- 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.
- Intro text: The festive season is upon us: a time of joy, delicious food, and gifts. Unfortunately, this often also results in extra waste. With a few smart choices, you can fully enjoy the holidays – without unnecessary waste.
The festive season is upon us: a time of joy, delicious food, and gifts. Unfortunately, this often also results in extra waste. With a few smart choices, you can fully enjoy the holidays – without unnecessary waste.
Give an experience
A gift doesn't always have to be tangible. Give an experience: a day out, a workshop, or a fun activity together. This creates beautiful memories without the need for extra items.
Make something yourself
Prefer something to unwrap? Create your own personalized gift. Think of something delicious, a creative project, or something handy for the home. Homemade gifts are unique, save money, and prevent packaging waste.
Swap or buy second-hand
Many homes still have good toys or beautiful items that are no longer used. Trade them with others or check out your local thrift store. You'll often find nearly new gifts at a low price – good for the environment and your wallet.
Packing up
Wrapping paper looks festive, but it also creates a lot of waste. So choose reusable or natural materials for wrapping gifts. Use a cloth, an old box, or scraps of fabric instead of disposable wrapping paper. Do you have any leftover wrapping paper? Save the prettiest pieces for next year, use them for craft projects, or create decorations. This gives the paper a second life and keeps the festive spirit alive.
Reuse packaging
After (online) purchases, there's often a lot of packaging left over. Don't just throw it away:
- Cardboard boxes: flatten and compress them so more will fit in the container.
- Bubble wrap or air cushions: reuse them or hand them in with the plastic, metal, and recycling bins.*
- Styrofoam: small pieces should be disposed of with residual waste, larger pieces should be taken to the recycling center with your environmental pass.
- Paper: Not all paper can be recycled. Do the tear test:
- Does it tear easily? Then you can put it in the recycling bin.
- If it doesn't tear or is very shiny (foil or plastic film), then it belongs in the residual waste.
Wrapping film also always belongs in the residual waste.
Feel free to reuse packaging materials, for example, to ship something or store fragile items. And if you're creative, you can make something new out of it – without glue or paint, so it can be recycled later.
Ask for less packaging
Ordering online? Choose stores that use less packaging or consolidate parcels. Pre-ordering and picking up in-store? Often, an extra shipping box isn't necessary. Picking up at a local point definitely reduces delivery miles and therefore CO₂ emissions.
Make a wishlist
Make a list with the children of what they really want. This prevents hasty purchases and allows for more targeted searches, meaning you'll spend less money.
Buy less, but more consciously
This year, choose quality over quantity. Get a few valuable, durable items that will last for years. This way, you'll reduce waste – even after the holidays. Together, we'll move through the seasons, step by step, toward a waste-free future.
https://www.waardlanden.nl/tips
*Do you live in a high-rise or low-rise building without a PMD container? Then please dispose of your PMD and residual waste together in a local residual waste container. This waste will be sorted later by machines.
- Intro text: A strong gust of wind or a storm can easily blow a container over. Then litter blows across the street, into the ditch, or into nature. This creates a mess and is dangerous. With a few simple preparations, you can keep your container and waste in place – all year round.
A strong gust of wind or an autumn storm can easily blow a container over. Then litter blows across the street, into the ditch, or into nature. This creates a mess and is dangerous. With a few simple preparations, you can keep your container and waste in place – all year round.
Place your container outside safely
By placing your container correctly at the collection point, you help our drivers and prevent waste from blowing away:
- Place your container outside just before 7:30 a.m. on collection day. This way, it will be along the street for as little time as possible.
- Make sure the lid is closed. This way, nothing blows out.
- Don't leave anything next to the container. It's not allowed, and it might blow into the neighborhood during storms.
- After emptying, remove the container from the street as quickly as possible. This will prevent it from blowing over and clear the street.
- Are you unsure about the collection day? Check the waste calendar.
Prevent waste from blowing away
Loose materials or a light plastic bag can easily blow away during a storm when the container is emptied. For safety reasons, our drivers can't always get out and clear loose materials. Please help:
Always put your trash in a tightly tied garbage bag. This keeps everything contained and prevents loose or light trash from blowing into the street.
- For PMD, use a transparent bag that you tie securely. This allows our raw materials inspectors to immediately see whether your waste has been properly separated.
- For organic waste, use compostable bags with the Seedling Logo or OK Compost Logo. Only these bags may be disposed of with organic waste.
Together through the seasons
With these simple preparations, you'll be ready for storms and strong winds. 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.
More useful offer rules can be found at waardlanden.nl/aanbiedregels.
- Intro text: Discover how to transform your garden waste into nutritious compost, right from your own garden. Learn practical tips for environmentally conscious gardening and save money while contributing to a cleaner environment. Start your sustainable gardening adventure today!
If you have a garden, you're probably familiar with the problem of a lot of pruning and garden waste. With a few handy tips, you can transform this garden waste into nutritious compost, right from your own garden. No more hassle of taking green waste to the recycling center. And no extra costs for fuel, processing, or fertilizer. And it's good for the environment, too.
Choose the right place
It all starts with the right location for your compost pile or bin. Choose a shady spot in your garden or on your balcony, where the compost pile can work undisturbed without direct sunlight.
Mix green and brown material
A good compost pile needs balance. Mix green material, such as grass clippings and kitchen scraps, with brown material, such as twigs and dry leaves. This ensures a good mix of nutrients and aids the composting process.
Moisture and aeration are important
A moist environment is important for the composting process, but make sure your compost pile doesn't get too wet. Regular turning promotes good airflow and accelerates the decomposition process.
Choose a compost bin
A compost bin is useful because it keeps everything neatly together and speeds up the composting process. It also prevents waste from spreading throughout your garden.
Avoid food scraps such as meat and dairy
It might be tempting to throw all your kitchen waste in the compost bin. However, it's important not to add food scraps like meat and dairy. These can attract pests and disrupt the composting process.
Save money and help the environment
By making your own compost, you'll not only save money, but you'll also help the environment. Start composting today, and you'll soon be enjoying a fertile garden at no extra cost.
Together through the seasons
Composting is a smart way to put your garden waste to good use. It prevents waste, helps nature, and ensures healthy soil in your own garden. This is how we move through the seasons together: with small steps, we work towards a cleaner environment and less waste.
Want more tips for environmentally conscious gardening? Then take a look at the website Sustainable News, where you will find lots of useful information to make your garden even greener.
- Intro text: Autumn is a great time to declutter your home. Having fewer things creates a sense of calm and reduces waste. Don't throw things away too quickly, but choose what's appropriate: pass them on, repair them, trade them, sell them, or—if absolutely necessary—take them to the recycling center.
Autumn is a great time to declutter your home. Having fewer things creates a sense of calm and reduces waste. Don't throw things away too quickly, but choose what's appropriate: pass them on, repair them, trade them, sell them, or—if absolutely necessary—take them to the recycling center.
Pass it on: make someone else happy
Usable items don't belong in residual waste. Give them to someone else or donate them. You can take furniture, dishes, toys, books, and household items to the thrift store or the Kringloopplein (Recycling Center). Clothing, shoes, coats, bags, sheets, towels, curtains, and even stuffed animals belong in the neighborhood textile container. Worn or damaged textiles are also welcome, as long as they are clean and dry in a sealed bag. Do you have other usable items? Check out a local charity shop or give-away corner. This way, you prevent waste and help others. 2. Repair, exchange, or sell
Repair, exchange or sell
Many items can get a second life with a small effort. Fix a loose chair leg, replace a zipper, or have an appliance checked at a workshop or repair café. Items that are still in good condition but you no longer use can be traded or sold. Think of clothing, toys, or appliances that can quickly find a new owner through a swap afternoon, a local giveaway group, or an online platform. This way, you prevent waste and make someone else happy.
To the recycling center: always welcome
Does something not fit in the container or is it truly no longer usable? Take it to the recycling center. You're always welcome with your recycling pass and can come as often as you like. For most waste streams, you never pay anything, even after multiple visits. Think of electrical appliances, mattresses, textiles, paper and cardboard, glass, polystyrene (EPS), metals, cooking oil, diapers, small chemical waste (small chemical waste), gas bottles, and flat glass.
Only a few types of waste incur a fee. Bulky garden waste, rubble, clean wood, pressure-treated wood, plaster/aerated concrete, bitumen (roofing felt), and bulky household waste can be brought free of charge three times a year. From the fourth visit onward, you'll pay a small fee. You can pay this directly by card to our staff member at the gate.
Residents of the municipality of Vijfheerenlanden do not pay to bring items to the recycling centers.
Borrow a trailer for free
Got a lot to take away? Borrow a trailer for free from Waardlanden. You can use the trailer for up to two hours, and you can easily arrange this yourself via waardlanden.nl/zelfregelenThis makes cleaning up and taking it to the recycling center a lot easier.
Helpful tip: Many items are made of different materials. Disassemble them at home whenever possible. This way, you can recycle more items for free, and raw materials are reused more effectively. This is better for the environment and saves money. Load your car or trailer smartly. Group similar materials together. This way, you can unload more quickly at the recycling center and get back on the road quickly.
Smart sorting before you leave
Make it easy on yourself by pre-sorting. Put items into three piles: what you can pass on, what you can repair or sell, and what absolutely needs to go to the recycling center. Return textiles clean and dry, in a sealed bag. And always flatten and compress paper and cardboard boxes. This saves space and prevents them from clogging the containers.
Together through the seasons
By giving things a second life and preventing residual waste, you contribute to a cleaner environment and less waste. And if you really can't use them anymore, you can dispose of them properly. This way, we're working together towards a waste-free future. Step by step, we'll navigate the seasons together.
- Intro text: Autumn is a great time to get started in your garden. The leaves are falling and the wind is picking up. Many residents use this time to tidy up their gardens and prepare them for the coming months. With a few smart choices, you can keep your garden tidy and help reduce waste.
Autumn is a great time to get started in your garden. The leaves are falling and the wind is picking up. Many residents use this time to tidy up their gardens and prepare them for the coming months. With a few smart choices, you can keep your garden tidy and help reduce waste. This way, your garden stays healthy, and together we can create a clean and pleasant living environment.
What do you do with all those leaves?
Leaves can be disposed of with the organic waste. Or use them as natural protection against frost. For example, scatter them around cold-sensitive plants.
Leaves also make a good base for homemade compost. This turns garden waste into a rich source of nutrients for your plants. Want to make your own compost? Here's how:
Bulky garden waste: where can it go?
Not all garden waste fits or belongs in your organic waste container. Stones, thick branches, roots, or pieces of wood, for example, don't belong there. You can take this type of bulky garden waste to the recycling center with your recycling pass. There, we'll process it properly so it can be reused. We're happy to list it for you:
- Coarse garden waste You can take thick branches, tree stumps, roots and wood to the recycling center with your environmental pass
- Hard plastic from the garden You can take watering cans, broken garden chairs or rain barrels to the recycling center with your environmental pass
- Small garden waste Grass, leaves, plants, small twigs and small amounts of soil or potting soil from flower pots may be placed in the organic waste container.
- Other small material Pebbles, hydro grains and broken flower pots belong in the residual waste.
Unsure where something belongs? In a separate blog post, we explain how to identify bulky garden waste and where to take it. This way, you can always be sure you're doing the right thing and contributing to a clean and green living environment.
Garden waste: what goes where?
This way we keep the neighborhood clean together A tidy garden not only reduces waste but also contributes to a pleasant neighborhood. By properly separating waste and raw materials and disposing of garden waste, we contribute to a clean and safe living environment.
- Intro text: Managing your kitchen or pantry supplies is crucial for preventing waste and cooking smarter. We're happy to help you get started with a few handy tips that are easy to implement.
- Intro text: Now that summer is here and temperatures are rising, it's time for cozy outdoor barbecues and picnics. Unfortunately, these fun activities can also generate a lot of waste. Fortunately, you can prevent this with these simple tips and still enjoy yourself to the fullest.
Barbecuing is a joy—it's enjoyable year-round and makes every meal extra special. With a few smart choices, you can keep your barbecue not only delicious, but also safe and waste-free. Together, we can keep our neighborhoods clean and give resources a new lease on life.
Choose reusable
Don't use disposable plastic or aluminum foil, but reusable plates, cups, and cutlery. Just as nice, and you can use them again and again. That reduces waste. You'll find lots of beautiful items at the thrift store. And if something needs covering, reusable napkins or beeswax wraps work just as well as foil. That's convenient and better for the environment.
Buy and drink smart
Buy your food unpackaged or in larger containers whenever possible. You can often buy fresh fruit and vegetables loose, without packaging. This prevents a lot of waste. Marinate vegetables or meat at home in a reusable container, so you don't need disposable packaging.
Drinking can also be waste-free. A pitcher of water with mint or lemon is quick to make and saves on plastic bottles. Do you have a sparkling water maker? Then you can make your own soda without disposable packaging. A refillable bottle is handy for the garden and on the go.
What do you do with food leftovers?
After a fun barbecue, there are often leftovers: a few grilled vegetables, half a cob of corn, a piece of chicken or fish. Many of these leftovers are easy to store. Store them in a container in the refrigerator and use them the next day in a salad, wrap, or omelet. Bread and cooked meat even freeze well for later.
Leftovers that are no longer edible, such as bones, chicken carcasses, lemon wedges, vegetable peels, or fish bones? These belong in the organic waste bin. This keeps your barbecue area tidy and prevents valuable leftovers from ending up in the residual waste.
Dispose of coals and ashes safely
Coal and ash often remain hot for hours. Let them cool in a metal bucket with a lid for at least a day. Place the bucket on a stone surface, never in a shed or dumpster. Only dispose of the remains in a tightly sealed bag with the residual waste when everything is completely cold. Coal and ash do not belong in the organic waste collection system – they contain substances that disrupt composting.
Separate your barbecue waste properly
What remains is easy to separate:
- Plastic packaging and cans belong to the PMD.
- Clean paper can be recycled with the waste paper.
- Greasy or dirty paper belongs in the residual waste.
This way, raw materials remain clean and usable.
Enjoy together - in every season
Whether it's hot or cold, with a few conscious choices, you can make any barbecue sustainable. This way, we can enjoy outdoor dining all year round and, together, contribute to a clean environment.
- Intro text: Is your waste properly managed at home? With a few smart steps, you can prevent overflowing bins, unpleasant odors, and angry neighbors. This way, you can leave with peace of mind and come home refreshed.
Packed your things, put the plants at the neighbors', and ready to go. But is your home's trash properly organized? If left undisturbed for too long, it can start to smell or attract vermin. With a few smart steps, you can prevent overflowing bins, unpleasant odors, and angry neighbors. This way, you can leave with peace of mind and come home refreshed.
Tidy up a bit
The anticipation of the holidays is a great time to declutter your home. Items you no longer use? Take them to the recycling center, the Kringloopplein (Recycling Center), or a thrift store. This way, you'll leave with a clean feeling and give your belongings a second life.
Do not leave full trash bins
Especially in summer, waste can quickly start to smell.
- Before leaving, empty all trash bins in the house, especially the organic waste bin.
- Don't leave garbage bags in the hallway or shed. This prevents odors and pests when you return home.
Be careful what you put in the container
Don't just throw waste together to fill the container. Separate it properly, even just before you leave. This keeps raw materials clean and allows us to reuse them. This also prevents your container from being left behind on collection day, as contaminated containers won't be emptied.
Use the right bags
Always put waste in the correct bag:
- PMD and residual waste:transparent pockets and securely buttoned.
- Gft: special compostable bags with the OK compost logo or the Seedling logo
Do not place loose bags next to the container, we will not take them.
Have your container emptied on time
Check the Waardlanden app or on waardlanden.nl when your container is emptied.
- Place your container outside before 7:30 am on collection day
- Remove the container from the street the same day to prevent inconvenience.
- Please note: do not put the container outside earlier than necessary.
Ask someone to help
Not home on collection day? Ask a neighbor or friend to put your container out and—just as importantly—collect it again. It's a small effort, but a huge convenience.
This way, you can leave without worries and come home refreshed. Have a great summer!
For more tips, visit waardlanden.nl/tips
