A disposal company takes away what the municipality does not collect or what you cannot carry yourself. Whether it works well is not visible on the lorry but in the quote, the invoice and the answers. This page shows what you should check – and how we answer each point.
In short
Check before you hire: commercial register entry, a written quote with every price component, where hazardous waste and electrical appliances go, insurance and invoice. A company that discloses all this has nothing to hide. Our answers are in the table.
Seven checkpoints – and our answers
| Checkpoint | How to check | Our answer |
|---|---|---|
| Registered company | Search the company name in the commercial register (Zefix); compare address and UID number. | Umzugsexpress GmbH, Pfadackerstrasse 9, 8957 Spreitenbach, UID CHE-364.049.074. |
| Written quote | Does it state how the price is calculated – hours, volume, surcharges, VAT? | Yes: hourly rate by effort and price per m³ – or a fixed price that includes everything. |
| Minimum duration and surcharges | Ask about minimum hours, travel costs and surcharges for heavy items. | We charge a minimum duration and a surcharge for items over 100 kg; both are stated in the quote. |
| Hazardous waste and electrical appliances | Ask where paint, chemicals and appliances go. | By arrangement we take hazardous waste to the collection point; electrical appliances go back through the take-back system. We do not transport gas cylinders or fuel. |
| Items found | Ask what happens to documents and valuables that turn up during clearing. | We put them aside and hand them over to you. |
| Insurance | Ask about business liability insurance for damage to stairwell, lift and floors. | Business liability insurance up to CHF 5 million. |
| Invoice | Ask for an invoice for the services – even if you pay in cash. | You receive an itemised invoice; you can pay in cash, with TWINT or by invoice. |
All our commitments and their conditions are listed under our commitments.
Why disposal belongs in the price
Whatever does not end up where it belongs has been disposed of illegally. The city of Zurich states fines of “up to several thousand francs” for this (fact sheet on illegal dumping). The canton of Zurich distinguishes between littering – small amounts – and illegal disposal of larger amounts to avoid the duty and the fees (Canton of Zurich).
Disposal costs fees. If a quote states no amount or volume for disposal, ask where this part is hidden.
For hazardous waste, companies are subject to other rules than private persons: in the city of Zurich, private persons hand in 20 kg per year free of charge, businesses need a company number and consignment notes (City of Zurich).
Questions for the first phone call
- How do you charge – by effort, by volume or as a flat rate?
- Is there a minimum duration, travel cost or surcharge?
- Is VAT included in the price?
- Where do you take electrical appliances and hazardous waste?
- What happens to documents and valuables you find?
- Who is liable if something in the stairwell is damaged?
- Will I get a written quote and an invoice?
Already have several quotes? The comparison under checking a clearance company converts them into a total including VAT.
Disposal or clearance?
A disposal company collects what you put out or show – that is our disposal service with prices and worked examples. If a whole flat, house or office has to be emptied, a clearance is the right service, with a date and swept clean handover: all clearances, apartment clearance, office clearance.
The price has two parts: the team’s working time, charged for the time actually worked, and disposal by volume.
- One vehicle with two people costs CHF 225 to 260 per hour, depending on the job. A flat fee of CHF 190 per vehicle and job is added for the vehicle, fuel and the journey there and back (within the region; longer distances as quoted).
- For disposal we reckon with CHF 40 to 50 per cubic metre, depending on the material.
- We charge a minimum of 3 hours.
These rates include VAT. On request we quote a fixed price after the free survey that includes everything, VAT too.
Clearance: mover loading chairs, crates and bags into the truck 
Clearance: wooden shelves, panels and suitcases loaded for disposal 
Clearance in the Brugg area: team member loading the vehicle 
Truck with rubbish bags and furniture from a flat clearance 
Clearance in the Brugg area: household goods in bags and furniture in the vehicle 
Cargo space with armchairs, bins and furniture dollies from a clearance
Frequently asked questions
What does a disposal company cost?
With us, working time by effort and disposal by volume; rates and worked examples are on the disposal page. On request you receive a fixed price after the free survey.
Do I get proof of disposal?
You receive an itemised invoice for all services. For business clearances we confirm the destruction of files and data carriers with a record.
Is a disposal company cheaper than the municipality?
Not for one or two items. It is worth it for large quantities, heavy items, no lift or a fixed date.
Do you also work for property managers and companies?
Yes – for property managers, companies and private persons in Zurich, Aargau and all of Switzerland.
When can I reach you?
Monday to Friday 8 am–10 pm, Saturday 8 am–8 pm, Sunday 1–6 pm – by phone in German, English and Turkish, in writing also in French and Italian.
Sources
- Zefix – central business name index
- City of Zurich: fact sheet on illegal dumping
- Canton of Zurich: littering and illegal disposal
- City of Zurich: hazardous waste collection point
Sources as of October 2026.
Related services
Clearance and disposal: all pages
- Disposal – Have bulky waste, furniture and appliances collected – with an honest comparison to the municipality.
- Checking a clearance company – Compare quotes and the questions to settle before you hire.
- Office clearance – Office or practice empty for handover – files and data carriers with a destruction record.
What our customers say
Genuine reviews from our Google Business Profile.
