- 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 kilos of residual waste on average per inhabitant. A 40% drop from the 232 kilos 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 kilos more vegetable, fruit, garden and food waste (VGF), 6 kilos more plastic packaging, metal packaging and drink containers (pmd) and 1.5 kilos 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.
Find out more in the mid-term review strategy paper 2021 - 2025.
- 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.
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.
- Intro text: During the Week of Waste Heroes, many children enthusiastically took part in our competition. They surprised our Waste Heroes with beautiful crafts and drawings. See who won.
The Week of Waste Heroes was all about appreciation and pride. For the men and women who work, often invisibly, every day to keep the environment clean and tidy. In the early morning, on public holidays and in rain and wind - our Waste Heroes always keep going.
That our Waste Heroes deserve appreciation is evident from the many lovely comments, crafts and drawings they received. From all the crafts, the Waste Heroes chose four winners:
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Esther (aged 9) from Hardinxveld-Giessendam
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Sophie (aged 4.5 years) from Vianen
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Roos (aged 7) from Nieuw-Lekkerland
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Chanel (aged 12) from Gorinchem
Congratulations on your prizes! The winners will soon receive not only a nice prize themselves, but also a delicious cream cake for their class. We will contact them personally for the handover.
On behalf of all the Waste Heroes: thank you to all the children who took part in our prize draw. It is great to see how much appreciation there is for the work our Waste Heroes do every day. Together, we ensure a clean and tidy environment.
- Intro text: From 10 March to 2 April 2025, primary school pupils from Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Molenlanden and Vijfheerenlanden will compete to collect as much electronic waste as possible. Help the pupils by offering broken or unused appliances.
From 10 March to 2 April 2025, it is time again for the E-waste Race. Primary school pupils from Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Molenlanden and Vijfheerenlanden will compete to give new life to as much electronic waste as possible. With this special project, pupils discover the importance of repairing, reusing and recycling and what they themselves can do for a cleaner sustainable future. You can help by offering broken or unused appliances. This way, you support the pupils in their fight against electronic waste and help them earn points for a nice prize.
Together against electronic waste
Every year, around 370 million kilos of electronic waste are generated in the Netherlands, which is about 21 kilos per person. Unfortunately, much of this waste ends up unused in cupboards, attics or is even thrown away with the residual waste. This is a missed opportunity, as they contain valuable raw materials that we can reuse. This is why Waardlanden organises the E-waste Race: an exciting competition for pupils from 10 primary schools in the region to save as much e-waste as possible from the dustbin. The aim is to give broken or unused electronic devices a new life. This can be done by passing them on, having them repaired or recycling them.
Learning and doing
The race starts with an inspiring guest lesson in which experts talk about repair, reuse recycling and why it is important to be resource-efficient. After this lesson, pupils will get to work for four weeks: passing on appliances, taking them to repair cafes, collecting e-waste for recycling and helping their school get as many points as possible.
Who will win the race?
The school with the most points will win a fun and educational school trip to the Nemo Science Museum in Amsterdam. The school finishing in second place will also receive a prize: a Correctbook, a handy, erasable and reusable notebook. This year, the following schools are participating:
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)
Last year, participating schools together collected 17,424 appliances. Will students manage to pass on, repair and collect even more appliances for recycling this year?
Also help
Do you still have a broken kettle, an old cable, a keyboard or any other device at home that you no longer use? Join the E-waste Race and give your broken and unused appliances a second life. From 10 March, you can register appliances at www.ewasterace.nl. Anything with a cord or battery counts. Students will come by - depending on their availability - to collect the items from you free of charge. Rather hand in appliances yourself? Take appliances to the recycling centre free of charge using the environmental card or hand in small appliances and cables at one of over 3,000 shops, such as supermarkets and DIY stores. Large electronics shops are obliged to accept small appliances up to 25 centimetres, even if you are not buying anything new. Check wecycle.nl for all return points.
Please note that ink cartridges, loose batteries and loose batteries do not fall under e-waste and cannot be handed in for the race.
Get involved too and help reduce electronic waste. Give away devices you don't use, have old items repaired, or hand them in for recycling. Together, we give devices a second life and save valuable raw materials. This way, we work towards a waste-free and clean region and a sustainable future.
- Intro text: Many discarded items can still be put to good use. At charity shop Opnieuw & Co, discarded items are given a second chance. We took a look behind the scenes and discovered how these Waste Heroes contribute to a more sustainable world. Watch the video.
Many discarded items can still be put to good use. Yet they sometimes end up in the rubbish bin unnecessarily. That is a pity because many items can still be used by someone else. Together with our partners, we are working towards a world where valuable materials are not lost but are reused. A good example of this is thrift shop Opnieuw & Co in Leerdam. We dropped by and got a look behind the scenes.
What happens to items handed in?
Every day all kinds of items arrive at Opnieuw & Co, including furniture, clothes, household appliances, toys, books and more. But before these end up in the shop, everything is checked, cleaned and valued. What cannot be sold immediately is refurbished in the workshop. This way, almost everything gets a second chance and the waste mountain stays smaller.
🎥 Watch the video and find out how Opnieuw & Co contributes to reuse.
Working together for a more sustainable future
Our partners, such as Opnieuw & Co, play an important role in the circular economy. They ensure that things are not just thrown away, but find a place again. They too are Waste Heroes. Through reuse, we save raw materials and reduce waste.
What can you do?
Do you have things at home that you no longer use? Don't throw them away, but take them to a thrift shop or give them away. That way, you will make someone else happy and contribute to a more sustainable world. And are you looking for something unique? Drop into a thrift shop. There you will find special items with a story that deserve a second life.
The environmental street is the final step. Are your discarded items beyond repair or usable? Then bring them to the waste disposal site with your 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 mechanic Jeremy. Wondering how he makes sure collection containers keep working properly? 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 our mechanic Jeremy. He checks and maintains the collection containers in the region, so that they keep working properly and you can dispose of your waste and raw materials without any problems. Curious what his working day looks like? In this video, he gives an insight into his work.
Monitoring and maintenance
As a mechanic in team Equipment, Jeremy checks and maintains the collection containers in the region, ensuring that breakdowns are avoided as much as possible. Nevertheless, it can happen that a container gets stuck or a sensor malfunctions. In such cases, Jeremy takes immediate action.
"When a resident reports a malfunction via our website or Waardlanden app, we are notified. Often we can solve the problem the same day," Jeremy tells.
This is important because a well-functioning container prevents nuisance and keeps the surroundings tidy. Curious what a day of Jeremy's looks like? In the video below, he gives an insight into his work.
You are a Waste Hero not only during Waste Heroes Week, but throughout the year. That is why we will continue to put employees in the spotlight in the coming period. Because behind every clean street and well-functioning collection container are professionals like Jeremy. Want to know more about their work and commitment? Keep following us and discover their stories.
