waste collection (online or 14 071), at most 2 m³.
  4. By bike? Take small amounts to the recycling centre without an appointment.
  5. Collection day: put the bulky waste out between 6:30 and 7:15.

Frequently asked questions

Is bulky-waste collection free in Leiden?

Yes. There is no charge for having bulky waste collected; you book online or on 14 071.

Can I take a good chair to the recycling centre?

No. Reusable items are not accepted there. Give them away free or take them to the second-hand company Het Warenhuis.

Do I need an appointment for the recycling centre?

Only if you come by car. On foot or by bike you can come without one.

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.