Less garbage fees from 2026: Neu-Ulm is happy about relief!

Less garbage fees from 2026: Neu-Ulm is happy about relief!

There is good news for citizens in the Neu-Ulm district: The works committee has decided on changes to the waste fee regulations, which will apply in eleven municipalities in the district from January 1st, 2026. This revision promises not only lower garbage fees, but also more transparency and flexibility in waste management.

A key reason for the adjustments is the surplus of around 12 million euros, which was achieved through high electricity revenue from the waste-to-energy plant. This amount will now be reimbursed more quickly by shortening the calculation period from three to two years. This means that citizens can benefit from the savings earlier. District Administrator Eva Treu is satisfied with the new regulations and emphasizes the advantages of the shortened time frame.

Significant changes at a glance

• Die Mindestleerungen werden von zwölf auf acht pro Jahr gesenkt.
• Die Rückübertragung der abfallwirtschaftlichen Aufgaben erfolgt für die Gemeinden Altenstadt, Buch, Holzheim, Illertissen, Kellmünz, Oberroth, Unterroth, Osterberg, Pfaffenhofen, Roggenburg und Weißenhorn.
• Über die Änderungen wird ab 2026 eine kritische Überprüfung stattfinden, vor allem in Bezug auf alternative Gebührensysteme, mit einer möglichen Umstellung ab 2028.

For the time being, the planned conversion of the recycling center in Illertissen into a second disposal center has been put on hold. However, the opening times of the existing recycling center will remain unchanged, which is perceived as positive by many citizens. The mayors of the affected municipalities also support the new adjustments, which will be explained in more detail at one of the upcoming citizen information events. These will take place on June 27th, 2025 in the Rothtalhalle Buch and on June 28th, 2025 in the Fuggerhalle Weißenhorn.

Fee adjustments in Munich

While fees are falling in Neu-Ulm, the situation in Munich is somewhat different. Here, the fee for waste disposal will increase from 2025, primarily due to rising personnel costs and other operational challenges. This includes an increase in fees for various waste bins, such as an increase of 1.56 euros for an 80 liter residual waste container with a 14-day emptying period. These developments are due, among other things, to the Fuel Emissions Trading Act, which has been in force since the beginning of 2024, as well as fluctuating revenues from waste incineration and the sale of recyclable materials.

However, Munich's waste charges are characterized by comprehensive services, with the city being the third cheapest provider compared to surrounding communities. The services included not only include regular emptying of waste and organic waste bins, but also free use of recycling centers and comprehensive waste advice. The city thus offers an all-round service that should convince many citizens.

Tips for saving on garbage fees

In order to optimize costs, it is recommended to avoid waste as much as possible and to separate unavoidable waste well. Citizens can use this to switch to smaller containers and work with a 14-day emptying cycle.

In conclusion, it can be said that the citizens of the Neu-Ulm district will benefit from the upcoming fee reductions and the more flexible waste management. At the same time, the situation in Munich shows how dynamic and different the garbage fee policy is in the different regions. Further information about the changes is available on the waste management companies' websites: Ulm News, AWM Munich and EVA waste disposal.