- 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
- Intro text: Are you on vacation and planning a getaway soon? This is a great time to relax and do something good for the environment. With a few smart choices, you can also reduce waste at your vacation destination. Have a great summer!
Are you planning a getaway soon? Heading to a campsite, cottage, hotel, or apartment? This is a great opportunity to relax and do something good for the environment. With a few smart choices, you can also reduce waste at your holiday destination.
Waste travels with you
What many people forget is that their trash often travels unknowingly. Disposable wipes, loose packaging, half-empty shampoo bottles, and plastic cutlery seem convenient, but they mainly cause a lot of hassle on vacation. Not only in your bag, but also at your destination.
Waste accumulates quickly, is difficult to dispose of – especially at busy campsites or in vacation rentals without clear waste separation – and often leads to overflowing bins. That's precisely why it's wise to think in advance about what you will and won't take with you.
What can you do?
Choose less clutter on the go. Leave unnecessary packaging at home and think about what you really need.
Are you going to do some shopping before you leave?
First, check what you still have at home. This way, you'll avoid food waste and overflowing trash bins on vacation.
Leave unnecessary packaging at home
It saves space in your luggage and prevents you from having to throw things away constantly along the way. A refillable bottle, a lunchbox, some containers for leftovers: it all makes a big difference.
On holiday with children
Going with kids? Make separating waste or cleaning up fun. Give them their own water bottle or create a scavenger hunt: who can find a can, a piece of paper, and a plastic cap first?
In some regions, litter picking as a holiday activity is already a hit. It's good for the neighborhood and raises awareness.
Separating waste on holiday
Many campsites and holiday parks offer waste separation. Check this upon arrival. If there aren't separate bins, bring your own bags or containers for paper, organic waste, and plastic. Separate it along the way or take it home with you. A small effort, a big difference.
Every little step helps. So: what are you leaving at home this summer? It might even be the very things you didn't really need while on the road.
- Intro text: Did you know that all electrical appliances (with and without batteries), loose batteries, and accumulators must always be disposed of separately? Help us by disposing of your electrical waste, batteries, and accumulators separately!
Did you know that all electrical appliances (with and without batteries), loose batteries, and accumulators must always be disposed of separately? This allows them to be safely sorted and recycled. This enables the reuse of materials, which is sustainable. By recycling, we prevent harmful substances from entering the environment. You also reduce the risk of fires at waste and recycling facilities. Damaged batteries can cause fires if they are not collected separately. Please help us by disposing of your electrical waste, batteries, and accumulators separately!
Returning electrical waste: it's that easy
If you can easily and safely remove the battery from the device, please dispose of it separately. If you're unable to remove the battery safely, don't try it yourself; return the device with the battery still installed.
1. You have a still working device
Sell it, give it away, or donate it to a thrift store. Someone else can still get a lot of use out of it. For appliances like dryers, refrigerators, and freezers that use a lot of energy, it's better to take them for recycling. You can take these to a recycling center for free with your environmental pass. the recycling center to take.
2. You have a large, old or broken appliance
Then take advantage of the old-for-new scheme. When you purchase a new appliance, you can return your old appliance free of charge. You can bring the old appliance to the store yourself or have it taken away when the new one is delivered. Of course, you can also take it to the store for free with your environmental pass. the recycling center to take.
3. You have small electrical appliances
You can return appliances up to 25 centimeters in length to special collection bins in over three thousand stores, such as hardware stores and supermarkets. See wecycle.nl for all collection points. Large electronics stores are required to accept these small appliances even if you don't buy anything new. Or bring them to us for free with your environmental pass. the recycling center.
Batteries and accumulators: not in the trash, but in the collection bin!
Empty batteries and broken rechargeable batteries do not belong in residual waste or commercial waste. Dispose of them separately at the collection points or, using your recycling pass, at the recycling center for free.
Where you buy them, you can get rid of them
Always dispose of batteries separately after use. Stores and supermarkets where you can buy batteries have special collection bins where you can dispose of old and empty batteries. All types of batteries are allowed in the collection bin, including the small, flat button cell batteries used in hearing aids or bicycle lights, for example. See legebatterijen.nl for collection points near you.
- Intro text: It's summer. Time for sunshine, lots of outdoor time, and enjoying nature. During the holiday season, we often bring out all sorts of summery items or buy new ones. Discover how you can reuse, borrow, or buy more consciously to make summer just as enjoyable, but much more sustainable!
Read more: Using summer items sustainably: tips for reusing, borrowing and buying
- Intro text: A jacket with a broken zipper. A lamp that suddenly stops working. A toaster acting up. Sound familiar? See if you can fix it first! We've listed a few helpful websites for you.
A zipper that won't close. An electrical appliance that no longer works. A stuck button. Or a loose chair leg. Annoying – but no reason to throw something away immediately. Did you know that many things work again after a minor repair?
Often, the problem is minor. A loose wire. A clogged filter. A part that's easy to replace. By repairing it, you extend the life of your equipment. That's good for the environment and your wallet. You prevent waste, conserve resources, and save money. And the best part: you don't have to do it alone.
Repairing is easier than you think
There are many helpful websites and places where you can find help. Think of clear step-by-step plans, explanatory videos, or help from experienced professionals.
We have listed a few useful websites for you:
Getting Started with iFixit
On iFixit.com, you'll find thousands of free manuals with clear photos. From coffee makers to laptops, you'll see step-by-step how to fix anything.
Help and learn from others on JaFix
At JaFix.com/nl, you can ask a question or share tips with others. This way, we help each other keep things in good condition for longer.
Replace the part, not the appliance
Do you have a broken part? On FixPart.nl Quickly find a replacement part for thousands of devices. This way, you don't have to throw everything away, just what's actually broken.
Watch a repair video on YouTube
Search YouTube for the brand, model, and the word "repair." You'll often find a helpful video with an explanation. Handy if you prefer watching to reading—and want to follow along at your own pace.
Visit a repair café
Prefer expert help? At a repair café near you, you can have your broken items repaired by helpful volunteers. Check out waardlanden.nl/repaircafes where the nearest repair café is.
Small effort, big difference
Whether you repair it yourself or get help from a volunteer, every repair counts. You'll reduce waste, learn something new, and do something good for the world around you. So, if something breaks, see if you can fix it first. Chances are you can—and that feels good.
- 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 broken drinking glasses, vases, or teacups. We explain what is and isn't allowed in the bottle bank, and why properly separating glass is so important.
Glass is one of the most recycled materials in the world. But did you know that not all glass can simply go in the bottle bank? Many people are unsure about where to dispose of their glass waste, especially broken glasses, vases, or teacups. We're happy to explain what does and doesn't belong in the bottle bank and why separating glass is so important.
Why proper separation is important
Glass looks similar, but not everything belongs in the glass container. If the wrong type of glass ends up in the glass container, it can cause problems during recycling. Vases and drinking glasses, for example, have a different melting temperature than packaging glass and can disrupt the production of new glass packaging. By separating glass properly, we ensure that glass can be reused more efficiently and contribute to a more sustainable world.
What is allowed in the glass container?
The glass container is intended for packaging glass, such as:
- Jam jars
- Jars of vegetables or fruit
- Spaghetti sauce bottles or jars
- Olive oil bottles
- Mayonnaise jars
- Sambal pots
- spice jars
- Clear glass cream jars
- Glass yogurt pots
- Glass baby food jars
- Wine bottles
- Beer bottles without deposit
- Bottles of spirits (note: no stoneware jars)
- Bottles of fruit juice, syrup and concentrated juice (made of glass)
Good to know: Glass containers must be empty, but don't have to be clean. So you don't need to rinse bottles and jars. Caps and lids can also remain on them.
What is not allowed in the glass container?
Not all glass has the same composition. Some types of glass have different melting temperatures and can disrupt recycling. This type of glass does not belong in the bottle bank:
- Vases and bowls
- Broken drinking glasses, wine glasses and tea cups
- Heat-resistant glass, such as oven dishes and tea glasses
- Tableware
- Flat glass, such as a picture frame or window
- Mirrors
This glass belongs in the residual waste, because it cannot be properly recycled in the glass factory.
Mirrors and flat glass
Broken or old mirrors, car windows, window glass, and other flat glass are not suitable for regular glass recycling. You can take this type of glass to the recycling center for free with your environmental pass. recycling center bring. There are special containers for recycling flat glass.
Unsure? Here's how to make the right choice!
Are you unsure whether something is allowed in the bottle bank? Then ask yourself these questions: Is it packaging glass? Then it's allowed in the bottle bank. Is it not packaging glass and a type of glass other than mirror or flat 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 environment.
- Intro text: A clean and easy-to-empty container prevents a lot of hassle. Waste can sometimes stick or smell, especially in the organic waste container. With a few simple habits, you can prevent a lot of inconvenience.
Waste can sometimes get stuck or lodged in the container. This can happen in any container, but it's a bit more common with organic waste containers. Organic waste is often wet and sticky. This can cause it to stick to the walls, develop an odor more quickly, or attract vermin.
Fortunately, there's a lot you can do to prevent this. A few simple habits will keep your container fresh and ensure it's emptied properly. This way, your container will remain pleasant to use all year round, in any season.
Tip 1: Start with a dry soil
Place a sheet of old newspaper or some sawdust at the bottom of the organic waste bin. This will absorb moisture and prevent waste from sticking. The bin will stay cleaner and be easier to clean. The paper or straw will absorb moisture and help prevent unpleasant odors.
Tip 2. Place your container in a cool place
Heat and moisture cause waste to stick together more quickly. Place your organic waste container in the coolest possible spot, preferably in the shade. This is especially true during warm weather. In direct sunlight, waste ferments more quickly. Heat accelerates composting and attracts flies and maggots. Keeping the container as cool as possible reduces the risk of odors and pests.
Tip 3: Keep waste as dry as possible
Moisture is often the cause of unpleasant odors and sticking.
- Allow wet food waste to drain thoroughly before throwing it in the organic waste container.
- Let freshly cut grass dry for a day before throwing it in the organic waste container.
- Alternate wet waste with dry material, such as leaves
Tip 4: Pack food leftovers properly
Flies love meat, fish and fruit scraps.
- Wrap perishable food scraps in newspaper
- Collect your kitchen waste in special compostable organic waste bags with the seedling logo or OK compost logo. Only these bags may be disposed of with organic waste.
Tip 5: Freeze perishable leftovers until collection day
Troubled by odors or pests? Store meat and fish waste in the freezer until collection day. Throw it in the frozen container just before putting it out. This way, it won't rot and it won't attract pests.
Tip 6: Ventilate or close properly
Choose what suits your situation:
- A little ventilation helps with odors. Prop the lid slightly with a twig to let warm air escape.
- Are you mainly bothered by flies or maggots? Then keep the lid tightly closed.
There are also special lids with a filter that keep out odors but still provide ventilation.
Tip 7. Do not compact waste
Compacted waste is harder to dislodge when emptying. This applies to all containers, but with organic waste, you'll notice it most quickly because wet waste clumps together.
- Do not compact waste, no matter how tempting it may be to save space.
- And always break large materials into small pieces so nothing gets stuck.
Tip 8. Loosen waste
Waste gets stuck faster than you think, especially if it's damp or has been sitting in the bin for a while. Before emptying, gently loosen it with a stick or shovel. This prevents any debris from remaining behind.
Tip 9: Use natural remedies against pests
Natural remedies can help:
- Ivy plant (Hedera) keeps maggots away
- Some fresh lavender will also help reduce odors.
Place a few sprigs in the container for extra protection.
Tip 10: Clean the container regularly
A clean container prevents a lot of nuisance.
- Clean the container regularly with water
- If necessary, use a little green soap
- Do not use aggressive cleaning agents such as chlorine, which are harmful to the environment.
Tip 11: Empty before leaving
Going on vacation? Pay attention to what you put in your container. Don't just throw waste together to "fill up" 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.
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.
Can you help?
With a few small steps, you can make a big difference. Together, we'll ensure containers are emptied properly and your waste is processed properly.
- Intro text: During Plastic Free May, we're taking a closer look at our daily choices. Groceries are a perfect starting point for reducing waste. By shopping smart and consciously, you avoid unnecessary waste and help the environment. These tips will help you reduce the amount of packaging in your shopping cart.
During Plastic Free May, we're taking a closer look at our daily choices. Groceries are a perfect starting point for reducing waste. By shopping smart and consciously, you avoid unnecessary waste and help the environment. These tips will help you reduce the amount of packaging in your shopping cart.
1. Start with a shopping list
A simple list prevents impulse buys and helps you buy exactly what you need. This not only saves money but also prevents food and packaging waste. This way, you'll buy more consciously and throw away less.
2. Bring your own bags
Plastic bags? They're truly a thing of the past. Always carry a reusable bag with you. In your car, bike bag, or folded up in your jacket pocket. That way, you'll never have to buy a plastic bag again.
3. Buy in bulk
Many products can be purchased with less packaging if you buy them in bulk. Think of rice, pasta, nuts, or grains. Larger packages are often cheaper than multiple smaller packages. This not only saves money, but it's also better for the environment.
4. Choose loose vegetables and fruit
Choose unpackaged fruits and vegetables. This is already readily available in many supermarkets and markets. Or use a reusable fruit and vegetable bag.
5. Pay attention to the packaging
When making purchases, consider sustainable alternatives. For example, choose products in glass jars with a deposit or reusable containers. More and more brands are switching to eco-friendly packaging.
6. Plan your meals wisely
Meal planning not only helps you grocery shop more efficiently but also prevents food waste. Plan your meals and see what you have on hand. By planning, you know exactly when to use each product, reducing food waste.
7. Choose to cook for yourself instead of ready-made meals
Prepackaged meals often contain a lot of plastic. By cooking yourself with fresh ingredients, you reduce waste and eat healthier. Cook extra and freeze the leftovers; this is convenient and good for the environment.
8. Buy local
Shop locally and support shops or markets that prioritize sustainability. These shops sell products with less packaging. This helps the environment and reduces waste.
Every reusable bag, every conscious choice, and every plastic-free meal counts. Together, we're taking steps toward a plastic-free future.
- Intro text: Do you enjoy walking and want to contribute to a cleaner neighborhood? Join the growing group of litter pickers.
Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors. We walk more, take our bikes, or enjoy the park. Unfortunately, we still find cans, plastic bags, and other litter along the way. Things can change.
More and more residents are rolling up their sleeves and picking up litter along the way. Thanks to these litter pickers, our streets, parks, and walking routes stay clean. We're proud and happy about that.
Every piece of cleaned-up litter counts
Litter is any waste thrown away where it doesn't belong. Think of:
- cans on the side of the road
- candy wrappers on the sidewalk
- plastic in the park
- cigarette butts on benches
Many types of waste almost never disappear. Plastic, glass, and tin cans decompose very slowly. They're unsightly, but also very harmful to animals and the environment. By picking them up, you're directly contributing to a cleaner neighborhood. Every item you pick up, no matter how small, makes a difference.
Participate and request a free litter grabber
Do you enjoy walking and want to contribute to a clean neighborhood? Join the growing group of litter pickers. We'll give you a free litter picker to help you pick up litter safely and easily along the way. You can apply via milieucoach@waardlanden.nl.
Every piece of paper, cigarette butt, or can picked up makes a difference. These small actions add up to a big result. Together, we keep our neighborhood clean and livable—for ourselves, others, and for the future.
Want to know more about what you can do? Check out waardlanden.nl/zwerfafval.
- Intro text: King's Day is the perfect time to hunt for gems at flea markets, or to clear out the attic and give things a second life. It's good for both your home and the environment. Because what you no longer need might be just what someone else is looking for.
King's Day is the perfect time to hunt for gems at flea markets, or to clear out the attic and give things a second life. It's good for both your home and the environment. Because what you no longer need might be just what someone else is looking for.
Pass on stuff
Have you been cleaning up and collecting things you no longer use? Put them up for sale at the flea market on King's Day. This way, you'll give them a second chance and make someone else happy. Do you have any leftovers? Take them to the thrift store or donate them. There's no need to throw them away if they're still in good condition.
Buy second hand
The flea market is the perfect place to find something special at a low price. From children's toys and books to kitchenware and vintage clothing. Secondhand 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're out and about, and use a reusable cup or bottle at the party. Choose snacks without unnecessary packaging, or pack a lunchbox yourself. These are small habits that can have a big impact.
Set a good example
Children are watching. By buying, selling, and managing waste sustainably, you demonstrate that a party can be done responsibly. And maybe next year they'll even go out with a blanket full of toys that will bring joy to someone else.
Together we make King's Day greener
Whether you're browsing the market in the morning or heading to an orange party with friends in the afternoon, you make a difference. Celebrate, don't leave a mess behind, and think about tomorrow. Together, we'll make King's Day not just an orange celebration, but a greener one as well.
