• Intro text: Find out how to separate waste even better! Learn useful tips and tricks to make a difference in our region. From smart recycling suggestions to creative reuse ideas. Read it now in our blog and let's build a cleaner and more sustainable environment for all of us together!

Since the industrial revolution in 1750, humans became increasingly distant from nature. The production of goods grew immensely, as did the economy. But where more is produced, more waste is also created. A waste stream of paper, plastic, Styrofoam, food scraps, electronics, iron and so on.  This is not only around people, but also around animals and plants. By separating our waste better, together we contribute to a better environment and a cleaner living environment. We explain why waste separation is so important and what you can do about it yourself at home. 

Why separate waste? 

Waste is a big problem. We are all producing more and more waste and this has a negative impact on the environment. It takes a lot of energy and raw materials to process waste. While others can still put your (old) stuff to good use. Or perhaps there are reusable materials among them that can be recycled. By separating waste and recycling old items, you will find that you have much less residual waste at home. This saves raw materials and energy. So less residual waste is good for the environment and for our wallets.  

Separating our waste incorrectly also causes additional air pollution. Burning waste also releases a lot of CO2. This is bad for the environment and the climate. Animals also suffer because of waste in nature. They eat it and get sick. Or they get caught in it. By separating our waste properly, we can reduce these negative consequences. 

Separating waste and raw materials: a breeze! 

Anyway, we all know that separating waste is not usually anyone's favourite chore. So make it easy on yourself with the following tips: 

1. For example, put a separate bin for food waste and cardboard next to your bin. Don't have room for multiple bins in your home? You are not the only one. There are now many space-saving solutions on the market. For example, a duo waste bin called Vriflex. 
2. Make sure your waste bins are in the right places. For example, put a paper bin next to your desk. 
3. Make it visible. For example, put stickers on the bins showing what belongs in them. 

Important for the environment 

Separating waste is important for the environment and the future of our planet. By separating waste better, we can reuse raw materials and reduce the negative impact of waste on the environment. The tips above will make separating waste easier. Involve the whole family and make it a challenge. Together, we can contribute to a better world. Good luck with waste separation! 

Test your knowledge with the Waste Separation Quiz 

Wondering what kind of waste separator you are? Take the quiz and find out what you already know about waste separation. At the end of the quiz, you will receive tailored advice to increase your knowledge.  So what are you waiting for? Let's work together for a cleaner and more sustainable future! 

• Intro text: Are you already among the large group of people who separate their waste properly? In that case, thanks for that! We can take another great step: towards less waste. There are many good and fun ways, which often also save you money.

Are you already among the large group of people who separate their waste well. In that case, thank you for that! And we can take another great step: towards less waste. There are many good and fun ways, which often also save you money. For example, buying and cooking food smarter, so you use everything. Repairing things is fortunately becoming more normal again. And buying and selling used items is a trend.

You too can save waste

Milieucentraal's Waste Reducer gives you an insight into how to save waste. Complete the questions and indicate what you already know and do about reducing waste. At the end of the test, you will receive personalised tips on how to reduce waste and save money.

You can complete the questions completely anonymously within a few minutes. Between the answer options of the multiple-choice questions, there are all kinds of useful initiatives. So the test immediately gives you good ideas for reducing your own waste. At the end of the test, you will get even more useful tips.

> Launch the Waste Miner for your tailored advice

Questions and tips

We hope you discover many new, fun and valuable ideas. Do you have any questions or a tip of your own to share? Mail our environmental coaches Ingrid and Nelleke, they will be happy to help you.

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• Intro text: Download our handy app. This way, you always have all waste information to hand. And you know exactly when your container is due at the road and where what type of waste is allowed.

Very handy! Install our app on your smartphone. This way, you always have all waste information to hand. The app contains your personal waste calendar. You can also set it to notify you when you need to take one of your containers to the road. Then you will never forget this.

All useful functions at a glance

• Your personal waste calendar
• Report such as a full collection container or an illegal dump
• Container location search
• Separate more easily with the handy waste separation guide
• Receiving important messages

Download the Waardlanden app for Android or iOS

• Intro text: Would you like to separate your fruit, vegetable, garden and food waste (VGF) without having to deal with unpleasant odours? With a few simple tips, you can keep your GFT container clean and avoid nuisance.

Would you like to separate your fruit, vegetable, garden and food waste (VGF) without having to deal with unpleasant odours? With a few simple tips, you can keep your GFT container clean and avoid nuisance.

Especially in the hot summer months, the kitchen and garden waste container can start to smell and attract pests such as fruit flies and maggots. This cannot be completely prevented - on a hot day, fly eggs hatch as maggots within hours. Fortunately, you can minimise the nuisance with a few smart tips:

Tip 1: Place a newspaper or straw on the floor

Put a page of old newspaper or some straw on the bottom. This will prevent food particles from sticking. The bin stays cleaner and is easier to clean. The paper or straw absorbs moisture and helps prevent unpleasant odours.

Tip 2: Put the container in the shade

Put your GFT container in the coolest possible place, preferably in the shade. Especially during hot weather. In full sunlight, waste will brew faster. Heat speeds up composting and attracts flies and maggots. By keeping the bin as cool as possible, you reduce the risk of odours and pests.

Tip 3: Keep waste as dry as possible

Moisture is a big culprit when it comes to smells and maggots. Therefore, do not throw wet food scraps or garden waste in the GFT container. Let damp leftovers drain first and freshly cut grass dry for a day before putting it in the container. It also helps to dispose of GFT waste in layers: after a layer of food waste, put a layer of dry material, such as dried grass or dry leaves on top. This keeps the contents drier and gives maggots less chance. Occasionally you can add a handful of sawdust to absorb moisture and reduce foul odours.

Tip 4: Pack food waste properly

Flies love meat, fish and fruit scraps. By packing perishable food scraps properly, you make the container less attractive to pests. Wrap bones, meat and fish waste in a sheet of newspaper before throwing it away. You can also collect your kitchen waste in special compostable VGF waste bags- just make sure you only use the VGF bags with the germplasm logo or OK compost logo. Only these bags are allowed in VGF waste.

Tip 5: Freeze perishable leftovers until collection day

You can also keep meat and fish waste in the freezer until the day of collection. Throw it frozen in the container just before you take it to the street. That way it won't rot and attract pests.

Tip 6: Vent or seal? Choose what fits

A little ventilation helps against smells. Put the lid ajar with a twig, for example. This allows warm air to escape. Do you mainly suffer from flies or maggots? Then it is better to keep the lid tightly closed. There are also special lids with a filter that stop smells but still ventilate.

Tip 7: Clean the container regularly

Even with all these precautions, it is wise to clean your GFT container regularly, especially in the warmer months. Give your GFT container a refreshing rinse every now and then. Use plain water and possibly a little green soap to rinse away all leftovers. Do not use harsh cleaning agents, such as chlorine or insecticides. These are harmful to the environment and interfere with the composting process.

Tip 8: Use natural remedies against pests

Place a few branches of the ivy plant (Hedera) or some fresh lavender in your GFT container. Both plants are toxic to maggots (fly larvae), so they will stay away from your container or die as soon as they come into contact with it. Lavender also helps reduce odours.

Tip 9: Empty before departure

Going on holiday? Then make sure you have your GFT container emptied before you leave. That way you won't come home to a nasty surprise. An empty container is the first step to coming home clean and fresh.

With these simple tips, you can keep your GFT container clean and fresh, without any unpleasant odours. Together, we will take a step towards a waste-free and clean environment.

For more tips, visit waardlanden.nl/tips 

• Intro text: A coat with a broken zip. A lamp that suddenly stops working. A toaster with kinks. Recognisable? See if you can fix it first! We list a few useful websites for you.

A zip that no longer closes. An electrical appliance that stops working. A button that sticks. Or a loose chair leg. Annoying - but no reason to throw something away straight away. Because did you know that many things simply work again after a small repair?

Often the problem is small. A loose wire. A clogged filter. A part that is easy to replace. By repairing, you extend the life of your stuff. That is good for the environment and for your wallet. You avoid waste, save raw materials and save money. And the great thing is: you don't have to do it alone.

Repairing is easier than you think

There are many useful websites and places where you can get help. Think clear roadmaps, explainer videos or help from others with experience.

We list a few useful websites for you:

Getting started yourself with iFixit

On iFixit.com, you will find thousands of free tutorials with clear pictures. From coffee machines to laptops, you will see step by step how to fix something.

Help and learn from others on JaFix

On JaFix.com/en, you can ask a question or just give tips to others yourself. This way, we help each other to use stuff for longer.

Replace the part, not the device 

Do you have a broken part? Retrieved from FixPart.co.uk you will quickly find a replacement part for thousands of appliances. That way, you don't have to get rid of everything, but only what is really broken. 

Watch a repair video on YouTube 

Search YouTube for the make, model and the word "repair". You will often then find a handy video explaining the process. Useful if you prefer watching to reading - and want to follow it at your own pace. 

Visit a repair café 

Prefer help from an expert? At a repair café near you, you can have broken items repaired by handy volunteers. Check out waardlanden.nl/repaircafes Where the nearest repair café is. 

Small effort, big difference 

Whether you repair yourself or get help from a volunteer, every repair counts. You save waste, learn something new and do something good for the world around you. So: does something break? See if you can fix it first. Chances are you can - and that feels good. 

For more tips, visit waardlanden.nl/tips 

• Intro text: Does waste ever get left behind in your container after emptying it? That is a waste of space. Especially wet or compacted waste - such as kitchen and garden waste - can be difficult to empty. With a few simple tips, you can make sure your container does empty completely.

Sometimes waste remains in the container after emptying. This is annoying because it leaves you with less space - just when you need the container again. During emptying, each container is shaken several times so that the waste is well removed. Yet this does not always succeed - for example, if the waste is too tightly pressed and stuck. This can happen with the contents of all types of containers, but with vegetable, fruit and garden waste and food waste (VGF) it is just a little more common. GFT is often wet and sticky. As a result, it sticks to the walls more easily or gets stuck at the bottom. Fortunately, you can do a lot yourself to prevent this.

With a few simple adjustments, you can ensure that your container is emptied properly.

Tip 1. Build up GFT in layers

Place a page of old newspaper or some straw at the bottom of the GFT container. This will prevent caked-on food residues at the bottom. Then throw kitchen and garden waste loosely on top. Alternate wet food waste with dry material, such as leaves or twigs. This keeps the waste airier and makes it easier to empty.

Tip 2. Drain or dry wet waste

Drain wet food scraps well before throwing them in the bins. This will prevent them from sticking. Even freshly cut grass is often very wet. Do not throw it directly in the organic waste container, but let it dry for a day first. This prevents it from clumping together or getting stuck at the bottom.

Tip 3. Do not press waste

Do not press waste, however tempting it may be to save space. Waste that has not been pushed on comes loose easier when emptied than a compressed mass. This applies not only to your GFT container, but also to your other containers. And always make large materials small so nothing gets stuck.

Tip 4. Unplug waste

Waste gets stuck faster than you think. Especially if it is damp or has been in the bin for a while. So before emptying the bin, gently poke it loose with a stick or shovel. This will prevent any waste from being left behind.

Tip 5. Put the container in a cool and dry place

Heat and humidity make waste stick faster. Therefore, put your GFT container in a shady and cool place if possible. This way, the waste stays drier and comes off easier.

Tip 6. Clean the container regularly

A clean container prevents waste from sticking to the walls. Therefore, clean the container regularly with water and possibly a little green soap. Do not use aggressive cleaning agents such as chlorine, which are harmful to the environment.

Will you help? With a few small actions, you can make a big difference. Together, we will make sure that containers can be emptied properly and your waste is processed neatly.

For more tips, visit waardlanden.nl/tips 

• Intro text: Did you know that not all glass belongs in the bottle bank? Many people are unsure where to dispose of their glass waste. Especially with broken drinking glasses, vases or teacups. We explain what should and should not go in the bottle bank, and why separating glass properly is so important.

Glass is one of the most recycled materials in the world. But did you know that not all glass can just go in the bottle bank? Many people are unsure about where to put their waste glass. Especially when it comes to broken glasses, vases or teacups. We are happy to explain what does and does not belong in the bottle bank and why separating glass is so important.

Why good separation is important

Glass looks similar, but not everything belongs in the bottle bank. If the wrong type of glass ends up in the bottle bank, it can cause recycling problems. For example, vases and drinking glasses have a different melting temperature than container glass and can interfere with the production of new glass containers. By separating properly, we ensure that glass can be reused more efficiently and contribute to a more sustainable world.

What is allowed in the bottle bank?

The bottle bank is for packaging glass, such as:

• Jam jars
• Pots of vegetables or fruit
• Spaghetti sauce bottles or jars
• Olive oil bottles
• Mayonnaise jars
• Sambal pots
• Spice jars
• Transparent glass cream jars
• Glass yoghurt pots
• Baby food jars made of glass
• Wine bottles
• Beer bottles without deposit
• Liquor bottles (note: no stone jars)
• Bottles of fruit juices, syrup and thick juice (made of glass)

Good to know: Packaging glass should be empty, but does not have to be clean. So you do not need to rinse bottles and jars. Caps and lids can also be left on.

What should not go in the bottle bank?

Not all glass has the same composition. Some types of glass have a different melting temperature and can interfere with recycling. This glass does not belong in the bottle bank:

• Vases and bowls 
• Broken drinking glasses, wine glasses and teacups
• Heat-resistant glass, such as oven dishes and tea glasses
• Tableware
• Flat glass, such as a picture frame or pane of glass
• Mirrors

This glass belongs to residual waste, as it cannot be properly recycled at the glass factory.

Mirrors and flat glass

Broken or old mirrors, car windows, window glass and other flat glass are not suitable for the ordinary bottle bank. You can take this type of glass to the environmental street bring. Special containers for recycling flat glass are located there.

If you are in doubt, here's how to make the right choice!

In doubt about whether something should go in the bottle bank? Then ask yourself these questions: Is it packaging glass? Then it is allowed in the bottle bank. Is it not packaging glass and a type of glass other than a mirror or plate glass? Then it belongs in the residual waste.

Every piece of glass in the right place makes a difference. Together, we ensure less waste and a cleaner living environment.

For more tips, visit waardlanden.nl/tips 

• Intro text: During May Plastic-Free, we give extra thought to our daily choices. Daily shopping is a perfect starting point to produce less waste. By shopping smartly and consciously, you avoid unnecessary waste and help the environment. Use these tips to reduce the amount of packaging in your shopping basket.

During May Plastic-Free, we give extra thought to our daily choices. Daily shopping is a perfect starting point to produce less waste. By shopping smartly and consciously, you avoid unnecessary waste and help the environment. Use these tips to reduce the amount of packaging in your shopping basket.

1. Start with a shopping list

A simple list prevents impulse purchases and helps you buy exactly what you need. This not only saves money, but also prevents food and packaging waste. So you buy more consciously and throw away less.

2. Bring your own bags

Plastic bags? Those really are a thing of the past. Make sure you always have a reusable bag with you. In your car, pannier or folded up in your jacket pocket. That way you will never have to buy a plastic bag again.

3. Buy in bulk

You can buy many products with less packaging if you buy them in larger quantities. Think of rice, pasta, nuts or cereals. Larger packs are often cheaper than several small packs. Not only does it save money, but it is also better for the environment.

4. Opt for loose fruit and vegetables

Opt for unpacked fruit and vegetables. Many supermarkets and markets already do this very well. Or use a reusable fruit and vegetable bag.

5. Pay attention to the packaging

When making your purchases, look out for sustainable alternatives. For example, choose products in glass jars with a deposit or reusable boxes. More and more brands are switching to eco-friendly packaging.

6. Plan your meals smartly

Meal planning not only helps you shop more efficiently, but also prevents you from throwing food away. Plan your meals and see what you have left in the house. By planning, you know exactly when you will use which product. This way, you won't have to throw away food as often. 

7. Opt for home cooking instead of ready-made meals

Prepacked meals often contain a lot of plastic. By cooking your own with fresh ingredients, you reduce waste and eat healthier. Cook extra and freeze the rest, this is convenient and good for the environment.

8. Buy local

Buy local and support shops or markets that value sustainability. These shops sell products with less packaging. This way, you help the environment and reduce waste.

Every reusable bag, every conscious choice and every meal without plastic counts. Together, we are taking steps towards a plastic-free future.

For more tips, visit waardlanden.nl/tips

• Intro text: After an enjoyable Easter weekend, there is often plenty left over: a boiled egg, a slice of stollen, salad or some bread. Don't throw it away but turn it into something new. Give Easter leftovers a second life!

Easter is often about being together AND eating together. A richly filled breakfast table, boiled eggs, baked rolls, a festive stollen, salad, dips and maybe even a piece of cake. Delicious, of course! But after the weekend, some leftovers are often left over. And that's not a bad thing at all - if you know what to do with them.

Turn leftovers into a party

There is no need to throw them away, as often you can still make something surprisingly tasty out of them. Do not throw away leftovers. With a few leftovers, you can make a new lunch for yourself or the whole family the next day. Put them nicely on a plate and you have a kind of mini tasting. Think boiled egg, a slice of stollen, leftover salad, some fruit, half a croissant. Very tasty and you avoid waste.

You can still do this with leftovers

Boiled eggs:

• Boiled eggs will stay good for another week in the fridge.
• Turn it into a simple egg salad (with a little yoghurt or mayo, mustard and chives)
• Cut into wedges and add to a green salad or nasi
• Use them in a salad or wrap.

Bread:

• Make sandwiches or French toast from stale white bread
• Slice baguette, drizzle with oil and make crostini in oven
• Spread with tomato sauce, cheese and vegetables for quick mini pizzas
• Old croissants? Cut into pieces and make a sweet bread pudding with milk, egg and sultanas
• Even baked rolls can be made crisp again with a little water and a few minutes in the oven.

Easter cake over:

• Slice these and freeze them. That way you can enjoy them again later.
• Make French toast from stollen - festive and surprisingly tasty
• Use in a trifle with yoghurt and red fruit

Cheese, cold cuts or spreads:

• Make a 'leftover toast': top slices of bread with leftover cheese, tomato or cold cuts, grill briefly in the oven
• Mix leftover herb cream cheese or hummus through pasta as a sauce
• Make puff pastry snacks with leftovers: ideal for freezing for later

Fruit and vegetables:

• Make a soup from leftover carrots, leeks or peppers
• Blend fruit into a smoothie or bake small muffins with apple or pear pieces
• Incorporate vegetable scraps into a savoury tart or omelette

Dates or dried fruit:

• Fill dates with cream cheese or peanut butter and a little cinnamon - perfect snack
• Chop dates and mix through couscous or a salad with goat cheese
• Process into banana bread, couscous, muffins or energy bars

Small effort, big difference

By using leftovers consciously, you avoid waste and enjoy yourself twice over. So check what you have left before you throw anything away. That way you really get the most out of the holidays - even afterwards.

For more tips, visit waardlanden.nl/tips

• Intro text: King's Day is the time to look for gems at the flea market, or to clear out the attic and give things a second life. Good for space at home and for the environment. Because what you no longer need may be just what someone else is looking for.

King's Day is the time to look for gems at the flea market, or to clear out the attic and give things a second life. Good for space at home and for the environment. Because what you no longer need may be just what someone else is looking for.

Pass on stuff

Have you cleaned up recently and collected items you no longer use? Put them for sale at the free market on King's Day. This way, you will give them a second chance and make someone else happy. Are there any items left over? Then take them to a charity shop or give them away. There is no need to throw things away if they are still usable.

Buy second-hand

The free market is the place to find something special for a small price. From children's toys and books to kitchen utensils and vintage clothes. Second-hand shopping is not only sustainable, but also fun and surprising.

Smart partying = less waste

A little preparation makes all the difference. Bring a sturdy bag when you go out, and use a reusable cup or bottle during the party. Choose snacks without unnecessary packaging or bring your own treats in a lunch box. These are small habits with a big effect.

Set a good example

Children watch. By buying, selling and handling waste sustainably, you show that a party can also be done responsibly. And maybe next year they will go out themselves with a rug full of toys that will make someone else happy.

Together we make King's Day greener

Whether you are browsing the market in the morning or going to an orange party with friends in the afternoon: you are making a difference. Celebrate, leave no mess and think of tomorrow. Together, we will make King's Day not only an orange, but also a greener celebration.

For more tips, visit waardlanden.nl/tips