- Intro text: In Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Waardlanden has been collecting waste paper and cardboard in the evening with the help of church volunteers for years. As Wednesday 5 November is Thanksgiving Day, no paper will be collected that evening. Your paper and cardboard will therefore be collected a day earlier, on Tuesday evening 4 November.
In Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Waardlanden has been collecting waste paper and cardboard in the evening with the help of church volunteers for years. As Wednesday 5 November is Thanksgiving Day, no paper will be collected that evening. Your paper and cardboard will therefore be collected a day earlier, on Tuesday evening 4 November.
Only paper collection will shift. 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 calendar. You can also set it to notify you when one of your containers can be taken away. Then you will never forget again. In the app, we share important messages, such as changes in the collection routes or collection days. You can also quickly and easily file reports and make a bulky waste appointment. Don't have our app yet? Then 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 run-up to Sinterklaas, we organise toy swap markets in the region together with local partners. Bring your unused toys and swap them for something new!
St Nicholas is coming! The time to clear out cupboards and exchange beautiful toys that are no longer used. On Tuesday 11 November in Gorinchem and Thursday 13 November in Hardinxveld-Giessendam, we organise toy exchange markets in cooperation with the LimonadeBrigade and Library AanZet. Swapping toys instead of buying new ones is a fun and sustainable way to give unused toys a second life, make other children happy and pick out something nice yourself - all for free.
This is how it works
Only neat, complete and clean toys will be taken in. This way, everyone can take something nice home. Please hand in still good and usable toys during one of the drop-off times and look for other toys during the swap market. Books and soft toys will not be accepted. Bartering is not obligatory: those who only want to donate are also welcome. Together, we will make more children happy.
> learn more about the toy swap market on 11 November at Rozenobel District Centre, Gorinchem
Together for less waste
Our environment coach Nelleke Gouw, explains: "By exchanging good toys, fewer new items need to be bought. This prevents waste and packaging and saves resources. This creates space in the house ánd we celebrate a greener Saint Nicholas party together."
A celebration of sharing
Toys left over after the swap markets go to the Toy Bank. This way, every toy gets a new destination and together we make as many children as possible happy with a nice Saint Nicholas present
- Intro text: Every day, our Waste Heroes work extremely hard to keep the region clean, tidy and safe. One of them is driver John. He drives the crane truck through our region every day to empty the underground collection containers. Curious what his working day looks like? In this video, he gives an insight into his work.
Every day, our Waste Heroes work extremely hard to keep the region clean, tidy and safe. Often in the background, but always indispensable. One of them is driver John. He drives the crane truck through our region every day to empty the underground collection containers. This makes it easy for everyone to dispose of their waste and raw materials. Curious what his working day looks like? In this video, he gives an insight into his work.
Safe and smooth emptying of underground collection containers
John drives around the region every day to empty underground collection containers. These have to be emptied on time so that nothing is placed next to them. Not only is this illegal, it is also dirty, dangerous and attracts vermin. The collection containers cannot be emptied if there are items next to them - our drivers must remove these items first. Does John come across loose waste bags next to the container on the way? Then his work will be delayed. The crane can only lift the underground collection containers if the slab around the container is clear. Also, John cannot take the bags himself, but must send a notification via the app to the supervisors to do so. So that they can ensure that the waste is still collected.
Fortunately, many residents separate their waste and raw materials well and put them neatly in the collection containers. This allows our drivers to do their work safely and smoothly, which makes them happy. This is how we work together with residents to create a clean and liveable environment.
"It is satisfying when my work area looks neat and residents are happy," John says.
Curious about his working day? Watch the video below.
You are a Waste Hero not only during the Week of Waste Heroes, but throughout the year. That is why we put various colleagues in the spotlight throughout the year. Because behind every clean street and emptied container are professionals like John.
- Intro text: The mobile environmental street is coming to Leerdam-West as a trial. On Wednesday 5 November, between 8.30 and 15.00, hand in small quantities of raw materials at the Europaplein car park, near the bandstand and supermarket PLUS. Easy, free and without appointment. However, you will need your environmental card.
The mobile environmental street is coming to Leerdam-West as a trial. On Wednesday 5 November, between 8.30 and 15.00, hand in small quantities of raw materials at the Europaplein car park, near the bandstand and supermarket PLUS. Easy, free and without appointment. However, you will need your environmental card.
Convenience close to home
More and more residents want to separate their waste and raw materials properly, but the distance to the recycling centre can be a barrier for residents with small quantities of raw materials. That is why Waardlanden, together with the Vijfheerenlanden local authority, is bringing the waste disposal unit to the neighbourhood on a trial basis. The mobile waste disposal unit is a specially equipped container where you can hand in small raw materials - about what fits in a large shopping bag.
Where and when
Date: Wednesday, 5 November
Time: 8.30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Leerdam-West - Europaplein car park (near the bandstand and supermarket PLUS)
Environmental pass: bring
Cost: free of charge
What can you submit?
At the mobile environmental street, you hand in small household commodities free of charge. These are small clean items that fit into one large shopping bag. For example:
- Small chemical waste (CDW), such as paint cans and batteries
- 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 to the waste disposal site yourself using your environmental pass. Reusable items? Sell it, pass it on to family or friends, or offer it via a giveaway group on social media. Items often quickly find a new owner there. Of course, you can also go to a thrift shop nearby.
Ask the environmental coach
Do you have questions about how to prevent, reduce and separate waste at home? Ask our environmental coach Nelleke. She will be present at the mobile environmental site between 9am and 11am.
Taste
With the mobile waste disposal unit, Waardlanden, together with the Vijfheerenlanden municipality, is literally bringing the waste disposal unit to the neighbourhood. This will make it easier to properly separate items that do not belong in the residual waste and preserve raw materials for reuse.
The trial will be conducted with the mobile environmental street of Cyclus, a collection organisation that deploys this facility in more municipalities. Afterwards, we will evaluate whether the mobile environmental street can be used more often in more places.
Recycle
Supplied raw materials are recycled and used for new products.
Will we see you on 5 November? Together we will give raw materials a second life.
Frequently asked questions
- Intro text: It is Safety Week. Therefore, there is an extra focus on container presentation rules to ensure safe and smooth waste collection. You can help by putting your container on the road in the right way.
It is Safety Week. Therefore, there is an extra focus on container presentation rules to ensure safe and smooth waste collection. You can help by putting your container on the road in the right way.
Supply rules containers
Follow the offer rules below to ensure a safe and clean neighbourhood together.
- Intro text: The end of October is the time of the branch route! You can register by phone to have up to 2 m³ of bulky garden waste collected free of charge. But be quick, because full is full!
The end of October is the time of the branch route! You can sign up to have up to 2 m³ of bulky garden waste collected for free. But be quick, because full is full! You can register by phone on working days on 0183 68 11 11.
The route
The branch route looks as follows:
- Monday, October 27, 2025 - Ameide, Hei- en Boeicop, Leerbroek, Leerdam, Lexmond, Meerkerk, Nieuwland, Tienhoven aan de Lek and Vianen.
- Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - Bleskensgraaf, Brandwijk, Goudriaan, Liesveld, Molenaarsgraaf, Nieuw-Lekkerland, Ottoland, Oud-Alblas and Wijngaarden.
- Thursday, October 30, 2025 - Arkel, Giessenburg, Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Hoogblokland, Hoornaar, Noordeloos and Schelluinen.
How does it work?
- Make a collection appointment for the branch route. Without an appointment, your bulky garden waste will not be collected.
- Place your bulky garden waste at the edge of the public road by 7.30am on the agreed day. Do not put it on your own property or near the collection containers.
- Make sure it is a maximum of 2 m³ and make handy bundles with sisal rope.
- Bundles may be up to 1.50 metres long and 25 kilograms in weight.
- Note: no stumps, grass sods, wooden poles, fences and boxes or bags of prunings.
The next branch route will be in March 2026. You can sign up again from the beginning of March.
- Intro text: Autumn has begun. Time to put away your breezy summer clothes and grab the warm jumpers and scarves. But what about the clothes you never wear anymore? These three steps will help you organise your wardrobe and give the clothes you no longer wear a second life.
Autumn has begun. Time to put away your breezy summer clothes and grab the warm jumpers and scarves. But what about the clothes you never wear anymore? These three steps will help you organise your wardrobe and give the clothes you no longer wear a second life.
Three steps to a tidy closet
Grab three bins or bags and make piles:
- Love - this will make you happy
- Doubt - try on, then decide
- Get rid of it - to the textile container, thrift shop or giveaway group
What is allowed in the textile container?
All textiles are welcome in the collection containers specifically for textiles, including worn or broken clothes and household textiles. Towels, tablecloths, bedding and even soft toys can simply be handed in. Many people hesitate about this, but separating textiles helps to reuse and recycle them better. Do tie the bag tightly to avoid wet textiles.
Textiles do not belong in residual waste
Yet it still happens often. Broken clothes, socks with holes, old towels or sheets: all too often, they still end up in residual waste containers. This is unnecessary, because textiles collected separately are given a second life - even if they are broken and no longer wearable.
Together through the seasons
By using textiles consciously, you reduce waste and help create a waste-free future. This way, we go through the seasons together - ensuring a clean environment and less waste.
So: put on that warm jumper, make a cup of tea and give your closet a fresh start. Small effort, big difference.
- Intro text: Every day, our Waste Heroes work extremely hard to keep the region clean, tidy and safe. Often in the background, but always indispensable. One of them is supervisor Kees. He is on the road every day to keep our region tidy and clean. Curious about his work? Watch the video.
Every day, our Waste Heroes work extremely hard to keep the region clean, tidy and safe. Often in the background, but always indispensable. One of them is supervisor Kees. He is on the road every day to keep our region tidy and clean. In this video, Kees shows what his work entails and how it contributes to a clean and safe living environment.
Commitment to a clean neighbourhood
As a waste and resources policy supervisor, Kees deals with waste and items put next to collection containers. He takes immediate action when a report comes in. Assesses the situation and looks for clues to trace the owner of the waste. Then he makes sure that the waste is cleaned up quickly to keep the neighbourhood clean and tidy.
"The best part is when residents say we are doing a good job," Kees says. Litter next to containers creates a nuisance. It is not only dirty and messy, but also unsafe and attracts pests. That is why it is important to throw waste in the container - not next to it.
You are a Waste Hero not only during the Week of Waste Heroes, but throughout the year. That is why we put different colleagues in the spotlight throughout the year. Because behind every clean street and container are professionals like Kees. Curious about his working day? Watch the video below.
- Intro text: It's Waste-Free Week, and that means: get more out of what you already have. What do you do with that half a courgette, that leftover pasta or that last slice of cheese? With a little creativity, you can put something new on the table with it.
It's Wastefree Week, and that means: get more out of what you already have. Because what do you do with that half courgette, that leftover pasta or that last slice of cheese? Many people throw it away. That's a shame, because with a little creativity you can put something new on the table. And that not only saves waste, but also money.
Leftovers and leftovers
We call it leftovers or leftovers. The difference? Leftovers are ingredients that have not been used completely, such as a quarter of a cucumber or some overripe fruit. Leftovers are what is left over after dinner: a scoop of rice, half a casserole or a bowl of soup.
The trick is in smart storage as well as planning:
- Put leftovers in the fridge or freezer immediately. This will keep them good and avoid wasting.
- Think about what you can do with it. On the Nutrition Centre's website, you can find recipes based on what you have left in the house.
- Give old bread or ripe fruit a second life. Make croutons, French toast or a dessert with fruit through yoghurt.
- Pay close attention to hygiene. Let leftovers cool quickly, store them in a sealed container and heat through well when reheating.
- Use your senses. Dairy or cheese past its date? Look, smell and taste. Often it can still be used just fine.
- Note the difference between THT and TGT. Products with a TGT date, such as meat or fish, are no longer safe after the date.
- Know what you are storing. Leftovers will keep for about 2 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer. Put a date on it so you know where you stand.
- Reheated again? Throw away leftovers afterwards. Reheating twice is no longer safe. So eat what you heat up.
Looking for more ideas?
Download the handy graphic from the Nutrition Centre with four ideas for making up leftovers: soup, salad, omelette or stir-fry. Every leftover you save, every leftover you reuse, counts. Less food waste means less waste, less waste of raw materials and less burden on the environment. By being smart with what we already have, we make a big difference together - simply in our own kitchen.
- Intro text: It's Waste-Free Week! You are joining in, aren't you? In the Netherlands, we waste much more food than we think. On average, as much as 33 kilos per person per year! Time to do something about it. Therefore, from 8 to 14 September, take part in the Wastefree Week.
Did you know that we often waste more food than we think? On average about 33 kilos per person per year for all Dutch together, that's 23 million meals per week. So there is still a lot to be gained. So join in the Wastefree Week from 8 to 14 September. For instance, by cooking what needs to be eaten first. And by knowing how to deal with best-before dates.
Do you sometimes doubt whether something is still good to eat? You are not the only one. A lot of food gets thrown away because we have outlived its shelf-life
date too literally. While often more is possible than you think. If you know the difference between THT and THT, you can make the right choice faster. So you avoid waste and your food stays safe.
THT - Best before
You can often still eat products with a THT date after the date. Think of biscuits, pasta, rice, dairy or cheese. The taste or texture may deteriorate slightly, but it is usually still fine. Look, smell and taste. Does it look good? Then you can often still eat it.
TGT - Use until
This is written on perishable products, such as meat, fish and pre-cut vegetables. These products are no longer safe to eat after the date. They can make you ill. So use these products in time or freeze them before the date.
5 tips to be smart about shelf life
- Look carefully at the type of date THT says something about quality. TGT is about safety.
- Use your senses. With THT: Does it smell good, look good and taste normal? Then you can usually still eat it.
- Freeze TGT products on time. Want to store them longer? Do so before the TGT date.
- Take care after opening. A product that has been opened spoils faster. Then look not only at the date, but also at how long it has been open.
- Use the Food Centre storage guide. In it, you can see exactly how long you can store something. Handy for the kitchen!
Wasting less together
A lot of food is thrown away unnecessarily because people do not understand the best-before date. By looking better and storing smarter, together we make a difference. That way, we can reduce waste and waste fewer raw materials. Good for your wallet and good for the environment.
