- Intro text: We regularly highlight someone who is committed to a cleaner neighborhood. This time it's litter picker Dick Roodhorst from Ameide. Dick enthusiastically explains what drives him and why he enjoys helping out.
We regularly highlight someone who is committed to a cleaner neighborhood. This time it's Dick Roodhorst from Ameide. He's been picking up litter since he retired in 2021. This way, he enjoys being outdoors and doing something useful at the same time. Dick enthusiastically explains what drives him and why he enjoys helping out.
- Intro text: Ever wonder which bin a product or material belongs in? Our waste separation guide can help! You can now download it in eight different languages. You can print it and hang it somewhere handy at home. Then you'll always know which bin to put your raw materials in.
Ever wonder which bin a product or material belongs in? Our waste separation guide can help! You can now download it in eight different languages. You can print it and hang it somewhere handy at home. Then you'll always know which bin to put your raw materials in.
With the campaign Nice and tidy We're helping residents further reduce waste and separate it even more effectively. This reduces the amount of residual waste that needs to be incinerated at high costs, and allows for the recycling of as many raw materials as possible. Proper waste and raw material separation is crucial for giving as many materials as possible a second life. This way, waste becomes raw material again. All help and tips We have collected them for you on the campaign page.
Make waste separation easier
Not sure where something belongs? Then use the handy waste separation guide in the Waardlanden app. This way, you always have all the information about waste and raw materials at your fingertips. Prefer a paper waste separation guide in a different language? You can view the waste separation guide in up to eight languages, download it, and even print it out. Then you can hang it in a handy place at home and quickly see what goes where.
- Download the handy waste separation guide in Dutch
- Download the handy waste separation guide in Arabic
- Download the handy waste separation guide in English
- Download the handy waste separation guide in Ukrainian
- Download the handy waste separation guide in Polish
- Download the handy waste separation guide in Romanian
- Download the handy waste separation guide in Spanish
- Download the handy waste separation guide in Turkish
- Intro text: Do you have textiles you no longer wear or use? Don't throw them away with your residual waste. Give them a new life. Discover what you can do with your discarded textiles.
Unfortunately, 7 kilos of textiles per person still end up in residual waste every year and ultimately end up in the incinerator. This is a shame and, of course, not the intention. Give discarded textiles a new life or put them in the textile recycling bin.
Give your textiles a new life
Many people will be clearing out their closets in the coming weeks. Do you have textiles you no longer wear or use? Never throw them away with the residual waste. There are so many better options. Give your reusable clothing, shoes, coats, bags, sheets, towels, and stuffed animals to someone who could use them, or sell them (online). You can also bring them to the Recycling center, thrift store or the gift shop. There are also regular special clothing fairs and swap meets where you can swap your items. This way, you give your textiles a new life!
Collection containers for textiles
You can also bring textiles to one of our recycling centers Or put it in the special textile collection container in your neighborhood. Worn and damaged fabrics are also welcome. Clothing, shoes, coats, bags, sheets, towels, curtains, and even stuffed animals are welcome.
Most sustainable solution for your textiles
At textile collection company Sympany, the collected textiles are sorted and prepared for the next phase. The majority (approximately 73%) of the collected textiles can be reused. This is the most sustainable solution. The remaining textiles are recycled. These are used to make things like new yarns or insulation materials.
Please help and return clean and dry textiles
Textiles are a major environmental burden. If textiles are disposed of incorrectly, we waste valuable resources. Separately collecting and reusing textiles is best for our planet. Make sure to put your clean and dry textiles in a sealed plastic bag to prevent them from getting wet. Not sure whether a material is allowed in the textile recycling bin? Then check here. waardlanden.nl/textiel. Or view the separation guide on our website or in the Waardlanden app.
- Intro text: On Saturday, September 21st, enthusiastic participants in the Clean Up on Tour removed a whopping 132,9 kilos of litter from the canals and waterways of Gorinchem. They picked up cans, plastic bags, and other trash from SUP boards, using grabbers and garbage bags.
Sporty clean-up action with results
With the help of enthusiastic participants, glorious weather, and a sporting challenge, the goal of cleaner water has come another step closer. During the cleanup on Saturday, September 21st, a total of 132,9 kilos of waste was removed from the waterways and canals in Gorinchem. Participants took to the water on SUP boards, armed with grabbers and garbage bags to remove cans, plastic bags, and other litter. Thanks to the excellent guidance of an experienced instructor, everyone took to the water with confidence.
Many people watched from the sidelines, complimenting the participants. Some even indicated they wanted to participate again next year! The event not only improved the environment but also brought people together for a common cause.
Together for cleaner water
Thanks to the efforts of all participants, we've made a significant contribution to cleaner water in Gorinchem. Not only have we made the city more beautiful, but we've also made the water safer for all life in it. Together, we've made a difference!
- Intro text: In our region, there are many fanatic zappers who do everything they can to keep things clean and tidy. And some people go even further. One of these people is Maarten Kerkhof.
There are many dedicated Zappers in our region who go above and beyond to keep things clean and tidy. Some people go even further. One of these people is Maarten Kerkhof.
About 20 to 30 years ago, Maarten started picking up litter along the Lek River. He also spent years clearing trash from the grass at the Middelwaard recreation area. This was desperately needed because otherwise, the lawn couldn't be mowed. Every morning, he collected a full garbage bag, often with the same items, such as empty soda cans.
At the source
And that's exactly what got Maarten thinking. A good example: For a while, Maarten walked the same route along the dike. There, at one point, he found a lot of plastic cups (the kind used in coffee machines). To test the waters, he walked a little further the next time. There, the number of cups decreased. On his way back, he saw a construction company along the route. Maarten went inside.
The positive approach
The construction company owner was embarrassed by what had happened. Because yes, it was indeed the cups from his coffee machine. A sticker on the machine already helped raise some awareness. Maarten emphasizes the importance of engaging in conversation and staying positive.
Be proud
Maarten's advice to (new) litter pickers: Be proud and stay positive! Maarten used to be ashamed of picking up litter. Until he realized: "I'm picking up litter for others, not theirs." That made a world of difference for him.
Measuring is knowing
Maarten now works as a river waste monitoring officer at GoClean Netherlands. Collecting data is crucial. The results of this data allow us to exert pressure on plastics manufacturers, for example, at a national level. Would you like to record your own collection? There are several ways to do so. Take a look at the following websites: Supporter of Clean en WePlog.
- Intro text: In our region, there are people who are genuinely committed to a cleaner environment. Ricardo Stuurman is a prime example. He cleans up litter in Gorinchem and the surrounding area. In this way, Ricardo contributes to a cleaner neighborhood for all of us.
In our region, there are people who are genuinely committed to a cleaner environment. Ricardo Stuurman is a prime example. He cleans up litter in Gorinchem and the surrounding area. In this way, Ricardo contributes to a cleaner neighborhood for all of us.
Walking with a purpose
"I help clean up litter because I think it's important that we have a clean neighborhood," Ricardo explains. "I enjoy walking, and it feels good to do something for our community at the same time." He turns his walks into a kind of mission to keep the neighborhood clean.
Cycling and cleaning up waste
Even when Ricardo is on his bike, he keeps an eye out for litter. "If I see trash, I pick it up," he says. Helping to keep the environment clean is a natural part of his life, wherever he is.
Pilot Municipality Clean
Ricardo also talks about his name, Stuurman Gemeente Clean. "I clean up trash under this name. I like that," he says proudly. The name fits what he does and makes it even more enjoyable.
Ricardo encourages others to do their part for a cleaner neighborhood. "Just start, every little thing helps. Together we can achieve a lot!"
- Intro text: We proudly present our 2023 digital annual magazine. In this magazine, we'd like to take you through the events and achievements of an extraordinary year full of challenges, highlights, but unfortunately also difficult moments and sadness.
We proudly present our 2023 annual magazine, in which we look back on an extraordinary year full of challenges, highlights, and efforts leading up to the implementation of the new waste and raw materials policy.
In the annual magazine, you can read more about our services and key figures, hear from employees about what the changes mean for their work, and learn more about the joint efforts of our employees, partners, and associates for a clean environment and a waste-free future.
> Discover more in the 2023 Waardlanden annual magazine
Enjoy reading!
- Intro text: Bram van der Wal, leader of De Plastic Geurrilla, is determined and passionate about tackling the pollution of our environment and the future environment of our children and grandchildren.
In the tranquil and green Alblasserwaard, a group of people gathered with a mission: to combat litter in this beautiful region. This led to the founding of the environmental initiative The Plastic Guerrilla (DPG) six years ago. DPG leader Bram van der Wal is determined and passionate about tackling the pollution in our region and the future living environment of our children and grandchildren.
Growing power
Of course, he doesn't do it alone. Armed with grabbers and garbage bags, the environmental group, along with fellow activists and supporters, holds cleanups year-round in the polluted areas of our region. "Because every piece of litter picked up brings us one step closer to a cleaner place," says Plastic Guerrilla activist Bram. "It's so wonderful to see new activists sign up for every action. From city to village, young and old, all determined to fight for our common goal."
Education and future fighters
This is how The Plastic Guerrilla continues to grow into an unstoppable force. Besides its cleanup efforts, the environmental group also provides education at schools and participates in school projects about the importance of a clean environment. This way, young activists are also encouraged to change the world.
Join the Plastic Geurrilla
Take action and join the Plastic Guerrilla! Don't be a bystander, but a participant in the fight against litter. This way, children and grandchildren can grow up in a clean and healthy environment. Curious when the next plastic guerrilla will take place and how you can get involved? Follow DPG on Facebook or look at plasticgeurrilla.nl.
Together we will move towards a clean environment and a waste-free future.
- Intro text: Spring is here, time to lighten your outfits and make them airier. Out with those bulky sweaters and hello to spring-ready clothes. But how can you do that in an eco-friendly way? We offer a few tips.
Spring is here today, so it's time to lighten up your outfits and make them airier. Out with those bulky sweaters and hello to spring-ready clothes. But how do you do that in an eco-friendly way?
Making new clothes is incredibly bad for the environment because of all the water and chemicals it requires. That's why it's important to reuse your clothes as much as possible. Here are some tips:
- Make your own clothes and accessoriesSewing and knitting are back in style. By making your own scarves and sweaters, you don't have to buy new ones, and it's super fun.
- Pimp old clothesRevitalize your old sweaters and T-shirts by decorating them with eco-friendly fabric paint or iron-on patches. They'll be completely trendy again.
- Go for second hand Check out secondhand clothing stores or browse online for cool vintage clothes. It's not only good for the environment, but also for your wallet. Win-win!
- Donate old clothes If you can no longer wear your clothes or no longer want to, donate them to a secondhand shop. You can also dispose of your old clothes in a sealed bag in the textile recycling bin. Even damaged clothes and worn-out shoes can be disposed of in the textile recycling bin. These can also be recycled. Dirty or wet clothes, for example, with oil or paint on them, belong in the residual waste. For more information about what goes in the textile recycling bin, see waardlanden.nl/textiel.
Whether you make your own clothes or buy secondhand, together we'll make the world a little greener and more stylish! 💚
- Intro text: A chance encounter led to the founding of De Lekprikkers. One of the founders of this enthusiastic group of litter pickers is Rob de Wit from Ameide.
It was a chance encounter that led to the founding of De Lekprikkers. One of the founders of this enthusiastic group of litter pickers is Rob de Wit from Ameide. After retiring, Rob decided to volunteer. "During my long walks in the Ameide countryside, I noticed how much litter was everywhere, especially a lot of plastic. I was annoyed by it. Not only did it look messy, but it was also harmful to nature." During a walk, Rob met someone who was cleaning up litter. What followed was an inspiring conversation in which they shared similar ideas. This meeting led to the founding of De Lekprikkers, a group committed to creating a beautiful and clean area near Ameide and Tienhoven aan de Lek River.
Pleasant and fun volunteer work
"We didn't want to make the volunteer work too formal, but rather keep it fun and enjoyable," says Rob. "We asked well-known hiking enthusiasts if they wanted to bring a grabber. We also published an interview in the local newspaper, which generated a lot of responses."
As the number of volunteers grew, the organization became important. "We decided that each volunteer would be responsible for a specific area. This way, we could keep our living environment free of litter. Over time, the number of club members grew, and we were able to expand our service area."
During the national cleanup days, we involve both primary schools in our campaign. We collaborate closely with the municipality and especially with Waardlanden for practical support, such as placing waste bins and distributing supplies like grabbers, garbage bags, and vests.
Noticeable result
"There are now more than 40 active volunteers in the area around Ameide and Tienhoven aan de Lek," says Rob. "Some go out alone, others in groups. Everyone chooses their own time. If it rains, they simply postpone the cleanup. As long as the work gets done. Once every three or four weeks is sufficient."
The results of the efforts are noticeable, with litter pickers sometimes finding very little trash during their cleanup rounds. "Yet, the number of cigarette butts remains a problem. These are harmful to the environment because it takes a long time for the harmful substances to decompose. However, the number of plastic bottles is down. This is probably due to the deposit system," Rob believes.
While the Lekprikkers have achieved a great deal, Rob is concerned about the pollution along the riverbank, which is mainly caused by ships and tourists. There have been some successes, too: a picker found many wrappers that are very harmful to the environment. He contacted the manufacturer. Now, wrappers are being used that are much less harmful to the environment.
Jointly responsible for nature
It's not just the government's responsibility to reduce environmental pollution. This also requires our own commitment. It gives me satisfaction to contribute. And all Lekkerprikkers share that feeling. We all feel a responsibility for nature. Together, we can make our world a little cleaner and more beautiful.
