🗑️ Garbage Collection in Leuven: How It Works & What to Do
Garbage collection in Leuven follows clear city rules and fixed schedules. Because these rules may be different from what students are used to in other countries or cities, questions often arise about when, how, and what to put outside.
This guide explains how garbage collection works for your studio, what types of waste exist, how to prepare them correctly, and where to find the official collection dates — all in one easy place.
📅 When is garbage collected?
Garbage is collected according to the official City of Leuven waste calendar.
You can find your correct collection days:
• On a paper posted at the entrance door of the building
• Usually also on your studio door
• Via the official city website:
https://www.leuven.be/en/waste-calendar#request-a-paper-waste-calendar
👉 Always follow these sources. Collection days vary by street and by waste type.
🚮 What types of waste are collected?
The City of Leuven collects the following waste types:
• Household waste (residual waste)
• GFT – vegetable, fruit & garden waste
• PMD – plastic, metal & drink packaging
• Paper & cardboard
• Bulky waste → by appointment only (paid)
• Wood prunings → by appointment only (free)
⚠️ Important: Glass is NOT collected with household waste (see below).
⏰ When should you put your garbage outside?
Garbage must be placed on the pavement in front of the building:
🕖 Before 7:00 AM on the day of collection
🚫 Do NOT put garbage outside: • Too early
• On non-collection days
Garbage placed outside at the wrong time may not be collected and can be reported by city services.
🛍️ Which garbage bags must be used?
Only official City of Leuven garbage bags are allowed.
🟤 Household waste (residual waste) • Large brown bag (60 L) → max. 15 kg
• Small brown bag (30 L) → max. 7.5 kg
🟢 GFT (vegetable, fruit & garden waste) • In the city center: official green bags
– Large (20 L)
– Small (10 L) • In submunicipalities: GFT is collected in a container
🔵 PMD (plastic, metal & drink packaging) • Official blue bags
– Large (90 L)
– Small (60 L)
📦 Paper & cardboard • Place paper in a closed cardboard box, OR
• Tie it together with natural cord (no plastic)
🍾 Glass bottles & jars (VERY IMPORTANT)
Glass bottles and jars are NOT collected with household waste.
They must be disposed of in public glass recycling containers (also called glass banks or glasbol), which are located throughout Leuven.
📍 Closest glass recycling points
• Glass bank at Sint-Jacobsplein – directly on the square, just a few steps from the building
• Glass bank at Kapucijnenvoer – short walking distance
• Glass bank on Brusselsestraat – very close and centrally located
🗺️ How to find a glass container
You can also use Google Maps to find nearby glass containers: • Search for “glasbol Leuven”, or
• Use this link:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Um91Cfv1eu9Mx9ok8
♻️ How to dispose of glass correctly
• Separate glass by color: white/clear glass and green glass (follow the signs on the container)
• Bottles and jars must be empty
• Remove caps and lids (dispose of them separately)
• Glass recycling is free of charge
• Glass containers are usually accessible between 07:00 and 22:00
-What if you are away on the collection day?
A common situation for students is being away for several days (for example during holidays, weekends, or travel), including the garbage collection day.
To avoid unpleasant smells or hygiene issues in your studio, please follow these recommendations:
• Plan ahead: Check the waste calendar in advance if you know you will be away.
• If possible, skip that week: Keep the waste well closed and wait for the next collection day (especially for non-organic waste).
• Avoid leaving GFT waste inside for many days, as it can quickly create odors.
• Ask a neighbor for help: If you trust someone in the building, they can place your garbage outside on the correct day.
• Never leave garbage in common areas or outside on the wrong day.
Good planning helps keep your studio fresh and the building clean for everyone.
🔗 Useful articles on our website
For more practical details, you may also find these articles helpful:
• Official Leuven Garbage Bags – Where to Buy & Prices
https://for-rent-leuven.com/newsflash-official-leuven-garbage-bags-where-to-buy-prices/
• Garbage – Helpful Tools
https://for-rent-leuven.com/garbag-helpfull-tools/
• House Rules: Garbage – How to Sort PMD
https://for-rent-leuven.com/houserules-garbage-how-to-sort-pmd/
✅ Final note
Garbage placed outside at the wrong time or in non-official bags may not be collected and could be reported by city services.
Following the official rules helps keep the neighborhood clean and avoids unnecessary problems for you and other tenants.
Thank you for your cooperation! 🌱