Don't Forget to Pay the Waste Collection Fee!

11.05.2025

🗑️ Do You Live in the Czech Republic? Don't Forget to Pay the Waste Collection Fee!

If you're a foreigner living in the Czech Republic — especially with long-term residence or permanent stay — you may be required to pay the local municipal waste collection fee (poplatek za komunální odpad).

Yes, even if you don't own the property or if your landlord pays utilities.

đź’ˇ Who has to pay?

Each municipality (město or obec) sets its own rules. But in most places, every individual who is officially residing (hlášený pobyt) in that municipality is required to pay.

That means:

  • Foreigners with long-term or permanent residence

  • Foreigners who live at a registered address, even temporarily

  • Children and adults (some places charge per person)

Some exceptions may apply (e.g. short-term stays, students, certain contracts), but it's always safest to check directly with your local municipal office (městský úřad).

📆 When do you pay?

Most municipalities require the payment once per year, usually:

đź—“ By the end of May or June
(For example: Brno — 31 May, Prague — 30 June)

You must pay for the full calendar year, not just for the time you spent living there.

đź’¸ How much is it?

The price varies by city or town. Typical amounts range from 500 to 1,200 CZK per person per year.

Check your city's website — just search "poplatek za odpad + [your city]" or ask at the information desk at your local town hall.

⚠️ What happens if you don't pay?

If you miss the payment deadline:

  • You may receive a reminder (sometimes in Czech only)

  • A fine can be issued for non-payment

  • The city can refer your case to debt collection (including legal fees)

  • It could affect your visa or residence renewal if you are found not complying with local obligations

In some cases, foreign nationals have even had issues when applying for permanent residence, because they had unpaid local debts — even small ones like waste fees.

âś… What should you do?

  1. Check your city's website for current payment details

  2. If unsure, visit or call your local municipal office

  3. Ask if you are required to pay as a foreign resident

  4. Pay on time — and keep the payment confirmation!

đź’¬ Need help understanding it?

At CzechInTogether, we help foreigners navigate Czech rules and local requirements — including things like waste fees, school registration, visa documents, and more.

📧 Email us at info@czechintogether.cz
📅 Or book a free 30-minute consultation — we're happy to explain it in clear English!

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