Dumpster fee: who has to pay and when can I get an exemption?

Quick overview

• The municipal waste charge is usually paid by people who are resident in the municipality.
• Owners of cottages, chalets or empty flats often also have to pay.
• The amount of the fee is set by the municipality’s own ordinance.
• Debt on the fee can result in penalties or execution.
• Certain groups of residents may receive an exemption or discount.

Not sure if you also have to pay the fee for a cottage, rented apartment or child? Use our online legal advice service – we can advise you specifically according to your municipality’s ordinance.

The bin charge is a mandatory payment that most people in the Czech Republic pay to ensure waste collection and disposal. This obligation is regulated by the Local Tax Act. Individual municipalities can specify the rules by means of general binding ordinances.

According to the amendment to the Local Fees Act, there are two types of municipal waste fees, namely the fee for the municipal waste management system and the fee for the disposal of municipal waste from immovable property. A municipality may introduce only one of these fees, with the classic bin fee being the latter.

Why is there a charge for bins in the first place?

The main purpose of the municipal waste charge is to cover the costs associated with the collection, sorting and disposal of waste. It allows municipalities to ensure the regular collection of bins, the operation of collection yards or the disposal of illegal dumps. The legal basis for this obligation can be found in the Local Tax Act.

At the same time, each municipality has the right to lay down conditions in its general binding decree. Therefore, the amount of the fee may vary not only between cities but also between districts. In Prague, for example, the rate depends on the volume of the container and the frequency of collection, while in smaller municipalities it is usually set at a flat rate per person.

Who has to pay the bin fee?

Residents

Every citizen of the Czech Republic who is a permanent resident of a particular municipality is obliged to pay a fee for waste collection in that municipality. Whether a student, pensioner or worker, everyone has the same rules. Exceptions may occur only if the municipality provides by ordinance for exemptions for certain groups of residents (e.g. children under one year of age).

Property owners

In practice, we deal with situations where people are unaware that they have to pay a fee even for a holiday home, even though no one lives there. These are typically cottages, chalets or inherited properties. Many owners only become aware of the debt when the council starts enforcement action or sends a notice to pay several years’ arrears.

If you own a property where no one resides, you as the owner must pay the charge. This scenario is common for holiday cottages and chalets. For example, if you have a cottage in the Giant Mountains where you do not have permanent residence, you will pay the fee at the property location.

Foreigners and non-residents

An interesting issue is the payment of waste by foreigners. If a foreigner owns a property in the Czech Republic, he/she has to pay the fee even if he/she does not live here permanently. Similarly, temporary residents may become payers if a municipal ordinance so provides.

How and where are the fees paid?

Each municipality has its own rules for paying for garbage. Check with your local municipal or town office to find out. However, municipalities now offer a wide range of options for paying the waste collection fee:

• Bank transfer: this is the most common form of payment. The municipality identifies that you have paid the fee by entering a variable symbol.
• Deposit: This form is gradually disappearing, but some municipalities still use it.
• Cash payment at the office: This method is suitable for senior citizens or those who do not have access to banking services.

If you are not sure how to pay your bin fee or how much to pay at all, contact your local authority. Information about the fees is also usually available on the council’s website. If you are still unsure, we will be happy to help.

In some European countries, such as Germany and Austria, the fee is calculated on the basis of the amount of waste actually produced. Each household has special bags or chips on their bins to record how much waste they throw away.

How do I find out what I owe on my garbage?

Do you want to know if you have paid your bin charge properly to avoid late payment penalties? The process is simple and again you have several options:

• Call the municipal office: they will give you information according to your birth number or address.
• Online check: Some municipalities have set up portals where citizens can check the status of their fees themselves.
• Wait for a call: If you have a debt, the municipality will send you a notice asking you to pay it.

In the case of a debt, a payment plan or other means of settlement can often be agreed.

A common mistake is to believe that the municipality must actively notify the debtor. In reality, the responsibility for payment lies with the taxpayer and the debt may accrue without prior notice. For older debts, it is therefore advisable to check the status directly with the municipality.

What if I ignore paying for the garbage?

Of course, not paying your bin charges puts you at risk of fines and you certainly won’t avoid the charge in the end anyway. Municipalities can take various measures in the event of non-payment. For example, you can expect a penalty fee (usually 0.05% per day of the amount owed).

A more extreme case is foreclosure of the property. While this is a last resort, it is used by municipalities when you have been ignoring your obligations for a long time. Therefore, we highly recommend that you make sure to make timely payments and communicate with the office when any problems arise.

If the municipality has assessed you an arrearage or you are facing foreclosure due to old charges, we recommend addressing the situation as soon as possible. We can help you check the legality of the municipality’s action and your options for defence.

Are there any exemptions that are not affected by the waste payment?

Practical experience shows that different municipalities take very different approaches to exemptions. While some automatically waive the fee for seniors or young children, others require an annual application and documentation of all documents.

We have already mentioned above, for example, students staying abroad for a long time or newborn children. In some places, however, seniors in old people’s homes, children in children’s homes or people with severe disabilities, for example, are also exempted from paying for waste.

The interpretation of some municipal ordinances is not always clear. Disputes often arise, for example, in the case of long-term foreign residents or unoccupied properties. Each municipality may set the conditions slightly differently. It is therefore always worth checking the current municipal ordinance.

In order to avoid paying the fee, a person usually has to apply for an exemption and provide written documentation proving, for example, studies, health and so on.

Practical advice

• Set up a standing order. This will avoid forgetting and possible penalties for late payments.
• Check the ordinances. Municipalities update them frequently and changes in garbage fees may be part of them.
• Save receipts for payments. They’ll come in handy in the event of a dispute.

Summary

The dumpster fee is a legal obligation that helps ensure the collection and disposal of waste. It is paid by residents, non-residents and often children. The rules and the amount of the fee vary according to local ordinances. Be sure to pay on time, as unpaid fees can lead to penalties or even foreclosure. Municipalities may exempt certain groups of residents (for example, newborns, seniors or students abroad) from paying if they provide the necessary documents. If you are not sure how to proceed, do not hesitate to contact the municipality or use the electronic systems offered by some municipalities. And if you are already in dispute, contact us.