- Intro text: Properly disposing of garden waste seems simple, but sometimes things still go wrong. This causes problems during collection and processing. By disposing of garden waste correctly, we all keep our resources clean.
Spring brings new life to the garden. Everything is growing and blooming, and many people are getting back to work. Pruning, mowing, and tidying up often generate a considerable amount of garden waste. But not everything that comes out of the garden belongs in the vegetable, fruit, and garden waste (organic waste) or in the plastic packaging, metal packaging (cans), and beverage cartons (PMD). By disposing of garden waste correctly, we can all ensure a fresh and green start to spring.
Properly disposing of garden waste seems simple, but sometimes things still go wrong. Pebbles among vegetable, fruit, garden, and food waste (organic waste), large carrots in the organic waste container, or hard plastic in plastic, metal, and beverage cartons (PMD). This causes problems during collection and processing. That's why we're happy to explain what goes where and why. With this knowledge, you'll make things easier for yourself, and together we'll keep our resources clean.
Why proper separation is so important
Garden waste is valuable. If materials are collected separately, they can be reused. For example, we make compost from organic waste, and new products from hard plastic. But this only works if waste streams are not contaminated. If there is too much contamination, an entire load can be rejected and no longer processed. Your own container may also be left behind on collection day, because contaminated containers cannot be emptied. Therefore, it's important to dispose of materials correctly.
What do you have to pay attention to?
Small garden waste
Small garden waste can be placed in the organic waste bin. We process it into compost and green energy. Think of grass, weeds, leaves, plants, small twigs, and small amounts of soil or potting soil from flower pots.
Bulky garden waste? Take it to the recycling center
Bulky garden waste is often heavy, hard, or too large for the organic waste bin. It doesn't break easily and usually doesn't fit through the container's opening. Think of thick branches, large roots, pieces of wood, or tree stumps; these are not allowed in the organic waste bin. You can take these materials to the recycling center with your recycling pass. Broken flower pots, pebbles, and hydroponic clays don't belong in the organic waste bin. Dispose of them with the residual waste. This keeps the compost clean.
Be careful with soil, sand and garden soil
Larger amounts of soil, sand, or garden soil do not belong in the organic waste container, and you cannot take them to the recycling center either. They disrupt the composting process. Find out more:
What do you do with soil, sand and garden soil?
Plastic garden waste
Many types of plastic are found in gardens. Think of plant pots, cutting pots, garden chairs, rain barrels, and sometimes even pieces of foil or broken tools. Not all this plastic belongs in the same place. By properly separating it, we can reuse more and more materials, and collected raw materials remain clean.
- Plastic plant pots (packaging)
Many plastic plant pots and cutting pots are used for selling plants. They are easily recycled and therefore belong in the plastic, metal, and recycling bins. Make sure they are empty and as clean as possible. - Hard plastic from the garden
Hard plastic is a sturdy, solid material that isn't packaging. It shouldn't be disposed of as plastic packaging (PMD) or in the organic waste bin. Think of broken garden chairs, rain barrels, watering cans, flower boxes, garden storage boxes, and plastic garden baskets. You can take these items to the recycling center with your recycling pass.
Other waste from the garden
Not all garden waste is suitable for reuse or recycling. Some materials cannot be processed with organic waste (GFT) and do not belong in the PMD (PMD) collection system. These materials consist of stone, ceramics, or mixed materials and cannot be separated or shredded in the facilities. Therefore, dispose of these materials with the residual waste:
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Broken ceramic and stone flower pots
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Hydro granules
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Loose stones
By disposing of this material with the residual waste, you prevent pollution and we keep the streams clean.
Good garden supplies? Give them a second life.
Many garden items you no longer need can still be used by someone else. So don't throw away items that are still in good condition. Pass them on to family, friends, or neighbors, place an ad in a giveaway corner, sell them online, or take them to a thrift store. Garden items often find a new home there.
- Intro text: A crackling fire creates warmth and coziness in your home. But what do you do with the remaining ashes?
A crackling fire creates warmth and coziness in your home. But what do you do with the remaining ash? Many people think that cooled ash can be disposed of in the organic waste because it's made from wood, but that's not true. Ash contains metal and salt residues that disrupt composting. With a few simple steps, you can dispose of it safely and keep your home and neighborhood clean.
Ashes belong to residual waste
Ashes don't belong in the organic waste bin, as they contain metal and salt residues. These can damage machinery and prevent the waste from being processed properly. Therefore, always dispose of ash with the residual waste.
Let it cool down completely
After burning, the ash often appears cold quickly, but it may still contain embers. These can even cause a fire after more than 24 hours. Therefore, always let the ash cool for at least a day, preferably in a metal bucket with a lid. Place the bucket on a non-flammable surface, such as stone or concrete, and never in a shed or container.
Use a closed bag
Once the ash has completely cooled, place it in a sturdy, tightly sealed plastic bag before disposing of it in the residual waste container. This prevents dust from blowing around or heat from escaping. Don't use a paper bag: it can tear or catch fire if a ember is still trapped. By disposing of ash safely, you prevent fire hazards and keep raw materials clean. Small steps make a big difference. This is how we can move through the seasons together, step by step.
- Intro text: As the days get shorter, freezing temperatures can occur. This can quickly become a problem, especially in the organic waste (GFT) container, because vegetable, fruit, garden, and food waste (GFT) are damp. These tips will help you prevent problems when it freezes, and we can empty your container properly.
During the winter months, it can freeze quite hard. This can quickly cause problems, especially in the organic waste (GFT) container, because vegetable, fruit, garden, and food waste (GFT) is damp. If this freezes, the waste remains stuck, and the collection vehicle can't empty your container properly. The waste then either doesn't fall out, or only partially falls out, when we tip it over the vehicle. Unfortunately, returning is not possible. With these tips, you can prevent problems when it freezes and we can empty your container properly.
10 tips to prevent freezing
- In case of frost, keep the valve slightly open with a stick or piece of cardboard.
- Apply some Vaseline to the edge of the lid to prevent freezing.
- In case of frost, place the container in a sheltered place, for example in a shed.
- Place a sheet of newspaper or some sawdust in the bottom of the container.
- Put as little wet organic waste as possible in the container; let food leftovers drain or dry first.
- During frost, throw as little leaf waste as possible into the container, or do so just before collection day.
- Mix wet waste with drier waste so that it freezes less quickly.
- Don't compact or press waste. Compacted waste freezes together faster.
- Do not put the container outside until the morning, just before 7:30 am.
- Is the waste still stuck? Carefully loosen it with a stick or shovel.
Note: Don't use salt or antifreeze in the container. This contaminates the waste, hinders the composting process, and is harmful to the environment.
Together through the seasons
By handling waste smartly, you prevent inconvenience and ensure smooth collection, even in cold weather. This way, we can navigate the seasons together – ensuring a clean environment and less waste.
- Intro text: After a festive New Year's Eve celebration, a lot of fireworks debris often remains. Not only is it unsightly, but fireworks debris is also dangerous for people, animals, and the environment. Fortunately, you can do something about it. Discover how to safely and quickly clean up fireworks debris and make your street neat again.
After a festive New Year's Eve celebration, a lot of fireworks debris is often left behind on the streets. Not only is it unsightly, but the debris can also be dangerous to people, animals, and the environment. Fortunately, you can do something about it. Discover how to safely and quickly clean up fireworks debris and make your street neat again.
Start the new year safe and clean
- Clean up fireworks debris as quickly as possible. But be careful: some debris may still be warm or may not have ignited properly. These can still explode later.
- Therefore, never let children clean up alone, and keep animals away. Animals can become ill if they get fireworks debris in their mouths.
- Slightly moisten fireworks debris before placing it in a garbage bag to prevent fire hazards. Then dispose of it with your residual waste.
- Boxes and packaging containing fired fireworks are contaminated and therefore belong in the residual waste.
- Only clean, dry cardboard boxes from which you remove the fireworks may be placed with the paper waste.
- Do you have stains on your tiles? A little warm water and natural soap will work wonders. Don't use harsh cleaning agents, as they can damage your tiles.
Together we clean the streets again
With a few simple steps, you can create a safe and clean neighborhood. Clean up your fireworks waste on New Year's Day and set a good example.
Borrow a litter grabber for free from our environmental coach
Together, we'll start the new year clean and safe – step by step towards a waste-free future. We wish you a happy New Year and a waste-free New Year!
- Intro text: What do you do with the oil after frying oliebollen? Avoid blockages and choose a sustainable solution: Return it!
New Year's Eve is a time to enjoy time together – with oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts), apple fritters, and a cozy atmosphere. But what do you do with that pan full of oil afterward? Never pour it down the sink, toilet, or trash. That causes blockages and is bad for the environment. Fortunately, there's a simple and sustainable solution: recycle it.
Save the bottle
Before you start frying, set the empty oil bottle aside. After frying, let the oil cool completely and pour it back into the bottle. This prevents spills and makes the bottle easy to take with you. Return full bottles to recycling centers or the Kringloopplein (Recycling Center) with your recycling pass. Many supermarkets also have collection points. Check frituurvetrecyclehet.nl for a location near you.
Other oils are also included
Leftover oil from jars of sun-dried tomatoes, tuna, or feta? Those don't belong in the sink, toilet, or trash bin either. Collect them in an empty plastic bottle (no deposit) and return it once it's full.
Why hand in?
Used oil and grease are recycled into biofuel. This way, you help reduce waste and we can start the new year clean and sustainable together.
- Intro text: The lights are on, the Christmas tree is sparkling... but what if a bauble breaks or the lights stop working? Don't panic! Discover our handy tips for sorting Christmas waste smartly and sustainably.
The holidays are a time of lights, cheer, and togetherness. But after all that beauty, there's often still waste left over: packaging, decorations, leftovers... What do you do with it? With a few smart habits, you can keep things sustainable and tidy – both at home and in the neighborhood.
1. Broken Christmas balls
A broken Christmas ornament looks like glass, but it does not belong in the glass recycling bin. Christmas ornaments, oven dishes, and (wine) glasses have a different melting point than packaging glass. Therefore, dispose of them with the residual waste. Not sure? Check the separation guide.
2. Lighting and decoration
Christmas lights that no longer work belong in electrical waste (e-waste). Take them to a hardware store, electronics store, or with your recycling pass to the recycling center. This way, valuable materials are reused. Floral foam (oasis) from Christmas decorations belongs in the residual waste. Small branches can be disposed of with the organic waste.
Tip: Store your Christmas lights neatly rolled up in a box, so they last longer next year.
3. Candles and mood lighting
- Empty aluminum tea light cups can be disposed of with the plastic, metal, and other waste.
- Leftover candle wax? Reuse it or throw it in the trash.
- Floral foam or plastic decorations also belong in the residual waste.
4. Food and drink
After all that delicious food, there are often leftovers. Don't just throw them away.
- Make soup or a casserole from leftovers.
- Leftover drinks can be stored in closed bottles.
- Food waste without packaging may be placed in the organic waste container – including the turkey carcass
5. Gift wrapping
Paper, ribbon and boxes pile up quickly.
- Set aside good, attractive boxes for reuse. And flatten and crush boxes you no longer use before disposing of them with your paper recycling.
- Remove plastic tape and filler: this belongs in the residual waste.
- If the wrapping film or paper isn't tearing properly, it belongs in the residual waste.
Start the new year clean together
After New Year's Eve, fireworks debris often litters the streets. Help clean it up. Together, we'll create a fresh start to the year. Want to help out in your neighborhood? Borrow a litter grabber for free via milieucoach@waardlanden.nlThis way, we'll keep our neighborhood clean together and start the new year feeling refreshed. Even small actions can make a big difference. Together, we'll reduce waste, maintain a clean neighborhood, and create a pleasant living environment. This way, we'll navigate the seasons together – step by step, toward a waste-free future.
- Intro text: After a lavish Christmas dinner, you're often left with delicious leftovers. Don't throw them away! Use them to create surprising dishes or freeze them. This way, you can enjoy the festive spirit even longer and contribute to less food waste.
The holidays are a joyful, yet often busy, time. We rush to the store for that one last gift or those extra snacks. In the hustle and bustle, we sometimes buy more than we need or forget what we still have at home. With a little attention, you can prevent waste and save money.
First, look at what you already have
Before you go to the store, check your kitchen cupboard, freezer, or pantry. There's often plenty there for a festive dinner and items that could easily be used. Make a list so you don't buy twice and spoil food. This saves money and waste.
Smart and stress-free shopping
Don't be tempted by special offers or bulk packages if you don't use them up in time. Buy locally and adjust the quantities to the number of people dining. That way, there's less leftover.
Make something tasty from leftovers
Still have some leftovers? Don't throw them away. Turn stale bread into delicious French toast, vegetables into soup, and leftover potatoes into a creamy mashed potato. This way, you'll get more out of what you already have.
Keep it simple with gifts
Looking for a last-minute gift? Consider a day out, a meal, a voucher for an activity, or something you make yourself. This is personal and won't result in extra items being left behind.
Tidy up smartly
Leftover paper and cardboard? Always flatten and compress boxes before putting them in the paper recycling bin. This prevents the container from clogging and allows us to collect everything properly. Remove plastic packing material and tape – these belong in the residual waste.
With small actions, you can make a big difference. Together, we can reduce waste, maintain a clean neighborhood, and create a pleasant living environment. This way, we'll navigate the seasons together – step by step towards a waste-free future.
What will you do with your packaging materials after Black Friday? Use them sustainably and smartly!
- Intro text: Black Friday is the perfect time to buy new products. But what do you do with all that packaging and cardboard? Instead of throwing it away, you can reuse it in a smart and sustainable way. This way, you help the environment and give the material a second life.
For many people, Black Friday is the perfect opportunity to buy new products at great prices. Did you buy something new because you couldn't borrow it or find it secondhand? Chances are it came with a lot of packaging and cardboard. Instead of throwing it away, you can reuse it smartly and sustainably. This way, you help the environment and give packaging a second life. After Black Friday, these tips will help you easily and responsibly manage your packaging.
1. Reuse it for your own shipments
Do you need to send something yourself, like a gift or a return shipment? Many packaging materials, such as air cushions, bubble wrap, and cardboard, are reusable. This not only saves you money but also reduces waste.
2. What belongs where? Recycle it properly.
What belongs where? Many packaging materials, such as paper, cardboard, bubble wrap, and polystyrene, can be recycled. Therefore, make sure you dispose of these materials separately and in the correct bin.
Paper Industry
If you can tear paper, it can be recycled with other waste. If you can't, it should go with the residual waste.
Cardboard boxes
Cardboard boxes belong in the paper recycling bin. Flatten them and make them smaller, so more will fit in the container.
Styrofoam
Put small pieces of polystyrene in the residual waste. Do you have larger pieces? Then take them to the recycling center with your recycling pass.
Bubble wrap and air cushion bags
Air cushions and bubble wrap may be placed with your plastic packaging, metal packaging and beverage cartons (PMD*).
3. Make it something new
Give packaging materials a second life. Bubble wrap, for example, is perfect for craft projects with children or for safely storing fragile items. Cardboard can be used to make storage boxes or creative decorations. Note: once craft materials are painted, glued, or combined with other materials, they can no longer be recycled. Even if you carefully separate waste, painted or glued crafts should be disposed of with general waste. So try techniques that require little or no glue, such as folding or tying with string. Choose unpainted cardboard, recycled paper, or reusable fabrics. If you need glue, choose sustainable ones.
4. Ask for less packaging material
Did you know that many online stores offer the option to reduce packaging? Or perhaps you can pick up your order locally, eliminating the need for packaging altogether. It's always a good idea to ask stores about their packaging policies, especially during peak periods like Sinterklaas, Christmas, and Black Friday.
*Do you live in a high-rise or low-rise building without a PMD container? Then you dispose of your PMD and residual waste together in a local residual waste container. This waste is collected separately and later sorted by machines.
- Intro text: A real Christmas tree creates a cozy, warm atmosphere and is, for many, the ultimate symbol of the holidays. However, there are plenty of other sustainable alternatives that are just as festive as a real tree.
For many people, a beautiful real Christmas tree is a holiday staple. Cozy, festive, and full of lights. But did you know there are other ways to get your home in the Christmas spirit – without cutting down any trees?
Traditional Christmas trees are usually made from conifers. These trees take many years to grow and are often discarded after just a few weeks of use. Millions of trees are cut down worldwide each year, while trees are desperately needed in the fight against climate change. Furthermore, transporting such a tree from the store or grower to your home generates additional harmful emissions. More sustainable alternatives can help reduce the environmental impact of Christmas trees.
An artificial tree that lasts for years
Artificial Christmas trees come in all shapes and sizes. Choose a sturdy, high-quality tree so you can enjoy it for years to come. A secondhand artificial tree is even better. Every year, we donate artificial Christmas trees to thrift stores in our region. These are usually available for viewing and purchase starting in mid-November.
Wooden Christmas tree
More and more people are choosing a wooden Christmas tree. It's reusable, customizable, and lasts for years. This way, you'll bring a sustainable and atmospheric tree into your home.
Christmas atmosphere on the wall
Short on space or in the mood for something new? Create a tree on your wall with branches, rope, or string lights. Or hang a beautiful wall hanging or sticker in the shape of a Christmas tree. Just as cozy – sustainable and completely needle-free.
Rent or adopt a tree
More and more places are offering the option to rent or adopt a Christmas tree. After the holidays, simply return the tree so it can be replanted. This way, you can enjoy the same tree year after year, without having to cut down new trees.
Would you prefer a real tree?
Then choose a tree with a root ball in a pot and give it plenty of water. This way, you can plant it in the garden after the holidays and use it again next year.
Don't have a garden? Waardlanden collects real Christmas trees, both with and without root balls. More information will be available on this website soon. Take your tree to a collection point or recycling center. Christmas trees are not waste and are recycled into compost and green gas. They are also shredded for bedding in stables.
Together through the seasons
With a few conscious choices, you can bring a cozy atmosphere into your home this year – in a sustainable way. Together, we'll move through the seasons, step by step, toward a waste-free future.
- Intro text: Celebrating Sinterklaas sustainably? It's possible! Discover how to make a beautiful and eco-friendly surprise using simple, recycled materials.
No Sinterklaas celebration is complete without surprises! Luckily, you don't have to buy anything new. With a little imagination and items you already have at home, you can create the most wonderful surprises – good for your wallet and the environment.
1. Use what you already have
First, take a look around your house: boxes, toilet paper rolls, newspapers, magazines, or empty bottles without a deposit. With a little cutting, pasting, and folding, you can turn these into a robot, car, or house. Ask your family or neighbors, too. This way, you're giving things a second life.
2. Choose craft materials wisely
Need to buy something new? Opt for recycled or reusable materials, like paper, cardboard, or biodegradable glue. Skip the plastic, polystyrene, and tape. Instead, reuse something you already have, like an old plastic bottle or container without a deposit.
3. Make divorce easy
Try to make your surprise so that the waste is easily separated. Use paper, cardboard, and string instead of paint, tape, or glue. If something is glued or painted, it should be disposed of with the residual waste afterward. Without glue or paint, it can often simply be disposed of with the paper recycling.
4. Zero-waste packaging
Use old newspapers, magazines, or scraps of fabric to wrap your surprise. This often looks even more original than standard wrapping paper. Don't have any old paper? Use recycled paper or a cloth bag you can reuse every year.
5. Make something that lasts
Consider whether your surprise can still be used after Christmas Eve. For example, turn it into a storage box, toy, or decoration. That way, the recipient can enjoy it for a long time.
Small effort, big difference
By crafting and reusing clever items, you can make Sinterklaas a celebration that's fun now and good for the future. This way, we'll move together through the seasons, step by step, towards a waste-free future.
