The cellar, the garage and the attic are where things go to die. Over the years they fill up with stuff nobody uses any more but nobody gets round to throwing out either. Here is a practical way to get that space back in a single day.
Short answer. Start by sorting, not by carrying things out. Separate metal, timber and appliances – disposal of those is free of charge. An average cellar holds 4–6 m³ and empties in 2–4 hours, with the price usually between 290 and 460 euros.
Why a cellar and a garage are a different matter
When a flat is cleared, things are mostly intact and in plain sight. A cellar is different: the stuff is in layers, some of it is damp or mouldy, access runs through a narrow corridor and there is little light. A garage adds tyres, oils and old car parts – some of which are hazardous waste that must not go in an ordinary load.
That is why clearing a cellar often takes longer than the same number of cubic metres in a flat.
Sort first, not afterwards
This is where you can save the most. Some materials are accepted at the waste station without a fee – but only if they are separate and can be handed over separately.
| What you find in a cellar | Where it goes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Old pipes, frames, ironmongery | Metal | no charge |
| Offcuts, unpainted garden timber | Untreated wood | no charge |
| Old fridge, washing machine, electronics | Home appliances | no charge |
| Boxes, newspapers, packaging | Paper and cardboard | no charge |
| Old furniture, mattresses, rugs | Bulky waste | 31 €/m³ |
| Painted wood, plywood, laminate | Treated wood | 31 €/m³ |
| Renovation waste, tiles, plaster | Construction waste | 41.30 €/m³ |
| Everything mixed in one heap | Unsorted | 41.30 €/m³ |
The difference is substantial: 5 m³ of sorted furniture costs 155 €, the same amount of unsorted junk 207 €. Half an hour of sorting pays for itself.
What we do not take away
These have to be taken out of the garage beforehand – we are not permitted to transport hazardous waste.
- Paints, varnishes, solvents and adhesives
- Engine oil, brake fluid, antifreeze
- Car batteries and larger quantities of batteries
- Gas cylinders and pressure vessels
- Chemicals and unidentified liquids
A Tallinn resident can take these to a hazardous waste collection point free of charge. Tyres are accepted under separate rules.
How the day goes
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You do the first pass
Go through it and decide what stays. Put hazardous waste aside separately. If you have time, move the metal into a heap of its own.
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You send photos
Photos of the cellar plus the floor and access details. You get a price before the work starts.
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The crew arrives
Two workers carry everything out and load the van. If needed we dismantle shelving and furniture.
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We take it to the waste station
We sort it into the containers and pay the station’s bill. You get a single invoice and, on request, the receipt.
What it costs
An average cellar, 4–5 m³ of mixed items, on a weekday.
A garage is often larger – 8–12 m³ and 4–6 hours. An attic takes longer because of the narrow stairs and low ceiling. We send an exact price based on photos.
Ask for a price
Send a couple of photos of the cellar or garage – we reply within a few hours.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be there myself?
No. Many people hand over a key or have the building manager open the door. We agree the arrangement in advance and send photos of the finished work.
How long does clearing a cellar take?
An average cellar 2–4 hours, a large garage 4–6 hours. Narrow access and a long carrying distance add time.
What happens to things that are still in good condition?
We do not buy or broker second-hand goods. If something is valuable, take it out beforehand – selling or giving it away is better for you than disposal.
Are mouldy or damp items a problem?
No. We bring gloves and covers. Tell us in advance if there is heavy mould in the cellar – then we bring masks as well.
Can a housing association order the clearing of all the building’s cellars?
Yes, we do this for housing associations and property managers. A company can pay by bank transfer and receives the waste station receipt. Send the billing details before the work.