However, specialists point out that when cleaning basements, residents often make one mistake – leaving old mattresses, shelves, beds, ovens, carpets, and other bulky waste next to the containers. Residents are warned not to do this, as improper waste management can cost more than legal disposal, according to a press release.
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“We see a clear trend – people are more actively cleaning basements, storage rooms, and common areas. This is a natural reaction – the real threat of danger has made residents think more about safety and preparedness for emergencies,” says Antanas Rukša, head of the construction waste management department at Ecoservice.
According to him, leaving bulky waste next to containers is prohibited – it not only creates messes in courtyards but can also lead to fines and additional waste management costs.
Bulky waste is collected separately
Some residents still believe that leaving old furniture or household appliances next to the container will simply be taken away with other waste, but this is not the case.
“The collection of bulky waste follows a completely different procedure. Such waste requires special equipment, separate logistics, and pre-planned collection,” emphasizes A. Rukša.
Because of this, items left next to containers in courtyards may remain for several days, obstruct regular waste removal, create an impression of disorder, and cause dissatisfaction among residents.
Some municipalities have already taken stricter measures due to this problem – installing surveillance cameras near container sites and more actively recording violations.
What are the possible solutions?
Specialists remind that residents have several convenient ways to legally dispose of old furniture or other items accumulated in the basement.
Bulky waste can be delivered by residents themselves to bulky waste collection sites. The amount of waste accepted free of charge per resident per year depends on the rules set by the municipality.
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In some municipalities, residents can also order bulky waste removal or use scheduled collection services. The specific procedures may vary by municipality, so residents are advised to check the information on their municipality’s website.
Another increasingly popular alternative is to cooperate with neighbors and order a special bulky waste container from a waste management company.
“We notice a growing trend where residents of one or several houses jointly order a special bulky waste container. Then people can conveniently pile up waste accumulated in basements, garages, or storage rooms. This is a convenient, legal, and orderly solution that helps avoid messes in courtyards,” says the Ecoservice representative.
Old furniture, wood, non-electric bicycles or scooters, and mixed construction waste can be thrown into the special bulky waste container. However, tires, electronic products, household, green, or hazardous waste – such as paints, solvents, or asbestos-containing materials – are prohibited.
A tidy basement – not only cleanliness but also safety
Specialists note that today cleaning basements takes on a completely different meaning for people. It is no longer just a desire to get rid of unnecessary items but also preparation for possible emergency situations.
Neat common areas, unobstructed passages, fewer flammable or unnecessary items can be important not only for daily comfort but also for residents’ safety.
However, experts remind that when taking care of your safety, it is important not to create a new problem in the courtyards. Therefore, old furniture, mattresses, or household appliances should be taken not to the containers but to places designated for their legal and safe disposal.
