Bin collections: how does the UK compare with other European countries?

With all the controversy surrounding the fortnightly collection of rubbish in some areas of the UK, as opposed to the weekly collections we'd all enjoyed for years, we've looked at how rubbish is collected in some of the European capital cities.

It's been difficult to find all the information we wanted so if your city, (wherever it is in the world) isn't included, please let us know how it compares.

Berlin, Germany:

Having separated their waste into paper, glass, metal and mixed bins, residents in apartment buildings in central Berlin have each of these collected once a week, with collections on different days. Those living in private homes can request rubbish collection twice or even three times a week, paying extra for the service depending upon its frequency. Cleverly, to avoid problems of illegal tipping there is also a system which allows residents to discard items such as unwanted furniture or electrical appliances free of charge. These items are then broken into separate materials and recycled.

Brussels, Belgium:

Belgians are also responsible for separating their waste into different bins. In central Brussels, non-recyclable waste is collected once a week and recyclables, which include glass, plastics and tins, is collected on other days. In smaller towns though, waste is often collected on a fortnightly basis. Like Germany, Belgium also offers residents a collection service for larger household items.

Madrid, Spain:

Those living in central Madrid receive a great service, having their rubbish collected six days a week. Apartment buildings have communal wheelie bins that are left out overnight for early morning collection, while recycling bins on the street allow citizens to recycle glass, plastics and paper.

Paris, France:

Public recycling bins are an increasingly common sight around Paris and most apartment buildings have a recycling station with separate bins for plastics, paper, glass and other waste. Parisians have their rubbish collected at least daily - either early in the morning or at night.

Rome, Italy:

In Rome, household waste is collected daily - including Sunday and the majority of public holidays. Indeed we are told that the only days that rubbish is not collected are religious holidays such as Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. Central Roman apartment blocks boast recycling bins for glass, plastic, paper or mixed waste.

29th November 2007