Collection and Removal of Sorted Waste from Family Homes

The bag collection of separated waste (paper, plastic and metal) from family houses has been launched throughout Bratislava.

We monitored the correct separation and cleanliness of the separated waste in bag collections, the cleanliness of the environment at the former collection nests and the level of participation of households in bag collections.

We have evaluated the system as a success, and so we introduced it from February 2021 in three other city boroughs. From September 2021 it was launched in all remaining city boroughs as well. We conducted a satisfaction survey that had a sample of 501 participating households.

Grafika - triedený zber z rodinných domov
  • As many as 76,8% of the surveyed households reported that the system was more convenient than the collection nests, and as many as 85,4% of the respondents believed that people now sorted their household waste better.
  • From the analysis of the waste samples, we confirmed that the contamination of separated plastics was only 11% under the bag collection system, while the contamination had been as high as 38% under the collection nest system.
  • By introducing this system to family houses across the city, sorting levels should provide an increase of up to 20% more reusable waste.
  • At the suggestion of residents, we have increased the frequency of collection to twice a month.

Sorted waste collection schedule 2021 for family homes in all city districts valid from September 6, 2021 until further notice

How to separate - Bag collections

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  • Please only use the bags delivered by us. We have calculated that each household needs twenty-six 120-litre blue bags for paper and thirty-two 120-litre yellow bags for plastics, metal packaging and beverage cartons per calendar year. If you are short of bags, please contact [email protected].
  • Sort the waste properly and squeeze and press it down.
  • On the day of collection, the bags should be tied and placed at the usual collection point for mixed waste – a visible and accessible place by the road – from 7:00 a.m.
  • On collection day, you can also place your tied bags in the relevant yellow and blue containers.
  • The bags in the containers must be closed or tied, and the waste in the bags must be correctly sorted in accordance with the Generally Binding Ordinance. The container should have a maximum capacity of 240 litres and match the colour of the bag.

Collection through collection nests – glass collection containers and bell-shaped containers

Sklo

Frequently asked questions and answers

Why are you changing the system of collecting separated waste in family houses from collection nests to bag collections?

Unlike the nest collection system, the bag collection system is conveniently carried out for citizens directly in front of their houses from the usual municipal waste collection point.

We have abolished the collection nests, leaving only the glass collection containers there. We have observed a gradual improvement in the cleanliness of the environment and a reduction in the littering of public spaces on the sites of the former collection nests.

There are no longer "landfills" of waste near the glass collection containers. Many times there was waste that did not belong there, the containers were overfull and the sorted components were contaminated. Bag collection succeeds in eliminating these phenomena and the bags are almost always properly sorted.

Let us try to follow the motto that the best form of waste is having none in the first place. When we do produce household waste, let's protect the valuable secondary raw materials it contains by sorting it properly. Only then do they have a chance of being recycled. By preventing waste production and sorting it properly, we are protecting the environment for ourselves and for future generations.

What will be the frequency of collection of separated waste from family houses?

As more frequent waste collection was one of the suggestions from residents to improve the system, we have increased the frequency of collections to twice a month.

How will the actual collection of the bags take place?

Waste must be properly sorted and compressed. On the day of collection, the bags must be tied and placed at the usual collection point for mixed waste – a visible and accessible place by the road – from 7:00 a.m.

The bags in the container must be closed or tied, and the waste in the bags must be properly sorted. The container should have a maximum capacity of 240 litres, and it should match the colour of the bag.

Only use those bags delivered by us. We have calculated that each household requires twenty-six 120-litre blue bags for paper and thirty-two 120-litre yellow bags for plastics, metal packaging and beverage cartons per calendar year. If you are short of bags, please contact [email protected].

Can we use our own collection bins?

Yes. As a part of Phase 2, OLO has adjusted the collection schedules to include time for retrieval from these bins; since January 2021, residents have been able to place the sorted bags in their own collection bins.

The conditions are as follows:

  • Only use bags delivered by us.
  • Bags in the bin must be closed (ideally tied).
  • The waste in the bags must correspond to the Generally Binding Ordinance.
  • OLO is not responsible for any damage or disappearance of containers.
  • The bin must match the colour of the bags.

The bin should be a standard one and similar to the containers distributed by OLO with a maximum volume of 240 litres.

What should I do with the separated waste that we can't fit into two bags a month?

If two bags are not enough, you can use extra bags. Houses will be supplied with one year's worth of bags in advance. You can use as many bags as you need. They will then be collected. If the number of bags is not enough for the whole year, you can ask OLO to supply you with additional bags. An important condition for separating waste in the bag collection is thoroughly squeezing the packaging; this can free up about half the volume in the yellow bags and even more in the blue bags.

What should I do if I just can't make it to the gate on a given date in a given month?

Separated waste can be taken to a collection yard/collection point at any time.

During the first month after the introduction of bag collection, the collection nests for plastic, metal packaging and beverage cartons are left in their original locations so that residents from family houses can gradually get used to the change in the collection method.