THE ESSENTIALS
In Brussels, there are clear rules for your rubbish: each type of waste has its bag colour, a specific collection day, and times to respect. If you make a mistake, the fine can quickly add up, especially since August 1, 2026, when penalties were doubled for certain infractions. Sorting is mandatory, and following the instructions properly means avoiding problems and contributing to a cleaner city.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
In Brussels, waste sorting is super important and is done with different coloured bags, all stamped “Bruxelles-Propreté” to be accepted.
- White bag: This is for residual household waste, the stuff that can’t be recycled. White bag collection happens once a week in most neighbourhoods. A roll of 15 x 30L bags costs about €2.09 and a roll of 15 x 60L bags costs about €1.25 (prices valid until 31/12/2026).
- Blue bag: This is for PMC packaging (Plastics, Metal Packaging, and Drink Cartons). Using the blue bag has been mandatory since May 1, 2023. A roll of 15 x 50L bags costs about €1.50 and a roll of 15 x 100L bags costs about €3 (recommended prices in 2023).
- Yellow bag: This is for paper and cardboard. Sorting has been mandatory since 2010. A roll of 15 x 30L bags costs about €1.50 (price valid until 31/12/2026).
- Orange bag: This is reserved for food waste. Its use has been mandatory for households since May 15, 2023. A roll of 15 x 30L bags costs about €1.25 (recommended price in 2023). You can also get an orange container for free at Recyparks or from your local commune administration.
- Green bag: For garden waste (green waste and branches). Be careful, since March 23, 2026, green bag collection happens every other week, but the collection day remains the same. These bags are biodegradable and therefore more fragile. A roll of 10 x 60L bags costs about €2.50 (recommended price in 2023).
Bags must not exceed 15 kg.
Official rubbish bags are available in supermarkets and some retail stores.
HOW TO DO IT
- Sort your waste: Separate your waste carefully according to the categories (white, blue, yellow, orange, green).
- Use the right bags: Only buy bags stamped “Bruxelles-Propreté” of the correct colour and capacity.
- Check your calendar: Go to the Bruxelles-Propreté website and enter your address to find out the specific collection days and times for your street. The calendar indicates the day and time you need to put out your bags.
- Put out your bags at the right time: If collection is in the evening, put out your bags between 6 PM and 8 PM. If it’s in the morning, put them out the evening before from 6 PM.
- Place them correctly: Put your bags along your facade, outside your private property. Don’t put them at the foot of trees or public bins, and don’t obstruct pedestrian passage.
- Close your bags properly: Make sure they are well tied to prevent waste from escaping.
- Group by colour: Gather bags of the same colour to make the collection teams’ job easier.
- For sharp waste: Wrap it well to avoid accidents.
- Green bags: Store them in a dry, airy place, put them out on dry ground, away from sun and rain. Don’t fill them more than two weeks before collection.
- Public holidays: Collections take place as normal on public holidays.
THE PITFALLS
- Wrong bag or wrong colour: Using an unauthorised bag or the wrong colour will result in collection refusal by Bruxelles-Propreté and you risk a fine.
- Bags put out outside of hours: If you put out your official bags (white, blue, yellow, orange, green) outside of authorised days and times, you risk a fine of 200 euros per bag or per cubic meter (amount in effect from August 1, 2026).
- Illegal dumping: Throwing your waste anywhere is illegal dumping. Since August 1, 2026, the fine for a “classic” illegal dump is 1,000 euros per cubic meter, and 2,000 euros per cubic meter for hazardous or construction waste. Unauthorised rubbish bags left on public roads are fined 400 euros per bag.
- Fragile green bags: Green bags are biodegradable and can tear easily if they are overfilled, left in the sun, or on wet ground.
- Mixing waste streams: If you mix different coloured bags in the same rigid bin, or if you put non-compliant waste in a bag, it may not be collected.
WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION
For all official and up-to-date information, you can contact:
- Bruxelles-Propreté: This is the organisation that manages waste collection in Brussels. You’ll find all the info on their website or by contacting them directly.
- Phone: 0800/981 81 (for citizens)
- Email: info@arp-gan.be
- Your commune: Some commune administrations offer additional services or specific information.
Verified sources
Information verified on 27/09/2026. Amounts and rules may change: always check with the official organisation.