• Intro text: The recycling centers in Hardinxveld-Giessendam and Groot-Ammers will have extra opening hours on Monday, December 22nd, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. This opening helps spread the holiday rush and offers you an extra opportunity to drop off your waste and raw materials.

The recycling centers in Hardinxveld-Giessendam and Groot-Ammers (Ecopark) will have extra opening hours on Monday, December 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

These recycling centers are normally closed on Mondays. With this additional opening, we're spreading the holiday rush and offering residents an extra opportunity to drop off their waste and raw materials.

During the holidays, all recycling centers, the Kringloopplein in Nieuw-Lekkerland and the Waardlanden office are closed. View the special opening hours here.

• Intro text: Recently, the board has been searching for a new, permanent director for Waardlanden. After a careful selection process, the board has found the perfect candidate in Steve Kuils. His background and experience align well with Waardlanden's direction and social missions.

Effective January 1, 2026, Steve Kuils will be the new director of Waardlanden. He succeeds Jürgen Rau, who is stepping down as interim director after two years.

Since 2024, Jürgen Rau has served as interim director. During this period, he oversaw the implementation of the recycling tariff, a major undertaking that required strong organizational leadership. He focused on the necessary strengthening and professionalization of the organization, working closely with municipalities and partners.

Jürgen Rau: "I look back with great satisfaction, but especially with great pleasure, on an intensive and valuable period in which we made significant strides: the introduction of the recycling rate and strengthening the organization. Waardlanden is ready for a new phase, and I hand over the reins with great confidence." 

New director

Recently, the board has been searching for a new, permanent director for Waardlanden. After a careful selection process, the board has found the perfect candidate in Steve Kuils. His background and experience align well with Waardlanden's strategy and social missions. Kuils brings broad expertise in complex change management and sustainably strengthening organizations. Steve Kuils: “I am very proud to be joining Waardlanden. I consider the fact that I don't come from the waste industry a valuable addition. My extensive experience with operational organizations helps me look at issues with a fresh perspective and quickly connect with others. I look forward to building on the existing strong foundation together with colleagues, municipalities, and partners, and to looking ahead with confidence to a sustainable future.”

Waardlanden Board looks forward to cooperation

The board looks forward to working with Steve Kuils. According to Alderman Arco Bikker, chairman of the Waardlanden board and alderman for the municipality of Molenlanden, Kuils is an excellent fit for the current organization and the challenges it faces. Bikker: “We are thrilled that Steve Kuils, with his energy and experience, will be joining Waardlanden. His very approachable and pleasant personality makes him a natural connection. This is important in an organization where you need to be able to manage strategically while also staying close to the practice. We have every confidence that he will fulfill this role with conviction.”

• Intro text: We have several exciting vacancies! Will you be our new communications advisor, environmental coach, waste and raw materials policy supervisor, or senior administrator/accountant? Find out more.

We have several exciting vacancies! Will you be our new communications advisor, waste and raw materials policy supervisor, or senior administrator/accountant? Find out more.

Vacancies

We're looking for new colleagues! Interested? We'd love to hear from you and get to know you.

Experienced communications advisor

Together with a communications advisor and a communications officer, you'll work on communication projects with social impact. You'll be the driving force behind our corporate communications. With your clear vision, sharp writing, and strategic insight, you'll bring coherence to our messages, visibility in our channels, and connection within the organization. You'll help the organization move forward with a communication strategy that provides direction and is both practical and executable. You'll work closely
You'll work alongside colleagues in the Communications team, the MT, and other departments, including HR, Policy, QHSE, and Information Management. You'll also advise on internal change processes and be responsible for a strong and consistent corporate narrative.

This is what you will do:

• You advise the organization and the board on the communication strategy and make proposals to keep it up to date, in line with developments.
• You strengthen Waardlanden's corporate brand with a clear positioning, recognizable tone of voice, and consistent visual style.
• You develop and implement internal communications, together with HR and management, aimed at connection, transparency and involvement.
• You develop communication plans and coordinate them within and outside the organization.
• You organize and develop (online) communication activities to inform and involve target groups.
• You focus on collaboration with partners and you coordinate official communication consultations with the municipalities involved.
• You're in good hands as a spokesperson. You excel at maintaining press relations and support board members or the director with press inquiries and formulating the right message.
• You excel in writing and editing. You create and edit content and manage external agencies.

Are you a strategic thinker with a clear vision for communication? Do you know how to translate complex issues into clear and inspiring messages? Do you want to make an impact and contribute to a circular society? Then we're looking for you!

Discover here hurry up and apply.

team manager

As Team Manager for Public Space Management, Commercial Waste Management, and Underground Containers, you'll lead a team of approximately 21 employees. You'll be part of the Implementation department, which consists of approximately 90 colleagues. Together with two other team managers, you'll ensure everyone can do their job effectively. Your team will be responsible for street cleaning, emptying trash bins and underground containers, and collecting commercial waste on behalf of Waardlanden BV.

As Team Manager:

• You coach the team members.
• You hold work meetings, short safety sessions (toolboxes) and conduct progress and assessment interviews
• You manage the allocated budgets and report on this within the framework of the Planning & Control cycle
•  You manage the collection of commercial waste and maintain contact with our partner about this.
• You are responsible for collecting underground containers, emptying trash bins, and street cleaning with sweepers.
• You coordinate the work in consultation with the municipalities.

Discover here hurry up and apply.

• Intro text: Janneke de Bruin cleans up litter in her community. What started as a personal initiative quickly grew into a wonderful neighborhood initiative: the HaGi Waste Pickers. Read her inspiring story here.

In October 2023, Janneke de Bruin took a remarkable step. After running a marathon, she took on a new challenge: cleaning up litter in her community. What began as a personal initiative quickly grew into a wonderful neighborhood initiative: the HaGi Waste Pickers.

Together for a clean neighborhood

Janneke didn't just start picking up litter. She first looked at who was already actively collecting litter in her neighborhood. She discovered that more residents were keeping their streets clean. A WhatsApp group quickly formed, where volunteers shared tips, experiences, and finds.

After a year, the group wanted more structure. Inspired by the Lekprikkers, a similar group of litter pickers in the region, they developed a plan to make an even greater impact. This led to the birth of the HaGi Afvalprikkers: an enthusiastic group of residents working together to keep Hardinxveld-Giessendam clean.

All of Hardinxveld-Giessendam is litter-free

The HaGi Waste Pickers use the HelemaalGroen app, a national app that colors streets green where litter has been picked up. This immediately shows who has already picked up litter and where litter is still lying around. This allows everyone to clean up litter at their own pace. At the same time, they are working together towards the same goal: making all of Hardinxveld-Giessendam litter-free.

In addition to picking up litter individually, the group organizes a joint cleanup campaign every month. The HaGi Waste Pickers then head out together to clean up a section of Hardinxveld-Giessendam. During these campaigns, the volunteers are easily visible thanks to their safety vests, which they received with the help of sponsors. Joint campaigns are advertised in local newspapers and on social media, attracting more and more residents. Everyone who wants to help is more than welcome. Because together we can truly make a difference.

Do you also want to contribute to a cleaner Hardinxveld-Giessendam? Join the HaGi Waste Pickers and help! Or see what's possible in your municipality. Because together we really can make a difference.

• Intro text: In Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Waardlanden has been collecting waste paper and cardboard in the evenings for years, with the help of church volunteers. Because Wednesday, November 5th, is Thanksgiving, no paper will be collected that evening. Therefore, your paper and cardboard will be collected a day earlier, on the evening of Tuesday, November 4th.

In Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Waardlanden has been collecting waste paper and cardboard in the evenings for years, with the help of church volunteers. Because Wednesday, November 5th, is Thanksgiving, no paper will be collected that evening. Therefore, your paper and cardboard will be collected a day earlier, on the evening of Tuesday, November 4th. 

Only paper collection is being postponed. Collection of other waste and raw materials during the day will continue as usual. 

Always have your personal collection days at hand?  

The Waardlanden app includes your personal waste collection calendar. You can also set up notifications when one of your containers is ready for collection, so you'll never forget. We share important messages in the app, such as changes to collection routes or collection dates. You can also quickly and easily submit notifications and schedule bulky waste collection appointments. Don't have our app yet? Download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Or view your personal waste calendar here.

• Intro text: Celebrate Sinterklaas sustainably with our toy swap markets! In the lead-up to Sinterklaas, we're organizing toy swap markets in the region together with local partners. Bring your unused toys and swap them for something new!

Sinterklaas is coming! It's the perfect time to clear out your cupboards and swap those lovely toys you no longer use. On Tuesday, November 11th in Gorinchem and Thursday, November 13th in Hardinxveld-Giessendam, we're organizing toy swap meets in collaboration with the LimonadeBrigade and the AanZet Library. Swapping toys instead of buying new ones is a fun and sustainable way to give unused toys a second life, bring joy to other children, and find something nice for yourself—completely free.

This is how it works 

Only clean, complete, and well-maintained toys will be accepted. This way, everyone can take something special home. Bring toys that are still in good condition and usable during one of the drop-off times and find other toys at the swap meet. Books and stuffed animals are not accepted. Swapping is not mandatory: those who simply want to donate are also welcome. This way, together, we can make more children happy.

> learn more about the toy swap market on November 11 in Community Center Rozenobel, Gorinchem

> Learn more about the toy swap market on November 13 at AanZet Library in Hardinxveld-Giessendam

Together for less waste

Our environmental coach, Nelleke Gouw, explains: "By exchanging good toys, fewer new items need to be purchased. This prevents waste and packaging, and conserves resources. This frees up space in the house and allows us to celebrate a greener Sinterklaas celebration together."

A celebration of sharing 

Any toys left over after the swap meets are donated to the Toy Bank. This way, every toy gets a new purpose, and together we can make as many children as possible happy with a wonderful Sinterklaas gift.

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

Every day, our Waste Heroes work hard to keep the region clean, tidy, and safe. Often in the background, but always indispensable. One of them is driver John. He drives his crane truck through our region daily to empty the underground collection containers. This makes it easy for everyone to dispose of their waste and raw materials. Curious what a workday looks like? In this video, he gives a glimpse into his work.

Empty underground collection containers safely and quickly

John drives through the region every day to empty underground collection containers. These must be emptied on time to ensure nothing is placed next to them. This is not only prohibited, but it also looks unsightly, is dangerous, and attracts vermin. The containers cannot be emptied if there are items next to them—our drivers must remove these items first. If John encounters loose garbage bags next to the container along the way, his work will be delayed. The crane can only lift the underground collection containers if the surrounding area is clear. John also cannot take the bags himself; he must send a notification to the supervisors via the app. This allows them to ensure the waste is still collected. 

Fortunately, many residents separate their waste and raw materials properly and dispose of them neatly in the collection containers. This allows our drivers to do their work safely and efficiently, which they appreciate. This is how we work together with residents to create a clean and livable environment.

“It is satisfying when my work area looks neat and residents are satisfied,” says John.

Curious about his workday? Watch the video below.

You're not just a Waste Hero during Waste Hero Week, but year-round. That's why we're highlighting our various colleagues throughout the year. Because behind every clean street and emptied container are professionals like John. 

• Intro text: The mobile recycling center is coming to Leerdam-West on a trial basis. On Wednesday, November 5th, between 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM, you can drop off small quantities of raw materials at the Europaplein parking lot, near the bandstand, and the PLUS supermarket. Easy, free, and no appointment needed. You will need your recycling pass.

The mobile recycling center is coming to Leerdam-West on a trial basis. On Wednesday, November 5th, between 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM, you can drop off small quantities of raw materials at the Europaplein parking lot, near the bandstand, and the PLUS supermarket. Easy, free, and no appointment needed. You will need your recycling pass.

Convenience close to home

More and more residents want to properly separate their waste and raw materials, but the distance to the recycling center can be a barrier for residents with small quantities of raw materials. Therefore, Waardlanden, in collaboration with the municipality of Vijfheerenlanden, is bringing the recycling center to the neighborhood as a trial. The mobile recycling center is a specially equipped container where you can drop off small raw materials – roughly what fits in a large shopping bag.

Where and when

Date: Wednesday, November 5
Time: 8.30 AM - 15.00 PM
Location: Leerdam-West - Europaplein car park (near the bandstand and PLUS supermarket)
Environmental pass: take it with you
Cost: free

What can you hand in?

At the mobile recycling center, you can drop off small household items for free. These are small, clean items that fit in a single large shopping bag. For example:

• Small chemical waste (SCW): take note logos batteries, medicines, needle boxes, energy-saving light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, cartridges, and small cans/buckets with paint residue of up to 2,5 litres. 
• Small broken electrical appliances (e-waste), such as a hairdryer and iron
• Plastic, such as broken toys and plant pots
• Metals, such as an old frying pan and iron wire
• Wood, such as a broken picture frame or small stool
• Waste paper and cardboard

What doesn't belong?

You can take larger items and other small chemical waste to the recycling center yourself using your recycling pass. You can drop off your small chemical waste at the recycling center in Leerdam every second and fourth Saturday of the month from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM.
Reusable items? Sell them, pass them on to family or friends, or offer them through a giveaway group on social media. Items often quickly find a new owner there. Of course, you can also go to a thrift store near.

Ask the environmental coach

Do you have questions about how to prevent, reduce, and separate waste at home? Ask our environmental coach Nelleke. She'll be at the mobile recycling center between 9:00 and 11:00 AM.

Taste

With the mobile recycling center, Waardlanden, in collaboration with the municipality of Vijfheerenlanden, is bringing the recycling center directly to the neighborhood. This makes it easier to properly separate items that don't belong in residual waste and preserve raw materials for reuse.
The trial is being conducted using the mobile recycling center of Cyclus, a collection organization that uses this facility in several municipalities. Afterward, we will evaluate whether the mobile recycling center can be deployed more frequently in more locations.

Recycle

Delivered raw materials are recycled and used for new products.

See you on November 5th? Together we'll give raw materials a second life.

FAQ

• Intro text: It's Safety Week. Therefore, extra attention is being paid to the rules for placing containers, ensuring safe and efficient waste collection. You can help by placing your container properly.

It's Safety Week. Therefore, extra attention is being paid to the rules for placing containers, ensuring safe and efficient waste collection. You can help by placing your container properly.

Container offer rules

Please follow the offer rules below to work together to ensure a safe and clean neighborhood.

• Intro text: Fall has arrived. Time to put away your light summer clothes and grab those warm sweaters and scarves. But what about the clothes you never wear anymore? These three steps will help you declutter your wardrobe and give clothes you no longer wear a second life.

Fall has arrived. Time to put away your light summer clothes and grab those warm sweaters and scarves. But what about the clothes you never wear anymore? These three steps will help you declutter your wardrobe and give clothes you no longer wear a second life.

In three steps to a tidy closet

Take three bins or bags and make piles:

1. Keep – this makes you happy
2. Doubt – try it on, then decide
3. Get rid of it – to the textile container, thrift store or give-away group

What is allowed in the textile container?

All textiles are welcome in the collection containers specifically for textiles, including worn or damaged clothing and household textiles. Towels, tablecloths, bedding, and even stuffed animals can be returned. Many people are hesitant about this, but separating textiles helps ensure better reuse and recycling. Be sure to tie the bag securely to prevent wet textiles.

Textiles do not belong in residual waste

Yet it still happens frequently. Torn clothing, socks with holes, old towels, or sheets: they all too often end up in the residual waste container. This isn't necessary, because textiles collected separately get a second life—even if they're damaged and no longer wearable.

Together through the seasons

By consciously handling textiles, you reduce waste and contribute to a waste-free future. Together, we'll navigate the seasons – and ensure a clean environment and less waste.

So: put on that warm sweater, make a cup of tea, and give your closet a fresh start. A small effort, a big difference.