• Intro text: We are looking for a driven, stress-resistant and service-oriented supervisor. Interested?

Supervision & Enforcement is part of the new waste and raw materials policy of the municipalities of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Molenland and Vijfheerenlanden. This policy was adopted in 2021. The goal is less waste, more reuse and recycling and manageable waste costs. To achieve this goal, waste must be better separated. Periodic checks and the use of enforcement on correct separation behaviour are part of the new policy. To properly implement the changes in waste collection, supervisors are important.

Together with colleagues from different departments, you work to change the culture of waste and contribute to the quality of life in our working area. You check that everyone complies with the rules for the presentation of waste and raw materials. Are you an assertive and social personality? Are you service-oriented and do you want to contribute to a clean environment? And do you have experience as a supervisor (preferably with administrative enforcement)? Then take a quick look at our vacancy:

Find out more about the vacancy Supervisor Waste and Raw Materials Policy at Waardlanden here.

Information

Want to know more about the position and work? Then contact Malou van de Wardt, Supervision & Enforcement coordinator, by e-mail malouvandewardt@waardlanden.nl or phone 0183 732 294.

Apply

Please send your application to Inge Harder, HR adviser at Waardlanden. Send your letter and CV to hrm@waardlanden.nl.

• Intro text: Handle the environmental card carefully and do not give others a chance to misuse it. A person who misuses the environmental card is liable to punishment. Have you lost your pass or suspect fraud? Then report it and apply for a new pass. We will block your old pass immediately.

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.

• Intro text: A chance encounter led to the formation of The Lekprikkers. One of the initiators of this enthusiastic group of litter pickers is Rob de Wit from Ameide.

It was a chance encounter that led to the formation of De Lekprikkers. One of the initiators of this enthusiastic group of litter pickers is Rob de Wit from Ameide. After his retirement, Rob decided to volunteer. 'During my long walks in the outskirts of Ameide, I noticed how much litter there was everywhere, especially a lot of plastic. It annoyed me. Not only did it give a messy look, but it is also harmful to nature.' During a walk, Rob met someone who was busy cleaning up litter. What followed was an inspiring conversation in which they shared the same ideas. This meeting led to the formation of De Lekprikkers, a group dedicated to a beautiful and clean area near Ameide and Tienhoven on the Lek.

Cosy and fun volunteering

'We did not want to make volunteering too formal, but rather keep it cosy and fun,' says Rob. 'We asked well-known walking enthusiasts if they wanted to bring a grabber. We also placed an interview in the local newspaper, to which many responses came in.'
As the number of volunteers grew, organisation became important. 'We decided that each volunteer would be responsible for a fixed area. That way, we could make our living environment free of litter. Over time, the number of club members grew, and we were able to expand our area of operation.'
'During the national clean-up days, we involve both primary schools in our action. We work well with the municipality and especially with Waardlanden for practical support to, for example, place bins and provide supplies such as grabbers, bin bags and vests.'

Noticeable result

'There are now more than 40 active volunteers in the area near Ameide and Tienhoven on the Lek,' says Rob. 'Some go out alone, others in groups. Everyone chooses their own time of day. If it rains, they just postpone the clean-up action for a while. As long as the work gets done in the end. Once every 3 or 4 weeks is enough.'

The results of the efforts are noticeable, with litter pickers sometimes finding little litter during their clean-up rounds. 'Still, cigarette butts remain a problem. These are harmful to the environment because the pollutants take a long time to break down. However, the number of plastic bottles has decreased. This is probably due to the deposit system,' Rob thinks.
Although The Lekprikkers have achieved a lot, Rob is concerned about pollution along the riverbank, which is mainly caused by ships and tourists. There are also successes: One pricker found many wrappers that are very harmful to the environment. He contacted the producer. Now wrappers are used that are much less harmful to the environment.

Together responsible for nature

'It is not only the government's turn to reduce environmental pollution. This also requires our own efforts. It gives me satisfaction to contribute to this. And this feeling is shared by all Lekkerprikkers. We all feel responsibility for nature. Together we can make our world a little cleaner and more beautiful.'

• Intro text: Residents could hand in their Christmas trees between 27 December and 13 January at collection locations, the environmental street or the Kringloopplein in Nieuw-Lekkerland. For each undecorated tree, they received 50 cents. A total of 7134 trees were given a second life.

Between 27 December and 13 January, residents could hand in real Christmas trees, with and without root ball, at collection locations in their neighbourhood, at the environmental street or at Kringloopplein in Nieuw-Lekkerland. At these locations, each undecorated real Christmas tree yielded a 50-cent reward again this year. The reward particularly appeals to our youngest residents. During the Christmas holidays, they could earn a nice penny by collecting as many Christmas trees as possible.

Collection results

Walking, behind bikes and sometimes with the help of parents or carers, the trees were handed in en masse at the various collection sites. And with success. This year, a total of 7134 Christmas trees were handed in. The collection locations in the neighbourhood were especially busy. No fewer than 6026 Christmas trees were handed in there, which is 84.5% of all trees collected. The remaining 1108 Christmas trees (15.5%) were brought to the environmental centres. Last year, 7177 trees were handed in during the collection campaign. This represents a slight decrease of -0.6% compared to the number of trees handed in last year. Although the total number is slightly lower, we can still speak of a successful collection campaign.

Recycling

The collected Christmas trees are not burned but shredded immediately. By doing so, we reduce the emission of harmful substances into the air that are released during combustion. This is not only bad for the environment, but can also cause health problems in people. After shredding, the raw materials are recycled into compost or green gas. Christmas tree chippings are also used as soil improvers and ground cover. So your discarded Christmas tree is not waste, but a valuable raw material.

We thank everyone who helped with the annual Christmas tree collection. Together, this is how we keep our beautiful neighbourhood clean and tidy and contribute to a more sustainable future.

• Intro text: In early January, we helped housing corporation Poort 6 with a clean-up day around Kremlin 1 in Gorinchem. Together with the municipality, Avres and volunteers from Schoon Gorinchem, we cleaned up over ten rubbish bags of litter in an hour and a half. It was a successful first clean-up day!

In early January, we helped housing corporation Poort 6 with their clean-up day around Kremlin 1 in Gorinchem. Together with employees of the Gorinchem municipality, Avres, volunteers from Schoon Gorinchem and some of our colleagues, we cleaned up over ten rubbish bags of litter in an hour and a half.

Much litter was from fireworks leftovers. Passers-by gave a thumbs-up for cleaning up these leftovers in the neighbourhood. We also had good conversations with local residents about the changes concerning waste collection, keeping one's own neighbourhood clean, deposits on cans and disposable nappies at the environmental centres. In short, a successful first clean-up day of the year. 

• Intro text: We were deeply moved by the many heartwarming reactions following the death of our dear colleague Wout Keinemans. On behalf of all colleagues, thank you for your sympathy and understanding.

Deeply saddened, we again have to say goodbye to a very dear colleague, Wout Keinemans, at the age of just 60. It is surreal and sad to have to say goodbye for the second time within a short time to a colleague who was a valuable part of our team.

Wout marked 40 years of service this year. In recent years, he worked as an all-round public space management employee at the sweeper, in weed control and was the point of contact for field service colleagues. In addition, he was a regular face in the anti-icing team. For Wout, the most enjoyable part of his job was the interaction with people and the freedom the work entailed, he revealed as recently as this year during Waste Heroes Week.                         

Wout was a committed and valued colleague with a heart for the organisation and his colleagues. We keep Wout in our memories and are grateful for the time we were able to share with him.

We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends. We sympathise intensely with them and wish them much strength and fortitude in this sad and difficult time.

Thanks

We were deeply moved by the many heartwarming reactions following the death of our dear colleague Wout Keinemans. On behalf of all colleagues, thank you for your sympathy and understanding.

• Intro text: In the municipalities of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Molenlanden and Vijfheerenlanden, many people pick up litter. We are proud and grateful for all the work these litter pickers do in the region. That is why we put some zappers in the spotlight in a special video.

In the municipalities of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Molenlanden and Vijfheerenlanden, many people pick up litter. Some pick up alone and others in groups, such as The Lekprikkers.

Everyone has their own reason for picking up litter. But what litter pickers have in common is concern for nature, the earth and the future of children and grandchildren. Because it is becoming increasingly clear how harmful litter is. We are proud and grateful for all the work that all these litter pickers carry out in the region.

That is why we put some zappers in the spotlight in a special video. Meet Alex, who was shocked by the amount of litter during his diving adventures in Curaçao. And meet Nel who collects litter together with Sustainable Ameide on land, but also along and on the water. And Huig who was challenged in yet another way. Inspiring stories that also motivate others to continue collecting litter or to get involved.

• Intro text: From 8 January 2024, Jürgen Rau is interim director of Waardlanden. He thus takes over from Hans van den Brule, who has stepped down after four years.

From 8 January 2024, Jürgen Rau is interim director of Waardlanden. He thus takes over from Hans van den Brule, who has stepped down after four years.

Over the past four years, the municipalities together with Waardlanden have taken major steps to improve and make the waste and raw materials policy more sustainable. This carefully drafted and prepared policy is being introduced in phases, with the final step being the introduction of the recycling tariff from 1 January 2024 in the municipalities of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam and Molenlanden. This marks a new phase focusing on key financial and operational processes. The board also emphasises the need for proper monitoring of the (financial) effects of the policy and assurance of successes achieved.

With his broad experience and expertise within government, Jürgen Rau will make a valuable contribution to strengthen and further professionalise our organisation in the coming year. Over the past 20 years, he has worked in various roles for, among others, the municipalities of Breda, Dordrecht, Goes, Gorinchem and Sliedrecht. Before that, he spent more than eight years in various officer positions in the Royal Netherlands Army. Since 2023, he has been director/owner of notblue, a company in interim management, coaching and consultancy.

Chairman Arjan Meerkerk: 'Full of confidence, the board looks forward to working with Jürgen Rau as our interim director. In addition to his extensive experience in management and finance at municipalities, he understands the power of good cooperation and is able to bridge the gap between strategic decision-making and operational implementation. Also on behalf of the other board members of Waardlanden, I wish Jürgen every success in his new challenge.'

• Intro text: We were deeply moved by the many heartwarming reactions following the death of our dear colleague Cor de Keijzer. On behalf of all colleagues, thank you for your sympathy and understanding.

We are deeply touched by the sudden death of our dear colleague, Cor de Keijzer, at the age of 62. Cor worked for our organisation for almost 33 years. We got to know Cor as a committed and valued colleague with a heart for the organisation and his colleagues. We keep Cor in our memories and are grateful for the time we were able to share with him.

We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends. We sympathise intensely with them and wish them much strength and fortitude in this sad and difficult time.

Thanks

We were deeply moved by the many heartwarming reactions following the death of our dear colleague Cor de Keijzer. On behalf of all colleagues, thank you for your sympathy and understanding.

• Intro text: From 1 December 2023, you are welcome at all our waste disposal points with the environment pass. Do you live in the countryside or on the outskirts of your municipality? Then keep an eye on your letterbox this week. We will send you the environmental pass this week.

From 1 December 2023, you are welcome at our waste disposal points with an environmental pass. In 2024, as a resident of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam or Molenlanden, you can bring bulky garden waste, rubble, clean wood, impregnated wood, gypsum/cellular concrete, bitumen (roofing membrane) and bulky household waste 3 times a year free of charge to one of our waste recycling points. On the 4th visit, you will have to pay for this. You can continue to bring all other waste and raw materials free of charge. Do you live in Vijfheerenlanden an have you also need the environmental pass for access, but you do not have to pay separately for any type of waste or raw material. Vijfheerenlanden municipality will decide on the introduction of tariffs later.

Conscious handling of waste and raw materials 

Most waste and raw materials can still be reused very well. Items that are still good can be given away, sold or taken to the circle bring. If it is broken, you can have it repaired at a workshop or repair café. You can also hand in your old or broken appliance or have it taken away by the supplier of your new appliance. 

You ensure less bulky waste by taking apart items, which consist of several materials, at home and handing them in separately at the recycling centre. For example, a broken hard plastic chair with metal legs. You can hand in many materials free of charge as long as you separate them at the waste disposal site. Always take your environmental pass with you. Because without an environmental pass, you will no longer be able to visit our waste disposal centres after 1 December 2023.  

Environmental pass for residents outside area too 

Because residents will no longer be able to visit our environmental centres without an environmental pass after 1 December 2023, we will also send 20 November 2023 an environmental pass to residents of the outlying area and on the outskirts of the municipalities of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Molenlanden and Vijfheerenlanden. 

The polluter pays 

Bulky waste is household waste that is too big or heavy for the residual waste container. Such as a broken chair and discarded table. Often, bulky waste is incinerated at high cost. As a result, many reusable raw materials are still lost. This is not only very expensive, but also bad for the environment. 

You can take bulky waste away yourself to the waste disposal site or have it collected from your home. From 1 January 2024, a tariff will apply for this. The municipalities of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam and Molenlanden are introducing these tariffs to keep the costs of waste disposal manageable and more fairly distributed. It ensures that the 'polluter pays'. So you only pay for your own bulky waste.  

With a tariff on bulky waste, the municipalities also want to encourage residents to take apart their bulky waste at home and hand it in separately at the waste disposal site. This way, raw materials can be reused. Better for the environment and your wallet.

More information can be found at waardlanden.nl/grofvuil 

Residents former municipality of Lingewaal

Residents of Asperen, Herwijnen, Heukelum, Spijk and Vuren will this week receive more information from Avri on how to use their Avri pass to visit Waardlanden's environmental street.