- Intro text: 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 our recycling center manager, Erik. Curious how he ensures everything runs smoothly and safely at the recycling center? Watch his video.
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 Erik, the recycling center manager. Many residents bring their waste and raw materials to the recycling center daily. But who ensures everything runs smoothly there? In this video, Erik shows what his job entails and how he ensures everything runs smoothly and safely at the recycling center.
Easy, smooth and safe to the recycling center
Erik is a familiar face at the recycling center. As the recycling center manager, he ensures everything is well-organized, from changing the containers on time to keeping the site tidy. He also helps residents drop off their belongings and offers advice on disassembling items, sorting at home, and smart vehicle charging. What does he enjoy most about his job? "The contact with people and the feeling that I'm truly contributing to a cleaner environment."
Curious about what a day in Erik's life looks like? In the video below, he gives a glimpse into his work.
You're a Waste Hero all year round. That's why we'll continue to put our employees in the spotlight in the coming period. Because behind every clean street, well-functioning collection container, and visit to the recycling center are professionals like Erik. Want to learn more about their work and dedication? Keep following us and discover their stories.
- Intro text: Students, artists, and local residents are turning trash disposal into a celebration! The trash bins at Ursulinenhof in Vianen are getting a colorful makeover. No more standard gray, but true works of art.
Students, artists, and local residents are making throwing away trash a celebration. A clean Vianen starts with you—and with a trash can that makes you happy. That's why the trash cans at Ursulinenhof in Vianen are getting a colorful makeover. No more standard gray, but real works of art that encourage you to throw your trash away properly. The "Pimp Your Trash Can" project is an initiative of Waardlanden, the municipality of Vijfheerenlanden, and the artist collective Kings of Colors. Students from Werelds Children's Center are creating eye-catching designs for the trash cans in the shopping area.
Creative approach to combating litter
In 2024, Waardlanden conducted a study on litter in the municipality of Vijfheerenlanden. It revealed that in some areas there were too few clean and well-maintained waste bins. This led to increased litter. The Ursulinenhof shopping center in Vianen also needed a makeover. Instead of simply installing new bins, a different approach was chosen: using art and collaboration with the neighborhood to raise awareness and change behavior. Because a prominent trash bin? You're more likely to use it.
From design to artwork
Students from the Werelds Children's Center enthusiastically created drawings to design new trash cans. Six winning drawings will be transformed into colorful, inspiring works of art by graffiti artists Jasper Briks and Jan-Henk van Ieperen of Kings of Colors.
A party to throw away trash
The colorful trash bins not only brighten up the streetscape but also contribute to a cleaner environment. The project demonstrates that creative collaboration can truly make an impact. Together with children, local residents, artists, and the municipality, Waardlanden is working towards a world without litter.
Come and see the unveiling on Friday, May 23
The artists will start painting the waste bins on Monday, May 19. On Friday, May 23 at 15.00 p.m. The festive unveiling will take place. Students, local residents, and visitors to the shopping center can then admire the special artworks – and see their own contributions. You are very welcome to come and see them.
- Intro text: Evaluation of the 2021–2025 Strategy Note: results visible, target not yet achieved. The goal of the waste and raw materials strategy is to achieve a maximum of 100 kilograms of residual waste per resident by 2025.
Evaluation of the 2021–2025 Strategy Note: results visible, target not yet achieved. The goal of the waste and raw materials strategy is to achieve a maximum of 100 kilograms of residual waste per resident by 2025. The measures are aimed at improving raw materials collection, regulating residual waste collection, and rewarding waste separation. The evaluation shows that the amount of waste per resident has decreased significantly in recent years in the Waardlanden municipalities. Between 2020 and 2024, residents disposed of an average of 179 kilograms less waste and raw materials per resident. Residual waste even decreased by more than 40% to an average of 133 kilograms per resident in 2024.
Inez van Kronenberg of Avalon Advies conducted the interim evaluation of the strategic plan: “After the strategic plan was adopted in 2021, the project organization and the municipalities enthusiastically embarked on the new policy. Waste collection has undergone a major overhaul in recent years, and residents have certainly noticed. The changes and all the hard work of residents have resulted in significant environmental gains. By 2024, significantly less residual waste was generated, and significantly more waste could be recycled into new products and materials. This deserves a compliment!”
Less residual waste, more reuse
In 2021, the four municipal councils established joint ambitions. A key reason for drafting the strategy document was the annual increase in the costs of incinerating residual waste. This trend is expected to continue. Starting in 2026, the national government will provide waste incineration plants with an additional incentive to gradually reduce CO2 emissions. This is partly to implement the principle that the polluter pays. Waardlanden's strategy aims to protect residents from rising residual waste processing costs by significantly reducing the annual amount of residual waste per resident. Therefore, we are focusing on less residual waste, better waste separation, and increased reuse. This is in line with the national VANG (From Waste to Raw Materials) goals, which apply to all municipalities.
Measures are showing effect
As part of the new policy, various measures have been taken, such as closing underground containers and introducing the environmental pass. The municipalities of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, and Molenlanden also introduced a recycling fee. Residents in these municipalities pay a fee each time they dispose of their residual waste. This is not yet in effect in the municipality of Vijfheerenlanden.
By 2024, residual waste had decreased to an average of 133 kilos per resident. This represents a 40% decrease compared to the average of 223 kilos of residual waste per resident in 2020, before the implementation of the strategy document. The separation of raw materials also increased throughout the region, with an average of 9 kilos more vegetable, fruit, garden, and food waste (organic waste), 6 kilos more plastic packaging, metal packaging, and beverage cartons (PMD), and 1,5 kilos more textiles per resident. The investments and structural costs for implementing the strategy document remained within budget through 2024.
Residual waste full of raw materials
Sorting analyses show that 75% of residual waste still consists of raw materials, such as organic waste, diapers, and metal cartons (PMD). These residual streams could be separated even more effectively. Raw materials are becoming increasingly scarce and are better reused instead of being incinerated at high costs. The quality of the separated waste has improved: PMD and organic waste contain less contamination than before. Only textiles have seen a slight increase in contamination.
To achieve the residual waste target of 100 kg per inhabitant, as outlined in the Strategy Note, additional policies are needed, in addition to implementing outstanding actions. These include further incentives for proper separation of raw materials and increased awareness of waste prevention through reuse and making different choices, such as using items for longer, sharing them, or passing them on.
Discover more in the interim evaluation of the strategic note 2021-2025.
- Intro text: In Laag Dalem, Gorinchem, Barry van Baalen regularly goes out with his grabber and garbage bag to keep the neighborhood clean. Sometimes alone, sometimes with others. Discover Barry's story and his insider tip.
In Laag Dalem, Gorinchem, lives an enthusiastic litter picker who's committed to keeping the neighborhood clean. Armed with a grabber and a garbage bag, Barry van Baalen often heads out to clean up litter. He usually stays close to home, but sometimes he ventures out to other neighborhoods. "Where there are people, there's litter. But I can do something about it myself," he says.
A good feeling
It all started with annoyance: litter is everywhere. On the streets, in nature, and even in his own neighborhood. "I didn't want to wait for someone else to clean it up, so I started cleaning it up myself. The great thing is that you can do it anytime, and it feels good."
Cleaning with others
Barry usually picks up litter alone, but sometimes he participates in cleanups organized by Schoon Gorinchem. "It's a fun way to do something good together and meet new people." Now he also helps organize cleanups and social media posts.
The craziest find
When he's cleaning up, he finds all sorts of things. But the most striking was a bag of chips with an expiration date of May 2014. "So it had been in the bushes for nine years. It's bizarre how long something like that stays there."
Comments from others
Some people look at you strangely and say, "Why are you doing that? It's not your mess, is it?" Fortunately, there are also many positive reactions. "People give compliments or clap from their balconies. That's nice to hear!"
golden tip
Want to start picking up litter? "Join a Schoon Gorinchem campaign. Waardlanden helps with materials and arranges for the waste to be collected. You'll meet like-minded people and see immediate results."
Barry's wish
No more litter at all would be fantastic. But if Barry had to choose just one thing, it would be to get rid of all cigarette butts. "They're literally everywhere and contribute significantly to pollution."
- Intro text: After April 11th, the individual collection of paper and cardboard in Gorinchem's city center will cease. Instead, 15 locations with collection containers will be opened where you can dispose of your paper and cardboard for free without needing your recycling pass.
Together with the municipality of Gorinchem, we are taking an important step towards a more sustainable and cleaner Gorinchem. After April 11th, the individual collection of paper and cardboard in the city center will cease. Instead, there will be 15 locations with collection containers where you can dispose of your paper and cardboard for free without having to use your environmental pass.
New locations for paper collection containers
On Friday, April 11, paper and cardboard will be collected separately for the last time in the city center. Paper and cardboard collection containers are already available on Boerenstraat, Groenmarkt, Heerenlaantje, Nonnenveld, Struisvogelstraat, Rond de Watertoren, and Varkenmarkt. Eight more locations will be added. From then on, all city center residents can dispose of paper and cardboard free of charge at any time at one of the 15 locations nearby.
Why this change?
Many residents are separating their waste and raw materials even more effectively thanks to the new waste and raw materials policy. As a result, there is less residual waste, even in the city center. Several residual waste containers can therefore be used for paper and cardboard. These containers will have new lids. Using containers is better for the environment. It prevents loose paper and cardboard from getting wet or blowing around the neighborhood as litter. Dry and clean materials can be recycled up to seven times. Containers also make collection faster and easier.
Where are the collection containers for paper and cardboard?
The 15 locations with collection containers are spread throughout the city center, so there's always a container within walking distance. The map below shows you exactly where the containers are located. The containers are easy to recognize and use. You don't need your environmental pass to throw your paper and cardboard in the container.
Return or request paper container
- Do you have a paper container at your home? You can continue using this service. The collection day will change: from now on, we will empty the container every first Tuesday of the month during the day. The first collection is on Tuesday, May 6th. Please place your container at the collection point before 7:30 AM.
- Would you like to request a paper container? Don't have a paper container yet, but would you like one? Send an email to info@waardlanden.nlIf you have any questions, we will deliver them to your home free of charge. The paper container will then be emptied during the day on the first Tuesday of each month.
- Do you no longer want your paper container?Would you rather use the new collection containers in your area? Have your container collected for free by making an appointment via info@waardlanden.nl.
What is allowed in the paper container?
Only dry and clean newspapers, flyers, envelopes, and cardboard boxes may be placed in the paper recycling bin. Are you unsure whether something is made of paper or cardboard? If you can tear it, it's paper and can go in the recycling bin. If you shred the cardboard, more can fit in the bin and it won't get clogged. Wet and dirty paper belongs in the residual waste because it can't be recycled properly.
Please note: no more paper or cardboard on the streets after April 11
After April 11th, paper and cardboard may no longer be placed loose on the street, not even next to a collection container. This prevents litter and additional cleanup costs.
Frequently asked questions and answers
- Intro text: Many discarded items still have plenty of uses. At the thrift store Opnieuw & Co, discarded items get a second life. We went behind the scenes and discovered how these Waste Heroes contribute to a more sustainable world. Watch the video.
Many discarded items are still perfectly usable. Yet, they sometimes unnecessarily end up in the trash. That's a shame, because many items could still be used by someone else. Together with our partners, we're working towards a world where valuable materials aren't wasted, but are reused. A great example of this is the Opnieuw & Co thrift store in Leerdam. We visited and got a behind-the-scenes look.
What happens to returned items?
Every day, Opnieuw & Co receives all sorts of items, such as furniture, clothing, household appliances, toys, books, and more. But before they reach the store, everything is inspected, cleaned, and evaluated. Anything that can't be sold immediately is refurbished in the workshop. This way, almost everything gets a second chance, and the waste mountain is kept smaller.
🎥 Watch the video and discover how Opnieuw & Co contributes to reuse.
Working together towards a more sustainable future
Our partners, like Opnieuw & Co, play a vital role in the circular economy. They ensure that items aren't simply thrown away, but are given a new home. They too are Waste Heroes. By reusing materials, we conserve resources and reduce waste.
What can you do?
Do you have things at home you no longer use? Don't throw them away, but take them to a thrift store or donate them. This way, you'll make someone else happy and contribute to a more sustainable world. And are you looking for something unique? Visit a thrift store. There you'll find special items with a story that deserve a second life.
The recycling center is the final step. If your discarded items are no longer repairable or usable, take them to the recycling center with your recycling pass.
- Intro text: 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 our technician Jeremy. Curious how he keeps the collection containers functioning properly? Watch his video.
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 our technician Jeremy. He checks and maintains the collection containers in the region, ensuring they remain in good working order and you can dispose of your waste and raw materials without any problems. Curious about what a workday looks like? In this video, he gives a glimpse into his work.
Control and maintenance
As a mechanic in the Equipment team, Jeremy checks and maintains the collection containers in the region, preventing malfunctions as much as possible. However, it can happen that a container gets stuck or a sensor malfunctions. In that case, Jeremy takes immediate action.
"If a resident reports a malfunction via our website or Waardlanden app, we receive a notification. We can often resolve the problem the same day." says Jeremy.
This is important, because a properly functioning container prevents nuisance and keeps the surrounding area tidy. Curious what a typical day in Jeremy's life looks like? In the video below, he gives a glimpse into his work.
Being a Waste Hero isn't just something you do during Waste Heroes Week, but all year round. That's why we'll continue to put our employees in the spotlight in the coming weeks. Because behind every clean street and well-functioning collection container are professionals like Jeremy. Want to learn more about their work and dedication? Keep following us and discover their stories.
- Intro text: We're working with the four municipalities to keep textiles out of residual waste. More was collected in 2024 than in 2023, but almost half is still thrown away. Things can change!
Together with the four municipalities, we want to prevent textiles from ending up in residual waste. More textiles were collected in 2024 than in 2023, but almost half of discarded textiles are still thrown away instead of being reused or recycled. This can change.
Textile collection per municipality
Residents of the four municipalities have collectively collected a large amount of textiles. This not only contributes to reuse but also saves raw materials and energy. The figures per municipality:
Gorinchem: 132.000 kilos in 2024 (123.000 kilos in 2023)
Hardinxveld-Giessendam: 55.000 kilos in 2024 (51.000 kilos in 2023)
Molenlanden: 188.000 kilos in 2024 (163.000 kilos in 2023)
Vijfheerenlanden: 251.000 kilos in 2024 (235.000 kilos in 2023)
Many collected clothes are still in good condition and are given a second life through secondhand shops. Textiles that are no longer wearable are repurposed into new products such as cleaning rags and insulation.
Why don't textiles belong in residual waste?
Although textile collection is increasing, almost half of discarded textiles still end up in the incinerator, meaning valuable raw materials are lost forever.
The new legislation, Extended Producer Responsibility, stipulates that the Netherlands must collect 50% more textiles over the next five years. This is only possible if everyone participates. Fortunately, the Netherlands is already a leader in textile collection, but there is still room for improvement.
What is allowed in the textile container?
All textiles are welcome in the dedicated textile collection containers, 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.
Major environmental gain
Thanks to the textile collection in the four municipalities, significant environmental benefits have been achieved. Together, residents have saved over 6,7 million kilos of CO2 and over 423 million liters of water. This equates to thousands of tankers full of water and a traffic jam of tens of kilometers. This demonstrates how much water is needed for the production of new textiles and why reuse and recycling are so important.
Combating waste together
Textiles have a significant impact on the environment. If we dispose of them incorrectly, valuable resources are lost. This is easily prevented: all textiles can go in the special collection container, whether they are damaged or not. By collecting textiles separately, we reduce waste and save resources. You can throw them in a textile container in your neighborhood or take them to one of our recycling centers with your recycling pass. Do you have any good textiles? Give them a second life. Donate them, sell them, or take them to the Kringloopplein (Recycling Center), a thrift store, or a donation shop.
Together we make the difference!
- Intro text: Sven is 12 years old and has a unique hobby: he makes lamps from old appliances. With his creative projects, he wants to show that you can turn old things into something new and beautiful. He also hopes to inspire people to be more environmentally conscious and not just throw everything away.
Sven is a 12-year-old boy with a unique hobby: making lamps from old appliances. He often collaborates on creative projects with his father, who makes lamps from tree trunks. With his lamps, Sven wants to show that you can create something new and beautiful from old appliances. He hopes his unique hobby will inspire people to throw things away less often and to be more environmentally conscious.
How it started
His passion for creating unique lamps was sparked when his uncle gave him an old computer monitor. "I wanted to do something with lamps, just like my father, and this seemed like a good place to start. I turned that computer monitor into my very first lamp; I loved it so much that I never stopped. It's important to me to reuse old things. I think it's a shame how much stuff gets thrown away. That's why I try to give devices a second life. It's not only fun to do, but also better for the environment."
From old device to new lamp
The process of making a lamp begins with an idea. Sven checks if the device is large enough to accommodate a socket and a cord. If it is, he removes the parts he doesn't need at the moment, reusing them later for other projects. Then he arranges the socket and cord, adds a switch and plug, and tests everything to make sure it works. It takes an average of six hours to make a lamp.
Sven admits that his hobby can sometimes be quite challenging. "Every device is different, so I often have to be creative," says Sven. His most difficult project so far? A lamp made from an old cordless drill. "I made a mistake when I took it apart, which made it much more complicated. But I didn't give up, and in the end, I succeeded."
Inspiration and dreams for the future
Sven draws inspiration from others. At a market, he met a man who makes lamps from old cameras. "Awesome! But my biggest inspiration remains my father." He makes beautiful lamps from driftwood and tree trunks. Together, they share ideas and collaborate on exciting projects.
The reactions to his lamps are always positive. People find them original and fun. They also see how things can get a second life, which inspires them to get creative themselves. That motivates Sven to keep going. He sells his lamps on Facebook and Instagram and sometimes exhibits at markets. His dream? To reach more people, exhibit more often at trade shows, and perhaps even promote his lamps.
Want to get started with old stuff yourself? Sven offers tips.
- Use your imagination and look carefully at what you have.
- Don't just throw something away; maybe you can create something new from it.
- Have fun in what you do and try to make something beautiful out of it.
Sven hopes his story will inspire others to do something sustainable and creative too. Because together we can make the world a little better!
- Intro text: Our region is full of dedicated Zappers who do everything they can to keep things clean and tidy. And great initiatives are still popping up. For example, earlier this year, Paul Glorie and a group of residents of the new Het Spoel residential complex in Gorinchem had a fantastic idea: keeping the neighborhood clean together.
Our region is full of enthusiastic zappers who do everything they can to keep it clean and tidy. And great initiatives are still springing up. For example, earlier this year, Paul Glorie and a group of residents of the new Het Spoel residential complex in Gorinchem had a fantastic idea: keeping the neighborhood clean together. They wanted to create a pleasant, clean environment where everyone feels comfortable. What started as a small idea quickly became an enthusiastic project that many residents are happily participating in.
Young and old together in action
With the slogan "A clean spool gives a tidy feeling," Paul and his neighbors regularly go out to clean up litter. Armed with litter pickers and bags, they collect cans, packaging, and other litter to keep the neighborhood tidy. It also brings residents closer together. Children often enjoy helping out. The older residents find it enjoyable and a good way to stay active.
A radiant neighborhood thanks to Paul and his waste buddies
The results are impressive. The Het Spoel residential complex and the surrounding streets look fantastic. The residents are proud of this. Paul's initiative shows that a small idea can achieve a lot for your community. We are very grateful to Paul and his waste buddies for their efforts and hope this initiative inspires others to join in. Who knows, we might soon see even more residents who, just like Paul, are making their neighborhoods a little cleaner.
