New rules regarding waste collection have been in effect in Antwerp since July 1, 2026. As a resident or business owner with your own waste container, you’ve undoubtedly already noticed some changes: the city has switched to a pay-as-you-throw system, known as the diftar system. At JunkBrothers We've noticed that many people still have questions about what this means exactly for large-scale clean-up projects, home renovations, or that overflowing garage. We'll lay out the facts again and show you the solution right away.
What exactly is changing?
Since July 1, 2026, the city of Antwerp has switched to a new system designed to reduce the amount of waste and ensure fairer billing: the diftar system (differentiated rate), in accordance with OVAM regulations. In short:
- Personal containers are no longer permitted: You may no longer put out your old, personal container for pickup.
- Mandatory rental container: Anyone who works with a container will now use a rental container provided by the city that is equipped with a chip to record the weight.
- Pay per kilo: You no longer pay a fixed amount or fee, but are charged based on the weight of the items you bring in.
2 Why this can be a challenge for you
This new system works great for your daily household trash. But when you’re doing a big clean-out—clearing out a home, an attic, or a warehouse—you’ll quickly run into a number of practical issues:
- Limited capacity The new rental containers are not designed to clear out an entire home or storage space in one go.
- Cost estimate: With large quantities, the cost per kilogram adds up quickly.
- Administrative hassle Requesting, exchanging, or temporarily storing containers takes time.
- Old container When you exchange your container, the city’s supplier will pick up your old one for free—or you can keep it yourself; the choice is yours. It’s certainly more convenient if everything can be done in one go, such as when we’re already coming over to clean up for you.
Would you prefer a large dumpster for a renovation or construction site without having to go through city permits? Check out our container service.
3 Who is this for and what do you risk?
Who does this apply to? The rules apply to everyone in Antwerp who lives or works outside an area with recycling stations and disposes of waste via a container. This affects three main groups:
- Private individuals households with their own rolling bin.
- Entrepreneurs & SMEs: stores, offices, restaurants and bars, and sole proprietorships.
- Organizations schools, clubs, and daycare centers.
What if you ignore the rules? Are you still putting your old, personal trash can outside to be emptied?
- Not emptied The garbage trucks scan for the required chip and simply leave containers without one behind.
- Fines (GAS) A full container that is left standing is considered improperly disposed of waste or even illegal dumping. Just as with bulky trash that is improperly placed on the sidewalk, you risk a GAS fine of up to €500.
- Additional charges: In addition to the fine, the city may also charge for cleanup and disposal costs.
In short: Do not put your old container outside for pickup after July 1—it will not be collected and could result in a fine. Instead, have the city pick it up for free when you exchange it, or hand it over when we come by to clean up.
4 The carefree solution: Junk Brothers
Want to get rid of all your junk without the hassle of chips, scales, or containers that are too small? Then now is the time to call on JunkBrothers.
- No container needed: We'll bring our own trucks. No containers on the street, no permit, no reserved parking space.
- We do the heavy lifting: We lift, load, and haul away — for a house clearance, a corporate clearance or just a few pieces of furniture.
- All at once: Household goods, construction debris, or inventory—we’ll take it all in one trip.
- Your old container, too? Take care of it all at once. You can have your old, personal trash bin picked up for free by the city. Would you rather not make a separate appointment and just have everything taken away at once? Just let us know—we’ll take it with us when we come by to clean up.
Save yourself the trouble
Do you have a clear-out job planned? Or do you want to start a big cleanup right now? 👉 Contact JunkBrothers for a free quote. Call us at +32 469 63 55 62 or fill out the form on our website.
