From empty lighter to food scraps: what belongs where?

You are standing in front of the bin. With Styrofoam in one hand, and an empty lighter in the other. You open the residual waste bin. And then, then come the questions. Is this right? Shouldn't this go with plastic? Or should it go to the recycling centre? As you stare at the different bins, you don't remember. Why can't it be easier? It can. And we explain how. 

When you recycle waste, you help create a clean and beautiful environment, for yourself and future generations. But separating waste can be challenging. That is why in this blog we explain how to find out which bin a particular product goes in, and give useful tips on how to separate waste a lot easier.  

An organised system 

In the Netherlands, we distinguish between different types of waste, some of which you may already use or be familiar with on a daily basis. These include plastic packaging, metal packaging and drink cartons (pmd), vegetable, fruit, garden and food waste (VGF), glass, residual waste, paper and cardboard. Other raw materials can be brought to the environmental street. You can dispose of bulky household waste, small chemical waste, white and brown goods, batteries, paint and textiles.  

Unfortunately, there are also exceptions and catch-alls among the waste rules. For example, chewing gum cannot go with the VGF waste, while many people think so, and a large piece of polystyrene foam has to be taken to the waste disposal site while a small piece can go with the residual waste. But how do you know what goes where?

Which bin should what go in? Use the Waardlanden app! 

Know which bin your waste belongs in? With the handy Waardlanden app you always have the separation guide to hand. Download the Waardlanden app on your smartphone. This way you will always have all information on waste and raw materials to hand. You will also find your personal waste calendar in the app. And you can quickly and easily submit reports or make a bulky waste appointment. With the Waardlanden app, you have everything at hand. Extremely handy! 

Test your knowledge with the Waste Separation Quiz 

Wondering what kind of waste separator you are? Take the quiz and find out what you already know about waste separation. At the end of the quiz, you will receive tailored advice to increase your knowledge.  So what are you waiting for? Let's work together for a cleaner and more sustainable future!