Different dates around Vienna's used-clothing containers are causing confusion. The short answer: in 2026 not all collection points will suddenly disappear. According to the City of Vienna, the ban on used-clothing collection containers on public land applies from 1 January 2027. Transitional arrangements apply for 2026. The drop-off of clean, wearable clothing remains possible, for example at waste collection sites (Mistplätze), at charitable collection points, or via containers on private property.
The container ban is also not a general prohibition on collecting or passing on clothing. It concerns placement on public municipal land. Anyone clearing out their wardrobe should therefore not just look for the nearest bin, but first distinguish between reusable, repairable and truly unusable items.
What is changing for used-clothing containers in Vienna?
| Situation | What applies? |
|---|---|
| Containers on public land | Existing permits expire in 2026; the ban applies from 1 January 2027. |
| Containers on private property | They are not fundamentally covered by the ban on public spaces. |
| Used clothing at Vienna waste collection sites (Mistplätze) | Drop-off remains possible. |
| 48er-Tandler-Box | Clean, intact clothing can be dropped off at all Mistplätze for reuse. |
| Charitable collection points and Secondhand | They remain possible options; check acceptance criteria beforehand. |
If a container you used before is no longer in its usual spot, that does not mean that used clothing in Vienna generally belongs in the residual waste. Use the location and acceptance information of the respective organization or a Vienna Mistplatz.
Four piles instead of one large bag of used clothes
Sort each item according to its actual condition. This prevents dirty or damaged goods from making reuse more difficult.
| Condition | Recommended approach |
|---|---|
| Clean, dry, complete and wearable | Give away, sell, swap, charitable collection point, used-clothes collection or 48er-Tandler-Box |
| Small open seam, missing button, easily repairable | Repair first and then use yourself or pass on |
| Heavily torn, permanently stained, moldy or hygienically problematic | In Vienna, according to the Mist-ABC, put in the residual waste; do not donate as clothing |
| Other textiles that are not clothing | Check the disposal route individually in the Mist-ABC; many unusable household textiles currently belong in the residual waste |
If you still have too much in the wardrobe, you can start with the Tips for decluttering the wardrobe to get started. For a larger clear-out, the guide Decluttering, clearing out and tidying up.
What is allowed in the 48er-Tandler-Box?
The City of Vienna accepts intact used goods for reuse in the Tandler-Box at all Mistplätze. Clothing must be clean. The items are resold in the 48er-Tandler or handed over to charitable organizations. Small quantities, roughly one shopping bag full, can according to the City of Vienna also be handed in directly at the two Tandler branches.
The Tandler-Box is intended for good clothing, not for free disposal of broken textiles. Check before dropping off:
- Are all pockets emptied?
- Is the item clean, dry and free of odor or mold?
- Are zippers, buttons and seams sufficiently intact?
- Would you still wear or pass on the garment yourself in this condition?
- Are shoes complete in pairs and still wearable?
Does clothing need to be washed before drop-off?
It should in any case be clean and hygienically impeccable. An additional wash is advisable if the item has been worn, is dusty, or has been stored open for a long time. Newly washed clothing must be completely dry before being packaged. Damp textiles can become musty or mold during transport and storage. How often different items should generally be washed is explained by the Washing guide for everyday textiles.
What to do if a container is full?
Never place bags next to a full or no-longer-existing container. There, clothing items become wet, dirty or torn and are often no longer reusable afterwards. Find another official collection point or take the clothing back with you. The same applies to containers that are not clearly labeled: operator, purpose of acceptance and condition of the site should be identifiable.
Sort shoes, bedding and bags correctly
Wearable shoes should be clean and always in a complete pair in the designated used-clothes collection. Tie the laces together or attach the shoes so that the pair is not separated during transport and sorting. Intact bags, belts or bedding are also accepted depending on the collection point. Check the operator's specific list, because not every container collects the same categories of goods.
Unusable bed and table linen can, according to the Vienna Mist-ABC, go into the residual waste if reuse is no longer possible. Cushions, blankets, fabric scraps and other household textiles should not automatically be placed with clothing. Look up the individual item in the Mist-ABC or ask the Mist telephone. This way neither residual waste ends up in a reuse collection nor well-preserved goods prematurely in incineration.
Prepare drop-off in five minutes
- Check acceptance criteria and opening hours of the chosen place.
- Empty all pockets and remove personal items.
- Only pack completely dry items.
- Separate wearable clothing and shoes from broken textiles.
- If a container is full, do not place anything beside it; choose an alternative.
Why is the Vienna system being changed?
The city justifies the ban on public land with recurring pollution around containers. Clothing is pulled out, left lying around and made unusable by moisture. At the same time, it emphasizes that reuse and the circular economy should continue to be supported. By 2028 at the latest, the collection and recovery of non-reusable old textiles is to be reorganized and financed at the European level.
Answered briefly
Have used-clothing containers in Vienna been banned since August 2026?
No. 2026 is a transition year. The ban announced by the city on public land applies from 1 January 2027.
Is broken clothing allowed in the used-clothes collection?
Only if the respective collection point explicitly also accepts textiles for recycling. Classic reuse collections need clean, wearable goods. Heavily damaged or unhygienic clothing currently belongs in the residual waste in Vienna.
Does this apply the same everywhere in Austria?
No. Collection and acceptance criteria can vary regionally. This article describes the Vienna routes; outside Vienna, local waste advice can help.
Sources and further information
- City of Vienna: Ban on used-clothing collection containers on public land
- City of Vienna: Mist-ABC
- City of Vienna: 48er-Tandler-Box at Mistplätze
- RIS: Vienna Use Levy Act, transitional provisions
Feature image: AI-generated stock image with gpt-image-2, created for meinhaushalt.at.
