Grovavfall

Grovavfall, or bulky waste, is waste from households that is too large or heavy to fit in a standard trash bin and is not classified as hazardous waste. It typically includes items such as furniture, mattresses, carpets, large appliances (excluding those with active refrigerants requiring special handling), bicycles, gym equipment, and other bulky objects. Hazardous components like batteries, solvents, paints, or refrigerants are not considered grovavfall and must be handled separately as hazardous waste or electronic waste.

Collection and disposal practices vary by municipality, but common arrangements include scheduled bulky-waste collection days or designated drop-off points at recycling centers. Some areas require pre‑booking, tagging, or payment per item, and there may be limits on the amount or frequency per household. Items collected are sorted for reuse, recycling, and energy recovery where possible; components such as metal, wood, and textiles may be recycled, while non-recyclable material may go to energy recovery facilities or, in some cases, landfills.

Preparation steps help ensure safe handling and recycling: remove liquids and hazardous residues, detach any detachable components, separate metals and electronics when required, and wrap or secure fragile items. If an item contains refrigerants, asbestos, or other hazardous substances, arrange for specialized collection in accordance with local regulations.

Reusing and donating usable items is encouraged, for example through charity shops or online swaps, reducing the environmental impact of grovavfall. Local guidelines should be consulted for precise rules, fees, and facilities.