Hamburg, December 23 – Residents of Hamburg are set to experience an increase in the cost of several public services starting in the new year. Finance Senator Andreas Dressel (SPD) stated that the adjustments are necessary to account for rising personnel and material costs. Price increases will also affect utility providers. Here’s an overview of the changes coming to the Hanseatic city at the turn of the year:
Higher Waste Disposal Fees
An average Hamburg household will pay almost nine euros more for waste collection next year. Fees for household waste disposal will increase by 3.4 percent, according to the finance authority. The disposal of additional residual waste and leaves in sacks will see a significantly sharper increase: the price for a 100-liter residual waste sack will rise from 3.00 to 3.50 euros, and for a 100-liter leaf sack from 1.00 euro to 2.40 euros.
Sewerage Fees for Wastewater and Rainwater Increase
The cost of wastewater and rainwater disposal in Hamburg will also become more expensive. According to the finance authority, the sewerage fee for wastewater will increase by approximately 3.3 percent, from 2.41 euros to 2.49 euros per cubic meter. For rainwater disposal, the fee will rise from 83 to 86 cents per square meter of built-up, covered, or paved property area – an increase of 3.6 percent. An average household can expect an additional annual burden of 8.00 euros.
Water Prices Also Rise
Tap water will also become more expensive: Hamburg Wasser will charge 3.42 euros monthly for apartment water meters starting in January, an increase of 18 cents. The price per cubic meter of water will rise from the current 1.99 euros to 2.05 euros, a three percent increase. Additionally, a seven percent value-added tax will apply to both.
Storage of Lost Property Becomes More Expensive
According to the finance authority, current fees for the storage of lost property no longer cover actual costs. Therefore, these fees will also increase by up to 33 percent at the turn of the year, depending on the item and storage duration.
Higher Housing-Related Fees
Fees for official acts related to the misuse of residential space will significantly increase by up to 45 percent. Finance Senator Dressel noted that there has been a significant cost deficit in this area. At the same time, a “certain steering effect to preserve residential space for housing purposes” is desired.
HVV Tickets Get More Expensive
Travel by bus and train will also become more expensive. According to the Hamburg Transport Association (HVV), the tariff adjustment averages 5.4 percent. While the pricing for the Deutschlandticket is not solely decided in Hamburg, it is particularly popular in the city. The price for the subscription, which allows nationwide use of local and regional transport, will increase from the current 58 to 63 euros per month.
What Will Not Get More Expensive
Finance Senator Dressel emphasized that fees for municipal services are about cost recovery, and continuous adjustment to developments, particularly in personnel and material costs, helps “to avoid large jumps in fee levels.” Dressel also delivered good news: “Parking fees, bulky waste fees, and fees for cleaning public paths have remained stable and will not be increased.”
Source: https://www.zeit.de/news/2025-12/23/diese-gebuehren-steigen-zum-jahreswechsel-in-hamburg
