If you collect recyclable waste – that is, recyclable materials from private households – you must give prior notice of the collection. In doing so, you must state whether you are operating on a commercial or non-profit basis

For example, street or container collections of textiles and shoes, as well as collection points for waste paper, are subject to this notification requirement.

The collection may be prohibited, restricted to a specific period or subject to conditions by the relevant authority.

• Recyclables from private households must be handed over. This means that, as a general rule, they must be handed over to public waste management authorities.
• The commercial or charitable collection of recyclable materials (recyclable waste) is only permitted if it has been notified to the competent authority;
• notified collections may be prohibited or restricted by the competent authority;
• Mixed waste from private households must not be collected on a commercial or charitable basis (for example, bulky waste)

Exceptions are take-back schemes established by law: collections based on a separate legal obligation to return items are exempt (for example, returnable bottles, waste electrical and electronic equipment or sales packaging). Members of the public may use the return options provided for by law in each case.