• Intro text: The recycling centers at Kringloopplein Nieuw-Lekkerland will close at 2:30 PM on Thursday, March 5th, for a staff meeting. Our customer contact center is available by phone until 3:30 PM.

There will be a staff meeting on Thursday afternoon, March 5th. Therefore, the recycling centers and the Kringloopplein in Nieuw-Lekkerland will be closed from 2:30 PM. Our customer contact center can be reached by phone until 3:30 PM.

The Ecopark in Groot-Ammers is closed on Thursdays as usual. We will be happy to serve you again on Friday, March 6th, during our normal opening hours. You can find the opening hours here. here on our website and in the Waardlanden app.

• Intro text: Come rain or shine, at night and on holidays, in times of crisis: the work of the Waste Heroes never stops. And we can be proud of that! That's why we're participating in Waste Heroes Week. Will you join us? 

From March 2nd to 8th, it's Waste Heroes Week throughout the Netherlands. This is the week in which we celebrate everyone who works in waste collection.We're putting management, cleaning, and processing in the spotlight. Because the men and women who work hard every day to keep our region clean and tidy are true heroes! In wind and rain, at night, on holidays, and in times of crisis: our Waste Heroes never stop working. Often when others are free or still asleep. And we're proud of that!

Why this week?

A clean living environment doesn't just happen. Our Waste Heroes work towards it every day. They ensure that waste and raw materials are collected, recycling centers are open, and streets remain clean and accessible. This work often happens in the background, but it's incredibly important. Without our heroes, streets would quickly become polluted and waste would pile up. They're often very modest about their work, but they're truly indispensable. Their work is often taken for granted. Furthermore, the people who work with waste don't always receive the appreciation they deserve. This week, we're putting a face to them and showing the dedication and expertise behind them. At the same time, we invite residents to join us and reflect on their own role. Because we create a clean environment together. Show your appreciation and let our Heroes know how important they are!

Meet our Waste Heroes - Meet & Greets

During Waste Heroes Week, we're organizing Meet & Greets. There you can meet our Waste Heroes and see their work up close.

• Meet and greet our Waste Heroes: the people who keep our region clean and safe.
• Discover how much fun the work is
• View our cars
• Take a ride on the sweeper
• Take a seat in the cabin of a real collection truck
• Take a picture with a Waste Hero
• Enter our children's giveaway

Colleagues from the Education team will be present to answer questions about reducing residual waste and better separating raw materials at home.

Where and when are the meet & greet moments?

Monday, March 2, 15.00 - 16.30 hours

Hardinxveld-Giessendam - Square Houweningenweer

Tuesday, March 3, 15.00 - 16.30 hours

Gorinchem - Parking lot Kromme Akkers - Laag Dalem

Wednesday, March 4, 15.00 - 16.30 hours

Meerkerk - Parking lot Community center / Sports hall De Linde

Friday, March 6, 15.00 - 16.30 hours

Groot-Ammers - Parking lot Sports Hall De Reiger

We take photos and videos during the Meet & Greets. If we've taken photos and videos of you, but you'd like us to stop using them, please send an email to info@waardlanden.nl to withdraw your consent.

Crafting with litter - take part in the competition 

There's a special giveaway for children. Get out and take a good look around you. See any litter lying around? Pick it up and use it to make a craft or decorate your drawing for the Waste Heroes.

Here's how to participate:

• Make a craft or drawing from (or with) litter.
• Write your name, age, address, city and telephone number on your craft.
• Come to one of the Meet & Greets and give your craft to your Waste Hero.

Can't make it? Send a photo of your entry to afvalhelden@waardlanden.nl. Always include your name, age, address, city, and telephone number.

What can you win?

Our Waste Heroes choose four winners. They win:

• a nice prize;
• a delicious cream cake for the whole class;
• and a special visit from our Waste Heroes at school.

Rules of the game

Please discuss the rules below with your parents or guardians before participating in the promotion.

• All children from the municipalities of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Molenlanden and Vijfheerenlanden are welcome to participate.
• You can submit your order during one of the Meet & Greets.
• We will announce the winners on this website and on our social media channels.
• Winners will be notified personally. So be sure to include your contact information on your craft.
• All submitted messages, drawings, photos and artworks may be shared by us on our website and social media.
• Photos of prize winners will be taken for our website and social media. By participating in this promotion, you agree to this.

Need inspiration?

Want to make something for the Waste Heroes, but not sure what to do? No problem. The Waste Heroes Week website has helpful ideas and examples to thank the Waste Heroes in a personal way.

• Check out the tips and ideas on the Waste Heroes Week website

And there's more!

In addition to the Meet & Greets, Waste Heroes Week also includes special attention for all employees within Waardlanden. At various points, colleagues, managers, and the board will reflect on the work they do every day.

This appreciation takes shape in several ways: through personal attention, shared moments, and by literally walking along with the work outside. This also makes what it means to be a Waste Hero visible within the organization.

Help us pick up litter!

In our region, many residents voluntarily pick up litter. This helps keep streets, parks, and roadsides clean and supports the work of the Waste Heroes.
Would you like to contribute to this during Waste Heroes Week? Take a garbage bag with you on your walk and pick up any litter you find. Wearing gloves and perhaps a grabber will keep things safe and hygienic. Make it a fun outing and go out with family, friends, or neighbors. Share a photo of the litter you've picked up with #wasteheroes.

Know more about picking up litter.

Show your appreciation

Showing your appreciation is easy. In your neighborhood or at the recycling center, you can recognize the work of our Waste Heroes by waiting for a collection truck, giving them space in the street, or giving them a compliment.

With these kinds of daily actions you show that the work of AfvalHelden is seen and appreciated.

Want more ideas? Check out the tips on the website of the Waste Heroes Week!

We do it together

Everyone who works towards a clean, beautiful, and safe living environment deserves a thumbs-up. We thank the many waste volunteers in our area. Whether you collect waste paper for your club, regularly clean up litter, or help out in some other way, you too are Waste Heroes. We also thank our planners, technicians, customer service representatives, and all the people behind the scenes who make this wonderful and important work possible! We are proud of each other!

Do you also want to become a Waste Hero?

Do you want to contribute to a beautiful, clean living environment in our region together with enthusiastic colleagues? Then consider a job at Waardlanden. We regularly have attractive vacancies. Stay tuned! Working at Waardlanden Keep an eye on it. Who knows, you might soon be working as a Waste Hero.

• Intro text: Every day, our Waste Heroes work incredibly hard to keep the region clean, tidy, and safe. One of them is driver Matteo. He drives the collection truck through our region daily to empty the containers. Curious what his workday looks like? In this video, he gives a glimpse into his work.

Every day, our Waste Heroes work incredibly hard to keep the region clean, tidy, and safe. Often working behind the scenes, but always indispensable. One of them is driver Matteo. He drives the collection truck through our region daily to empty the containers. Curious what his workday looks like? In this video, he gives a glimpse into his work.

Empty containers safely and quickly

Matteo drives through the region every day to empty containers safely and efficiently. This keeps the neighborhood tidy and prevents waste from ending up next to the containers. During his work, Matteo sometimes encounters difficult situations. For example, when a container is not facing the road, is placed behind a car or lamppost, or when vehicles are parked at the drop-off point. In such cases, emptying takes more time and a route may experience delays.

That is why Matteo works with a mover who leads the way. In the video, that is Sascha. She checks if everything is safe and helps if a container needs to be moved. She also keeps a close eye on the surroundings. This allows them to work together safely and efficiently.

Fortunately, many residents place their containers by the roadside correctly, allowing our drivers to do their work safely and efficiently. They are happy about that. This is how we work together with residents to create a clean, safe, and livable environment.

“The challenges along the way, such as driving the collection truck into a narrow street, and the waving children looking forward to us coming by again, make my job the most fun,” says Matteo.

Curious about his workday? Watch the video below.

You aren't just a Waste Hero during Waste Heroes Week, but all year round. Because behind every clean street and emptied container stand professionals like Matteo. 

• Intro text: In Nieuw-Lekkerland, they have become an integral part of the street scene: Jan de Bruijn and Pieter de Jong. Two dedicated 85-year-old litter pickers who have been working to keep the village clean for over twenty years. With their grabber and trash bag, they keep their neighborhood tidy. Read their inspiring story here.

In Nieuw-Lekkerland, they have become an integral part of the street scene: Jan de Bruijn (left in the photo) and Pieter de Jong (right). Two dedicated 85-year-old litter pickers who have been working to keep the village clean for over twenty years. With their grabber and garbage bag, they keep their neighborhood tidy – and often much more than that.

In action for twenty years

What started as a stroll through the neighborhood grew into a regular habit. Jan and Pieter live close to each other and each set to work in their own areas. Later, they also teamed up. Not only in the village, but also along the Lekdijk and towards Oud-Alblas. Jan even went out on the water in a rowboat to remove waste from the Bakwetering, a wide ditch in the village. That earned surprised looks, but above all, cleaner water.
On the Zijdeweg, Jan once counted 181 pieces of litter on a single route. That shows how much difference you can make.

We used to just do that”

Why do they do this? As young boys, they learned that you keep your street clean. Streets and yards were tidied up before the weekend. That was part of it. Farmers and residents worked together to ensure a tidy and well-maintained living environment. In the 1960s and 1970s, that slowly changed. According to Jan and Pieter, it became a habit to leave litter lying around. Fewer people felt responsible for the outdoors.
When they started cleaning up litter about twenty years ago, they were sometimes approached with the question of whether it was community service. Fortunately, things are different now. The ZAP group 'Nieuw-Lekkerland Schoon' currently numbers around 45 volunteers. Everyone keeps their own neighborhood as tidy as possible. For over a year now, there has also been a cigarette butt vacuum. It is mainly deployed in shopping squares, parking lots, and bus stops. Nieuw-Lekkerland scores highly within the municipality of Molenlanden when it comes to efforts against litter. These volunteers contribute to that.

What you learn as a youngster, you'll do when you're older

For Jan and Pieter, it has long ceased to be just about waste. It is about taking responsibility for your environment. “You learn that when you are young,” they say. “That is how we grew up.” According to them, that is also the key to the future. Within the ZAP group, this idea is passed on to the next generation. Several times a year, volunteers go out with schoolchildren to clean up litter. Waardlanden also supports schools with education about waste and raw materials. In this way, children learn from a young age that a clean neighborhood does not happen by itself. You take care of it together.

After twenty years, Jan and Pieter are still motivated. Their message is clear: respect for your environment starts with yourself.

• Intro text: Between December 27 and January 10, a total of 6.452 Christmas trees were collected in the municipalities of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Molenlanden, and Vijfheerenlanden.

Between December 27 and January 10, a total of 6.452 Christmas trees were collected in the municipalities of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Molenlanden, and Vijfheerenlanden. Of these, 5.267 trees (81,6%) were handed in at the collection points in the neighborhoods. The remaining 1.185 trees (18,4%) were taken to the recycling centers.

The proportion of trees handed in in the neighborhood is therefore slightly higher than last year. This shows that the neighborhood collection is being well utilized, even under wintry conditions.

Extreme winter conditions

The collection times in January coincided with snow and icy conditions. As a result, part of the collection in the municipality of Molenlanden could not take place on January 3. In the other municipalities, the collection did proceed. Another collection time took place in Molenlanden on January 10.

Many residents still handed in their Christmas trees at a collection point or took them to the recycling center. We greatly appreciate that. In total, 450 fewer trees were collected than last year. The wintry conditions may have affected the total number of trees collected.

From Christmas tree to new raw material

The collected trees have been shredded and processed into valuable raw materials, such as compost, biogas, and ground cover. A portion went to a farm in the region, where it is used as bedding in the barn. Together with manure, it composts into fertile compost for the land.

We thank all residents, volunteers, and contractors who helped, even under difficult circumstances. Together, we ensured a tidy start to the year and gave Christmas trees a second life.

• Intro text: When it's freezing or snowing, you want to be safe on the road. That seems obvious. But it takes a lot of work. Our colleagues work day and night, both in front of and behind the scenes, to keep the roads in Gorinchem as safe as possible.

When it's freezing or snowing, you want to be safe on the road. That seems obvious. But it takes a lot of work. Our colleagues, both in front of and behind the scenes, work day and night to keep the roads in Gorinchem as safe as possible. The recent winter weather has also caused some disruption. We understand that this is frustrating. That's why we're happy to explain what happens behind the scenes and why we sometimes have to make adjustments in snow and icy conditions.

Why we sometimes work differently in winter weather

Our collection trucks are large and heavy. They drive through residential areas, narrow streets, along narrow embankments, and past parked cars. In snow and icy conditions, we can't drive safely everywhere. The risk of damage and accidents is too great. We dread to think of what could happen if a heavy collection truck were to slide in a residential area: damage to cars or homes, or worse, danger to people on the street.
When conditions worsen, we assess where we can still collect safely. This is often only along main roads that have been gritted. The situation there is more manageable, and our drivers can work safely. Therefore, during extreme winter weather, we sometimes adjust routes or temporarily suspend collection if it's no longer safe to do so along main roads. We never make these decisions lightly. We always base our decisions on one principle: the safety of residents and our employees.

Road gritting always continues

Some of our colleagues have a combined role. Normally, they collect waste, but in winter weather, they switch to roadside assistance. If collection is temporarily suspended, the work doesn't stop. On the contrary: we do everything we can to keep the roads in Gorinchem safe and passable. We spread salt and clear snow where necessary. Not only during the day, but also at night, on weekends, and on public holidays.

Day and night commitment

We work in shifts, twelve hours on and twelve hours off. With three trucks, a van, two road sweepers, and a tool carrier, we ensure the roads in Gorinchem remain as passable as possible.
Much of this work happens at times few people see. Even at night, while most residents are asleep, our team is out and about. You'll notice this when the city wakes up and traffic can flow safely again. That's the result of their dedication.

We are proud of the flexibility and dedication of our people. Thanks to this commitment, Gorinchem residents can travel as safely as possible, even in winter weather.

• Intro text: Due to snow and icy conditions, we will not be collecting Christmas trees at several locations in Molenlanden today, January 3rd. Read more here.

Due to snow and icy conditions, we will not be collecting Christmas trees at the following locations in Molenlanden today, January 3rd.

• New-Lekkerland | Village Avenue behind the Lek en Waard Housing Association | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Groot-Ammers | Opposite the Eben-Haëzer School - at the parking spaces on Irenestraat/Willem-Alexanderplein | 12:00 – 13:00
• New Lekkerland | Stork, at 't Waellant | 12:15 – 13:15
• Nieuw-Lekkerland | Vletstraat, NLTC tennis club parking lot | 13:30 PM – 14:30 PM
• Nieuwpoort/ Langerak | Schoolstraat | 13:30 – 14:30 PM
• Kinderdijk | Christineweg, near Balkengat playground | 14:45 PM – 15:45 PM
• Goudriaan | Town Hall Street intersection Southside | 14:45 PM – 15:45 PM
• Brandwijk/Molenaarsgraaf Crossing Graafdijk East / Ocker Repelaerstraat | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Bleskensgraaf | Kerkstraat, parking lot at the Reformed Church 12:15 – 13:15
• Streefkerk | Burgemeester Dekkingstraat, behind the Reformed Church | 13:30 – 14:30 PM
• Oud-Alblas | Dorpsstraat, near the Reformed Church | 14:45 PM – 15:45 PM
• Vineyards | Village Street, community center 't Wingerds Hof | 16:00 PM – 17:00 PM

At all other locations in the municipalities of Molenlanden and Hardinxveld-Giessendam, collections are currently continuing as normal. This may change depending on weather conditions.

 Hand in Christmas trees at the recycling centers and Kringloopplein

Until Saturday, January 10th, you can also drop off Christmas trees at recycling centers or the Kringloopplein (with an environmental pass and parent/guardian).

Click here for more information about the Christmas tree collection.

• Intro text: Due to snow and icy conditions, our drivers are unfortunately unable to empty the containers today. Today's collection will be scheduled for a later date. We will communicate the exact collection date as soon as possible via our website and social media channels. Please keep an eye on these channels.

Due to snow and icy conditions, our drivers are unfortunately unable to empty the containers today. Today's collection will be scheduled for a later date.

We'll communicate the exact catch-up date as soon as possible via our website and social media channels. Please keep an eye on these.

Is your container on the public road? Then we ask that you bring it back inside. This prevents nuisance and unsafe situations on the street.

• Intro text: Each discarded Christmas tree earns you 50 cents. You can drop off your Christmas tree at local collection points, or between December 27th and January 10th at the recycling center or Kringloopplein (Recycling Center) with your recycling pass. Read all about the collection campaign here.

Waardlanden's annual Christmas tree collection will begin soon. You can drop off your tree at neighborhood collection points, recycling centers, or the Kringloopplein (Recycling Center). Each real Christmas tree—without a wooden cross, pot, nails, or decorations—will earn you €0,50. Donated trees will be shredded and processed into soil improvers and ground cover, transforming Christmas trees into a valuable resource.

Return in the neighborhood 

The collection in the district takes place on different days per municipality:

• Gorinchem: Saturday, January 10 
• Hardinxveld-Giessendam: Saturday, January 3 and 10 
• Molenlanden: Saturday 3 and 10 January 
• Vijfheerenlanden: Wednesday, January 7

More about the locations, times, handy map and rules of the game

Make agreements together 

Make arrangements with neighbors, family, or children in the neighborhood. Decide who will take the tree out and when. This prevents trees from being taken out too early or too late, and keeps the neighborhood tidy.  

Hand in at recycling centers with an environmental pass

Anyone who wants to get rid of the tree sooner or later can contact the recycling centers or the Kringloopplein in Nieuw-LekkerlandAccess is only possible with an environmental pass. From December 27th to January 10th, a fee of €0,50 per tree also applies.

Borrow a trailer for free

Got a lot to take away? Or do you want to take it away whenever it suits you? Borrow a trailer from Waardlanden for free. You can use the trailer for a maximum of two hours. This makes cleaning up and taking it to the recycling center much easier.  

Borrow a trailer for 2 hours for free at Waardlanden

Fun, sustainable and good for the neighborhood

The Christmas tree collection has become a tradition. Children, in particular, look forward to it every year. With a bicycle, handcart, or trailer, they head out into the neighborhood to collect as many trees as possible. Nelleke Gouw, environmental coach at Waardlanden, encourages children to participate in the collection again this year and to start making plans: "Go outside with your brothers, sisters, and friends. Collect trees in advance and see who in the neighborhood still has one. Make arrangements with neighbors to pick them up during or after the holidays. This way, everyone knows when the tree is being removed, and the neighborhood stays tidy. It's fun, you get outside, and you earn some extra money."

The collection is for residents only. Businesses are excluded from participation. 

Frequently asked questions and answers about the Christmas tree collection

• Intro text: Thanks to new national rules, more packaging is now allowed in plastic packaging, metal packaging and drink cartons (PMD)*, such as aerosol cans of deodorant and whipped cream, coffee capsules, soup pouches, packaging of meat products and more.

Thanks to new national rules, more packaging is now allowed in plastic packaging, metal packaging and drink cartons (PMD)*, such as aerosol cans of deodorant and whipped cream, coffee capsules, soup pouches, packaging of meat products and more.

Handy 3-question check

Are you unsure whether something belongs in the PMD? Then answer these three questions:

1. Is it plastic, metal, or a beverage carton?
2. Does the packaging come from my household?
3. Is the packaging empty?

If the answer is yes three times, then it can be disposed of as plastic packaging (PMD).

More clarity for everyone

The new agreements provide a single, clear national guideline. This makes it easier for you to properly separate PMD and helps us collect cleaner raw materials.

What exactly is changing?

The most important changes at a glance:

Large packaging films and empty household aerosol cans

Thanks to improved sorting technology, these materials can now be processed efficiently. Think of plastic wrap around boxes or crates and empty cans of deodorant or whipped cream.

Please note: camping gas or nitrous oxide cylinders remain prohibited.

Coffee capsules (plastic or aluminum)

These can now also be disposed of with the plastic, metal, and recycling bins. They are easy to sort, even if they're not completely empty.

Combinations of paper/plastic or plastic/metal

For example, bread bags, soup bags, or packaging for meats and herbs. Because it's difficult to tell whether these are paper or plastic, they can now simply be disposed of with the plastic, metal, and beverage cartons (PMD).

(Semi-)transparent collection and pedal bin bags

These bags now also belong to the PMD, as long as they are (semi-)transparent and the contents remain visible.

National agreements

A new national list of accepted/unacceptable PMD waste will take effect on January 1, 2026. This list clearly indicates what is and isn't considered PMD.* The list has been updated based on the latest sorting and recycling techniques and is part of the agreements in the Packaging Collaboration Agreement 2025–2030 between Verpact, the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG), and the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVRD).

View the separation guide

Are you unsure about what belongs where? Check the separation guide or waardlanden.nl/pmd what is and is not allowed in PMD.

Together towards less waste and cleaner raw materials

The new national list is an important step towards greater clarity, less pollution, and better recycling. Together, we can ensure that more and more packaging can be reused.

*Note: How you dispose of PMD depends on where you live. Residents of high-rise and low-rise buildings without a PMD container may dispose of PMD and residual waste together in a residual waste collection container in their neighborhood. This waste is collected separately and later sorted by machines.