• Intro text: Residents could hand in their Christmas trees between 27 December and 11 January at collection sites, the environmental street or the Kringloopplein in Nieuw-Lekkerland. Each real Christmas tree earned a 50-cent reward.

Between 27 December and 11 January, a total of 6918 Christmas trees were collected in the municipalities of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Molenlanden and Vijfheerenlanden. Of these, as many as 5522 trees (79.8%) were handed in at the collection locations on 3 and 4 January. The remaining 1396 trees (20.2%) were taken to the environmental centres.

A nice pocket money and a clean neighbourhood

Every real Christmas tree - without wooden cross, pot, nails and decoration - earned a 50-cent reward. For many children, this was the chance to go out into the neighbourhood and collect trees with friends during the Christmas holidays. Behind the bike, on foot or with the help of parents or carers, the trees were handed in at the various collection locations. This way, they not only earned a nice pocket money, but also helped to keep the neighbourhood clean and tidy.

What happens to the Christmas trees?

The trees handed in were shredded immediately and processed into valuable raw materials such as compost, green gas and ground cover. Some of the bedding went to a nearby farm. There, it serves as a lovely warm and fragrant bed for the cows in the free-range barn. When cow manure is added, it composts. This compost can later be spread on the land again. Thus, discarded Christmas trees are not waste, but a valuable raw material.

Together we make a difference

With 6918 Christmas trees collected, we ensure a tidy start to the year. The Christmas tree collection is a great example of cooperation between residents, contractors and Waardlanden. We thank everyone who handed in a Christmas tree. Together we prevent waste and make a difference.

• Intro text: We regularly put someone in the limelight who works for a cleaner neighbourhood. This time it is litter picker Dick Roodhorst from Ameide. Dick talks enthusiastically about what drives him and why he enjoys helping.

We regularly put someone in the limelight who works for a cleaner neighbourhood. This time it is Dick Roodhorst from Ameide. He has been picking up litter since he retired in 2021. This way, he enjoys being outdoors and being useful at the same time. Dick talks enthusiastically about what drives him and why he enjoys helping.

• Intro text: Celebrate Sinterklaas sustainably with our toy swap markets! In the run-up to Sinterklaas, we organise toy swap markets in the region together with local partners. Bring your unused toys and swap them for something new!

In the run-up to St Nicholas, together with local partners, we organise toy exchange markets in the region. On Thursday 14 November, there is a toy swap market in community centre Rozenobel in Gorinchem, organised in cooperation with the LimonadeBrigade. A day later, on Friday 15 November, there will be a second toy swap market at AanZet library in Hardinxveld-Giessendam. These swap markets offer a great opportunity to give new life to unused toys and to celebrate Saint Nicholas in an environmentally friendly and inexpensive way.

Toy exchanges

Do you have any good, clean and complete toys lying around at home that are not being played with? Then visit the swap market on 14 November in Wijkcentrum Rozenobel in Gorinchem or on 15 November in Library AanZet, in Hardinxveld-Giessendam and give your toys a new life. For each toy handed in, you will receive vouchers. With these you can pick out other toys during the swap market. Residents who only want to donate without bartering are also welcome. 

> find out more about the toy exchange market on 14 November at Rozenobel District Centre in Gorinchem

> find out more about the toy exchange market on 15 November at AanZet Library in Hardinxveld-Giessendam

Celebrating Saint Nicholas affordably and sustainably

Our environment coach Nelleke Gouw, explains: 'With these toy swap markets, we not only make the Sinterklaas festivities inexpensive, but also more sustainable. In many households, many toys remain unused while still in good condition. By swapping these toys, other children can be made happy and fewer new items need to be bought. This reduces waste and packaging, as well as the use of new raw materials, time and purchasing stress.

A celebration of sharing 

Toys left over after the swap markets go to the Toy Bank. Then other children can enjoy them too and St Nicholas is more fun, sustainable and for everyone. Please note that books and soft toys will not be accepted or exchanged.

• Intro text: With a whopping 23.8 kg of textiles per pupil, pupils from Eben-Haëzer School in Leerbroek stood out above the rest. 461 pupils from five primary schools participated and collected textiles fanatically between 30 September and 11 October. The result? No less than 4,769 kilos of textiles to be reused or recycled.

With an impressive average of 23.8 kg of textiles per pupil, the Eben-Haëzer School from Leerbroek is the big winner of the second edition of the Textile Competition in Vijfheerenlanden. From 30 September to 11 October, 461 pupils from five primary schools enthusiastically set to work collecting as many textiles as possible. The result? A whopping 4,769 kilos of textiles reused or recycled. 

Reward for commitment

Again & Co rewards each participating school with €0.20 per kilo of textile collected. For the winning school, this amount is even doubled. The school can use this for fun activities or donate it to a sustainable cause in the region. On 17 October, the Eben-Haëzer School received a cheque of no less than € 942.40, delicious cakes and a circular gift, presented by alderman Joop van Montfoort, education officer Ozan Cimen and Johan van de Zande of Opnieuw & Co.

Together against textile waste

Every year, we throw an average of 7 kg of textiles per person in the residual waste, which eventually ends up in the incinerator. It is harmful to the environment, with extra CO2 emissions and pollution of our earth. Councillor Joop van Montfoort said: 'The Textile Competition is a great way to fight waste and make a real difference. Children are the consumers of the future. They learn in a fun way about the impact of the garment industry on the environment and the importance of recycling. And how they themselves can contribute to a better environment by making more sustainable choices. With the Textile Competition, we ensure that valuable material does not go to waste. It gets a second life and saves raw materials. That's how we contribute to a more sustainable world.'

Give textiles a second chance

Do you have any textiles at home that you no longer use? Don't throw it in the residual waste. There are so many better options. Give reusable clothes, bags, sheets and cuddly toys to someone who can use them or sell them (online). You can hand in your textiles during opening hours at Opnieuw & Co Leerdam. Or bring it to the Kringloopplein in Nieuw-Lekkerland, a thrift or gift shop. And don't forget the special clothing fairs and swap markets. Or bring old textiles to the recycling centre or put them in the collection container for textiles in the neighbourhood. Even worn or broken fabrics can go in there.

Participating schools

Participating in the Textile Competition Vijfheerenlanden were: CBS De Ontdekking in Hei- en Boeicop, Fundament in Nieuwland, Eben-Haëzerschool in Leerboek, CBS Juliana in Leerdam and CBS De Rank from Meerkerk. 

About the Textile Competition

The Textile Competition was organised for the second time by Opnieuw & Co, Municipality of Vijfheerenlanden and Waardlanden. The aim of the Textile Competition is to reduce residual waste, increase recycling and give new life to raw materials. In addition, children learn about sustainability and recycling in a fun way.

• Intro text: Do you ever wonder in which waste bin a  product or material belongs? Our waste separation guide helps! You can now download it in as many as eight different languages. You can print it out and put it in a handy place at home. Then you will always know in which container to put your raw materials.

Do you ever wonder in which waste bin a  product or material belongs? Our waste separation guide helps! You can now download it in as many as eight different languages. You can print it out and put it in a handy place at home. Then you will always know in which container to put your raw materials.

With the campaign Nice and tidy we help residents further reduce waste and separate it even better. This way, less residual waste remains to be incinerated at high cost and as many raw materials as possible can be recycled. Proper separation of waste and raw materials is important to give a second life to as many materials as possible. This way, waste becomes raw material again. All help and tips we have collected for you on the campaign page.

Make waste separation easier

Not sure where something belongs? Then use the handy separation guide in the Waardlanden app. This way you always have all information about waste and raw materials to hand. Prefer a paper waste separation guide in another language? You can view the waste separation guide in as many as eight languages, download it and print it out if necessary. Then you can hang it up in a handy place at home and quickly see what belongs where. 

• Download the handy waste separation guide in Dutch
• Download the handy waste sorting guide in Arabic
• Download the handy waste sorting guide in English
• Download the handy waste sorting guide in Ukrainian
• Download the handy waste sorting guide in Polish
• Download the handy waste sorting guide in Romanian
• Download the handy waste sorting guide in Spanish
• Download the handy waste sorting guide in Turkish

• Intro text: A special creative project in Molenlanden and Vijfheerenlanden municipality. Pupils from primary schools in the neighbourhood give litter bins a new look. Something that not only makes the neighbourhood more beautiful, but also cleaner.

A special creative project in Molenlanden and Vijfheerenlanden municipality. Pupils from primary schools in the neighbourhood are giving litter bins a new look. Something that not only makes the neighbourhood more beautiful, but also cleaner! The municipality and Waardlanden work together with Cornelissen advertising in Molenlanden and with Kings of Colors in Leerdam on this special project, in which art is used for a cleaner environment. 

In 2024, Waardlanden conducted a study on litter. This showed that it is important to have enough litter bins that are clean and whole. Unfortunately, this is sometimes lacking, causing more litter. The "Pimp your Trashcan" project offers a solution by pimping up the litter bins and thereby making them more attractive. Through the brightly coloured bins, we encourage residents to throw their rubbish in the bins.

The makeover of dustbins: together with the neighbourhood

The wastebaskets in Leerdam were unveiled on Wednesday 18 September, in the week of World Cleanup Day. On Tuesday 15 October, it was the turn of Molenlanden municipality, where the first wastebasket at Kleyburgplein in Nieuw-Lekkerland was officially unveiled. The dustbins were transformed into true works of art. Pupils from the local primary schools made creative design drawings for the new bins. These designs were turned into beautiful works of art by graffiti artists and expertly sprayed on the bins. The goal? Trash bins that not only stand out, but are also a joy to use! Because throwing your rubbish on the street? That really is out of date.

Together we make a difference

This project shows how cooperation and creativity contribute to a cleaner environment. The enthusiastic reactions of the children, local residents and visitors to the shopping centre show that the project is a great success. Thanks to the efforts of the pupils, Kings of Colors, the municipality of Vijfheerenlanden and Waardlanden, the streets of Leerdam are not only becoming more beautiful, but also cleaner. Be surprised by the creative litter bins. Together, we will take the step towards a world without litter! 

• Intro text: It is Safety Week. Therefore, there is an extra focus on container presentation rules to ensure safe and smooth waste collection. You can help by putting your container on the road in the right way.

It is Safety Week. Therefore, there is an extra focus on container presentation rules to ensure safe and smooth waste collection. You can help by putting your container on the road in the right way.

Supply rules containers

Follow the offer rules below to ensure a safe and clean neighbourhood together.

• Intro text: From 30 September to 11 October 2024, 461 pupils from five primary schools in Vijfheerenlanden will compete in the Textile Competition to collect as many textiles as possible and learn playfully about the impact of the garment industry and the importance of reuse and recycling.

From 30 September to 11 October 2024, 461 pupils from five primary schools in Vijfheerenlanden will compete in the Textile Competition. They will collect as many textiles as possible to help their school. In a playful way, they will learn about the impact of the garment industry on the environment and the importance of reusing and recycling for a circular economy.

Producing, using and disposing of textiles is  not good for the environment. It causes extra CO2 emissions, pollution of soil and water and a mountain of plastic. Many textiles remain unused in cupboards or attics or are thrown in the dustbin and then incinerated. This causes enormous waste of resources and pollution. It can be done differently.

Kick-off  of the Textile Competition

On Monday 30 September, councillor Ton van Maanen gave the official kick-off of the Textile Competition at Eben-Haëzer School in Leerbroek. From 30 September to 11 October, pupils from participating schools will collect textiles for their schools. These can be clothes, bedding, towels, curtains and even soft toys. Clean and dry textiles will be reused, and broken clothes will be recycled. As a result, discarded textiles are given a second life and do not become waste.

Remuneration and allowances

Last year, the winning school collected an impressive average of over 16 kilos of textiles per pupil. This year, we are going for a new record. Each kilo of textile collected earns the school €0.20. The amount that pupils collect for their school will be used by the school itself, such as a fun activity or as a donation to one of the many good (sustainable) causes in the region. The school that collects the most textiles per pupil receives a double payment and a delicious cake as an extra reward.

Award ceremony

Alderman Joop van Montfoort will host the award ceremony on 17 October at 10.00 am at the winning school.

Participating schools

The following litter-free schools are participating in the Textile Competition Vijfheerenlanden: CBS De Ontdekking in Hei- en Boeicop, Fundament in Nieuwland, Eben-Haëzerschool in Leerboek, and CBS Juliana in Leerdam and CBS De Rank from Meerkerk. 

Initiators

Opnieuw & Co and Waardlanden are organising this competition together with the Vijfheerenlanden municipality for the second time. The aim is to reduce residual waste, reuse raw materials and teach children about sustainability in a fun way.

• Intro text: Do you have textiles you no longer wear and use yourself? Then don't throw it in the rubbish. But give it a new life. Find out what you can do with your discarded textiles.

Unfortunately, 7 kg of textiles per person still end up in residual waste every year and eventually end up in the incinerator. This is a shame and, of course, not the intention. Give discarded textiles a new life too or put them in the textile collection container for recycling.

Give your textiles a new lease of life

Over the next few weeks, many people are clearing out their cupboards again. Do you have textiles you no longer wear or use yourself? Never throw it in the residual waste. There are so many better options. Give your reusable clothes, shoes, coats, bags, sheets, towels and cuddly toys to someone who can put them to good use, or sell them (online). You can also bring it to the Kringlooplein, the thrift shop or the gift shop. There are also regular special clothing fairs and swap markets where you can exchange your items. This is how you give your textiles a new life!

Collection containers for textiles

You can also bring textiles to one of our environmental centres or put them in the special collection container for textiles in your neighbourhood. Worn and broken fabrics are also allowed there. Clothes, shoes, coats, bags, sheets, towels, curtains and even cuddly toys are welcome.

Most sustainable solution for your textiles

At textile collector Sympany, the collected textiles are sorted and prepared for the next phase. Most (around 73%) of the collected textiles can be reused. This is the most sustainable solution. The rest of the textiles follow the recycling route. From this, new yarns or insulation materials, for example, are made.

Help out and return textiles clean and dry

Textiles are a major environmental burden. When textiles are disposed of incorrectly, we waste a lot of precious resources. Collecting textiles separately and reusing them is best for our planet. Do put your textiles clean and dry in a sealed plastic bag so the textiles don't get wet. Are you unsure whether or not a material is allowed in the textile container? Then take a look at waardlanden.nl/textiles. Or view the separation guide on our website or in the Waardlanden app.

• Intro text: On Saturday 21 September, enthusiastic participants removed no less than 132.9 kilos of litter from Gorinchem's canals and waters during Clean Up on Tour. From a SUP board, they picked up cans, plastic bags and other litter, with grabbers and rubbish bags in hand.

Sports clean-up action with results

With the help of enthusiastic participants, brilliant weather and a sporting challenge, the goal of cleaner water has come another step closer. During the clean-up campaign on Saturday 21 September, a total of 132.9 kg of litter was removed from the waters and canals in Gorinchem. Participants took to the water on a SUP board, armed with grabs and rubbish bags to remove cans, plastic bags and other litter. Thanks to good guidance from an experienced instructor, everyone went out on the water with confidence.

Along the side, many people were watching, complimenting the participants. Some even expressed their desire to participate next year too! The event not only ensured a cleaner environment, but also brought people together for a common cause.

Together for cleaner water

Thanks to the efforts of all participants, we made an important contribution to cleaner water in Gorinchem. Not only did we make the city more beautiful, but we also made the water safer for everything that lives in it. Together, we have made a difference!