• Intro text: Residents of the municipalities of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Molenlanden and Vijfheerenlanden have an environmental pass per household. This pass belongs to the home. From 1 July 2025, it will cost €15.00 to apply for a replacement environmental pass if the pass is lost or broken.

Residents of the municipalities of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Molenlanden and Vijfheerenlanden have an environmental pass per household. This pass belongs to the home. From 1 July 2025, it will cost €15.00 for a replacement environmental pass in case of loss or damage.

Why this change?

Replacing an environmental pass costs money: for creating, processing, sending and handling by our staff. Therefore, from 1 July you will pay a €15 fee if your pass is lost or broken. This keeps the system fair and keeps costs manageable for all residents. Only those who need a new pass will pay for it. At the same time, we want to use this measure to encourage residents to use their pass carefully. 

The pass is important: you need it to open the collection containers for residual waste and VGF waste and for access to the environmental centres. So keep it well, like other important passes. 

Keep the environmental pass safe

Your environmental pass is an important one. The pass is linked to your residential address and is for your household only. 

A few storage tips: 

• Keep the pass in a fixed place in the house.
• Keep the pass away from magnets.
• Do not lend the pass to anyone.
• Do not make a hole in the pass, the pass will no longer work. 

The environmental pass belongs to the house and stays there when you move. 

The environmental passes comply with the national standard for waste passes and registration systems, STOSAG. Unfortunately, misuse remains possible. It is therefore important that you make sure your environmental card does not end up in the wrong hands. You don't just hand over your house key or PIN card either. So handle your environmental card carefully and don't give others the chance to misuse it. Someone who misuses the environmental card is punishable by law.
Have you lost your pass or suspect fraud? Then report it and apply for a new pass. We will block your old pass immediately. Visit contact on our customer contact centre: 0183 68 11 11. We will be happy to help you.

Moving house and no pass in the house?

Have you moved house and there is no environmental pass in your new home? If so, you may be entitled to a new free environmental pass. Call our customer contact centre on 0183 68 11 11 during office hours. We will be happy to help you.

Requesting a replacement pass

From 1 July 2025, apply for a replacement environmental pass via our website or Waardlanden app. Payment is via iDEAL.

Frequently asked questions about a replacement environmental 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 waste site manager Erik. Wondering how he makes sure everything runs smoothly and safely at the waste disposal site? Watch his 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 environmental waste manager Erik. Many residents bring their waste and raw materials to the waste disposal site every day. But who makes sure everything runs smoothly there? In this video, Erik shows what his job entails and how he makes sure everything runs smoothly and safely at the waste disposal site.

Easy, quick and safe access to the waste disposal site

Erik is a familiar face at the waste disposal site. As an environmental site manager, he makes sure everything is well organised, from changing containers at the environmental site on time to keeping the grounds tidy. He also helps residents turn in their items and gives advice on taking things apart, home sorting and smart vehicle loading. What he likes most about his job? "The contact with people and the idea that I am really contributing to a cleaner living environment."

Wondering what a day of Erik's looks like? In the video below, he gives an insight into his work.

You are a Waste Hero all year round. That is why we will continue to put employees in the spotlight in the coming period. Because behind every clean street, well-functioning collection container and visit to the waste disposal site are professionals like Erik. Want to know more about their work and commitment? Keep following us and discover their stories.

• Intro text: The Week Without Waste has begun! From 19 to 25 May, we will prevent unnecessary waste and separate it as best we can for reuse and recycling. With these tips, you can help!

The Week Without Waste has begun! A great time to reflect on what we throw away every day - and what we can prevent or reuse. With a few smart choices, you can make a difference. Not only this week, but also afterwards. Because less waste is not something for a few days. It is something we work on together every day.

Tip 1 Return bottles and cans

Do not throw away empty beverage cans and small plastic bottles. Turn them in at the supermarket or other drop-off points. That way, you won't throw money away, but earn an extra penny. And you help the environment at the same time! Recycled cans are made into new cans and plastic is transformed into everything from new cans to toys and even garden furniture. Together, let's contribute to a sustainable future and make sure we can reuse raw materials.

Tip 2 Give appliances a second life!

Don't just throw away broken appliances. With a little help, you can often fix them. YouTube is full of helpful instructional videos and websites like Jafix and iFixit offer step-by-step manuals. Prefer professional help? Go to a repair shop in the neighbourhood! Is the appliance really beyond repair? Then you can hand it in when you buy a new, similar appliance. Or hand it in free of charge at one of our recycling centres. Nice and tidy!

Tip 3 Beauty without waste

There are super many sustainable choices for disposable products. From reusable cotton pads to recyclable toothbrushes and even shampoo in soap bars without plastic packaging. Small choices make a big difference! Join us and choose sustainability in your daily grooming routine. Out with disposable, hello reusable!

Tip 4 Stop food waste starts with you

Stop food waste and save money with the Too Good To Go app! Every day, restaurants, supermarkets and cafes throw away good food just because it's left over. With Too Good To Go, you can buy that food at a bargain price and help reduce waste. And do you want to waste less food at home too? Use handy kitchen tools like foodhuggers to keep your fruit and vegetables fresh for longer! That way you can enjoy your favourite snacks for longer.

Tip 5 Discover the power of washable nappies

Save hundreds of nappies and help the environment with washable nappies. And start potty training early for your little one. Washable nappies are just as easy to use and much more comfortable for your baby. Plus, they are environmentally friendly and save you money! And don't worry if you want to use disposable nappies once in a while, you can collect them separately in special disposal bags for baby nappies and use your environmental card to hand them in for free at our recycling centres. Find out more at waardlanden.nl/babyluiers

Tip 6 Share and borrow

Share and borrow for a greener world and to save money. From tools to clothes, there are lots of opportunities to share and borrow stuff, helping us produce less waste together. Discover useful tips and concrete steps to get started today. Read this article.

For more tips, visit waardlanden.nl/tips

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

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

Vacancies

We are looking for new colleagues! Are you interested? We would love to hear from you and look forward to getting to know you.

Senior Administrator / Bookkeeper

Would you like to play a key role in our Information Management team? We are looking for a senior administrator/accountant.

You will join a team of 10 colleagues, dealing with the planning and control cycle, financial administration, legal affairs and ICT, among others.

What is your role within this team?

• Responsible for financial administration and general ledger management.
• Perform and audit VAT returns and tax compliance.
• Preparation of reports and preparation of audits.
• Identify and improve administrative processes.
• Advising the management team on financial optimisation.
• Coordinate work within the administrative team.

Are you an accurate and proactive financial professional? And would you like to contribute to a solid financial policy within a dynamic organisation? We look forward to meeting you! 

Discover here Find out more soon and apply.

Waste and resources policy supervisor

The Supervision and Enforcement team consists of three more colleagues and is part of the Public Affairs department. Together with colleagues from the Communication, Education and Customer Contact Centre teams, you work on changing the culture of waste and providing good service to residents.

As supervisor:

• Check whether rules for offering waste and raw materials are respected.
• Record your findings from checks.
• Contribute to formal settlement.
• Are you partly responsible for the quality of life in the region.
• Maintain contact with external partners, such as police, housing associations and municipalities.

Are you or do you know the flexible, stress-resistant and service-oriented supervisor we are looking for? We would love to meet you! 

Discover here Find out more soon and apply.

Team manager

As Team Manager Public Space Management, Commercial Waste and Underground Containers, you will lead a team of about 21 employees. You are part of the Implementation Department, which consists of about 90 colleagues in total. Together with two fellow team managers, you ensure that everyone can do their work well. Your team is responsible for street cleaning, emptying bins and underground containers and collecting industrial waste on behalf of Waardlanden BV.

As Team Manager:

• You coach the staff of the teams.
• You hold work meetings, short safety sessions (toolboxes) and conduct progress and assessment interviews
• You manage and report on allocated budgets as part of the Planning & Control cycle
•  You will manage the collection of commercial waste and liaise with our cooperation partner on this.
• You will be responsible for collecting underground containers, emptying bins and street cleaning with sweepers.
• You coordinate the work in consultation with the municipalities.

Discover here Find out more soon and apply.

• Intro text: Pupils, artists and local residents turn littering into a party! The waste bins at Ursulinenhof in Vianen are getting a colourful makeover. No more standard grey, but real works of art.

Pupils, artists and local residents make throwing away rubbish a party. A clean Vianen starts with you - and with a rubbish bin that makes you happy. That is why the waste bins at Ursulinenhof in Vianen have been given a colourful makeover. No more standard grey, but real works of art that invite you to dispose of your rubbish neatly. The Pimp je Prullenbak project is an initiative of Waardlanden, the municipality of Vijfheerenlanden and artists' collective Kings of Colors. The pupils of Kindcentrum Werelds are creating eye-catching designs for the wastebaskets in the shopping area.

Creative approach against litter

In 2024, Waardlanden conducted research into litter in the Vijfheerenlanden municipality. This showed that in some places there are not enough clean and well-maintained litter bins. This causes more litter. The Ursulinenhof shopping centre in Vianen could also use a facelift. Instead of simply placing new bins, a different approach was chosen: using art and cooperation with the neighbourhood to raise awareness and change behaviour. Because an eye-catching rubbish bin? You use it faster.

From design to artwork

The pupils of Kindcentrum Werelds enthusiastically drew pictures for the design of new dustbins. Six winning drawings will be turned into colourful, inspiring works of art by graffiti artists Jasper Briks and Jan-Henk van Ieperen of Kings of Colors.

A party to throw away waste

The colourful bins not only brighten up the streets but also contribute to a cleaner environment. The project shows that you can really make an impact with creative cooperation. Together with the children, local residents, artists and the municipality, Waardlanden is working towards a world without litter.

Come and watch the unveiling on Friday 23 May

From Monday 19 May, the artists will start painting the bins.On Friday 23 May at 3pm is the festive unveiling. Pupils, local residents and visitors to the shopping centre will then be able to admire the special works of art - and see their own contribution. You are welcome to come and watch.

• Intro text: Evaluation Strategy Note 2021-2025: results visible, goal not yet achieved. The goal of the waste and resources strategy is to achieve a maximum of 100 kilograms of residual waste per inhabitant by 2025.

Evaluation Strategy Note 2021-2025: results visible, goal not yet achieved. The goal of the waste and resources strategy is to achieve a maximum of 100 kilograms of residual waste per inhabitant by 2025. Measures are aimed at improving raw material collection, regulating residual waste collection and rewarding waste separation. The evaluation shows that the amount of waste per inhabitant has fallen significantly in recent years in the Waardlanden municipalities. Between 2020 and 2024, residents handed in an average 179 kg less waste and raw materials per inhabitant. Residual waste even decreased by more than 40% to an average 133 kilos per inhabitant in 2024.

Inez van Kronenberg of Avalon Advice conducted the mid-term review of the Strategy Note: "After adopting the Strategy Memorandum in 2021, the project organisation and the municipalities enthusiastically set to work on the new policy. Waste collection has undergone a major overhaul in recent years. And residents have noticed that. The changes and all the hard work of the residents resulted in major environmental gains. In 2024, there was much less residual waste and much more waste could be recycled into new products and materials. Worth a compliment!"

Less residual waste, more recycling

In 2021, the four municipal councils set joint ambitions. A key reason for drafting the strategy memorandum was that every year, councils saw the cost of burning residual waste rise. A trend that will continue in the future. From 2026, the government will give waste incinerators an extra incentive to gradually reduce CO2 emissions. The government is doing this partly to implement the principle: the polluter pays. Waardlanden's strategy is to protect residents from rising residual waste processing costs by significantly reducing the amount of residual waste per inhabitant per year. We therefore aim for less residual waste, better separation and more recycling. This is in line with the national VANG (From Waste to Resource) targets, which apply to all municipalities.

Measures show impact

As part of the new policy, several measures were taken, such as the closure of underground containers and the introduction of the environment pass. In the municipalities of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam and Molenlanden, the recycling tariff was also introduced. Residents in these municipalities pay a rate each time they dispose of their residual waste. In the municipality of Vijfheerenlanden, this does not yet apply.

By 2024, residual waste had fallen to 133 kg of residual waste on average per inhabitant. A 40% drop from the 223 kg of residual waste average per inhabitant in 2020, before the introduction of the strategy note. Separation of raw materials also increased across the area, with on average 9 kg more vegetable, fruit, garden and food waste (VGF), 6 kg more plastic packaging, metal packaging and drink containers (pmd) and 1.5 kg more textiles per resident. The investments and structural costs of implementing the strategy memorandum remained within budget until 2024.

Residual waste full of raw materials

Sorting analyses show that 75% of residual waste still consists of raw materials, such as VGF, nappies and PMD. These residual flows can be separated even better. Raw materials are becoming increasingly scarce and can be better reused instead of incinerated at high cost. The quality of separated waste has improved: pmd and biodegradable waste contain less pollution than before. Only for textiles has pollution increased slightly.

In order to achieve the Strategy Memorandum's residual waste target of 100 kg per inhabitant - in addition to implementing outstanding actions - additional policy is needed, such as even more encouragement for the proper separation of raw materials and more awareness about waste prevention through recycling and making other choices such as using, sharing or passing on items for longer.

• Intro text: In Laag Dalem in Gorinchem, Barry van Baalen regularly goes out with his grabber and rubbish bag to keep the neighbourhood clean. Sometimes alone, sometimes with others. Find out Barry's story and golden tip.

In Laag Dalem in Gorinchem lives an enthusiastic litter picker who is committed to a clean neighbourhood. Armed with a grab and a rubbish bag, Barry van Baalen often goes out to pick up litter. He usually stays close to home, sometimes going to other neighbourhoods. 'Where there are people, there is rubbish. But I can do something about it myself,' he says.

Feeling good

It all started with irritation: litter everywhere. On the streets, in nature and even in his own neighbourhood. 'I didn't want to wait for someone else to clean it up, so I started myself. The great thing is that you can do it at any time and it makes you feel good.'

Cleaning with others

Usually Barry picks up litter on his own, but sometimes he joins Clean Gorinchem clean-ups. 'That's a fun way to do something good together and meet new people.' Now he also sometimes helps organise actions and posts for social media.

The craziest find

As he cleaned up, he came across all sorts of things. But the most striking thing was a crisp bag with an expiry date of May 2014. 'So that had been lying in the bushes for nine years. Bizarre how long something like that stays around.'

Comments from others

Some people look weird and shout, '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 litter picking too? 'Take part in a Clean Gorinchem action. Waardlanden helps with materials and makes sure the waste is collected. You meet like-minded people and see immediate results.'

Barry's wish

No more litter at all would be great. But if Barry had to choose one thing, all cigarette butts would disappear from the streets. 'They really are everywhere and contribute considerably to pollution.'

• Intro text: Did you know that the textile industry is one of the most polluting in the world? Making clothes requires a lot of raw materials, water and energy. By reusing textiles or returning them separately, there is no need to make new ones. This is better for the environment and for our future. 

Did you know that the textile industry is one of the most polluting in the world? Making clothes requires a lot of raw materials, water and energy. By reusing textiles or returning them separately, there is no need to make new ones. This is better for the environment and for our future. 

From 20 to 26 April, it is the Week of Second-hand Textiles. In this week, we reflect on the value of clothes and other textiles we no longer use. A pair of trousers that does not fit well, a jumper that is too small, a loose sock, worn sheets. Don't throw it away, give it a second life. There are many ways to do this: pass something on, adjust it, sell it, swap it with others or hand it in at a textile container in your neighbourhood or at the environmental centre. See here Where to find a textile container near you.

Broken or worn clothing is also welcome 

What many people do not know: even worn or broken clothes can just go in the textile container - as long as they are clean and dry. Just like other textiles, such as: 

• bed linen, towels and kitchen towels 
• curtains and pieces of fabric 
• shoes, belts, bags, hats and scarves 
• soft toys and fabric tablecloths 

What you no longer wear can still be of value to someone else. And what is really no longer usable is recycled into new raw materials - such as insulation material or cleaning cloths. 

This way, you help reduce waste and emissions. That makes a real difference. Let's work together for a more sustainable future!  

• Intro text: After 11 April, the separate collection of paper and cardboard in Gorinchem city centre will stop. 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 card.

Together with the municipality of Gorinchem, we are taking an important step towards a more sustainable and cleaner Gorinchem. After 11 April, the separate collection of paper and cardboard in the city centre will stop. Instead, there will be 15 locations with collection containers where you can dispose of your paper and cardboard free of charge without having to use your environmental card.

New locations of paper collection containers

Friday 11 April is the last time paper and cardboard will be collected separately in the city centre. There are already collection containers for paper and cardboard on Boerenstraat, Groenmarkt, Heerenlaantje, Nonnenveld, Struisvogelstraat, Rond de Watertoren and Varkenmarkt. Eight more locations will be added. From then on, all inner city residents will be able to dispose of paper and cardboard free of charge at any of the 15 locations nearby at any time.

Why this change?

Many residents separate their waste and raw materials even better due to the new waste and raw materials policy. As a result, there is less supply of residual waste, also in the city centre. A number of collection containers for residual waste can therefore be used for paper and cardboard. These containers will get a new valve. Using containers is better for the environment. It prevents loose paper and cardboard from getting wet or blowing through the neighbourhood as litter. Dry and clean material 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 centre, so there is always a container within walking distance. The map below shows exactly where the containers will be. The containers are easy to spot and simple to use. You do not need your environmental card to throw your paper and cardboard in the container.

See here where the collection containers for paper and cardboard will be located in Gorinchem city centre.

Return or request paper container

• Do you have a paper container at your property? You can continue to use it as usual. The collection day does change: from now on, we will empty the container during the day on the first Tuesday of every month. The first time will be on Tuesday 6 May. 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 want one? Send a mail to info@waardlanden.nl, then we will deliver it to your home free of charge. The paper container is then emptied during the day every first Tuesday of the month.
• Don't want your paper container anymore?Do you prefer to use the new collection containers in the neighbourhood? Have your container collected free of charge by making an appointment via info@waardlanden.nl.

What is allowed in the paper container?

Only dry and clean newspapers, leaflets, envelopes and cardboard boxes should go in the paper container. Not sure whether something is made of paper or cardboard? If you can tear it, it is paper and may go in the paper container. If you make cardboard smaller, you can put more in the container and it will not clog up the container. Wet and dirty paper belongs in the residual waste, because it cannot be recycled properly.

Note: no more paper and cardboard on the street after 11 April

After 11 April, paper and cardboard may no longer be put loose in the street, even next to a collection container. This prevents litter and extra clean-up costs.

Frequently asked questions and answers

• Intro text: The E-waste Race 2025 was a great success! Ten primary schools from Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Molenlanden and Vijfheerenlanden collected no less than 21,684 appliances together. And the winner is?

The E-waste Race 2025 was a great success! Ten primary schools from Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Molenlanden and Vijfheerenlanden together collected no less than 21,684 appliances. These appliances were passed on, repaired or recycled, so they do not end up in the residual waste unnecessarily. A nice step towards less waste and more recycling.

During the race, students enthusiastically set to work collecting old, broken and unused appliances. They had 3 appliances repaired at a repair café, used Marktplaats to pass on 148 appliances and went door-to-door to inform local residents. Anything with a cord or battery counted: from kettles and cables to keyboards. Appliances that were passed on or repaired earned extra points. Reuse and repair are important. Recycling is the final step in the process towards a cleaner world.

The big winner: CBS De Wegwijzer from Hoogblokland

With 20 marketplace ads, media reports and 3805 appliances collected, CBS De Wegwijzer from Hoogblokland is the winner of the E-waste Race 2025! Their efforts and cooperation earned the most points, winning them an educational and fun outing to the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam. The prize was presented by Arco Bikker, alderman of the municipality of Molenlanden, and environmental coach Ingrid. The Eben-Haëzer School from Leerbroek and CBS Rehoboth from Groot-Ammers also achieved great results. They finished in second and third place. A great achievement.

Thanks to all schools

Together, all participating schools made the E-waste Race 2025 a great success.

The following schools participated: 

In Municipality of Gorinchem CBS Het Kleurenlint and CBS Samen Onderweg. In the municipality of Hardinxveld-Giessendam Ikc Merwede and CBS De Regenboog. In Molenlanden CBS De Wegwijzer (Hoogblokland), CBS Rehoboth (Groot-Ammers) and SmdB De Wegwijzer (Nieuw-Lekkerland). In Vijfheerenlanden CBS De Rank (Meerkerk), CBS Het Kompas (Lexmond) and Eben-Haëzer School (Leerbroek)

Help out and hand in your e-waste

The E-waste Race shows that small actions make a big difference. Even now that the race is over, it is still important to give appliances a second life. Do you have something lying around at home with a cord or battery? See if you can get it repaired, pass it on to someone else, or hand it in at a collection point or the environmental centre. This way, you can help make the world a cleaner place. Together, we will reduce waste and create a clean region.