• Intro text: Find out in our blog how you can contribute to effective waste separation and why you should, or should not, separate waste at home! Learn more about the benefits of source and post-separation and how these methods help us towards a more sustainable future. Together, we can make our region even cleaner. 

490 kilos of waste. That's what we throw away. Per person, per year. That's eight billion kilos of waste, per year, in the Netherlands. All this waste has to be processed, because as soon as we throw something in the bin, it has not disappeared. To process all this waste, different systems have been devised, including pre-separation and post-separation. There is often a lack of clarity about what these terms mean and why one is used in one place and another in another. We explain the answer to this to you here.  

What is source separation? 

By source separation, we mean that you as a resident separate your waste yourself at home. In this way, many more types of waste are separated than with subsequent separation by machine. The raw materials you separate at home can be very well recycled. Besides source separation, the terms home separation and pre-separation are also used. 

What is post-separation? 

In post-separation, a machine at a plant separates residual waste. This preserves valuable materials that we would otherwise have to incinerate. The machine can by no means separate all types of waste. Especially plastic packaging, metal packaging and drink cartons (pmd) can be separated from residual waste with post-separation. Separating organic waste, paper, cardboard, packaging glass and textiles afterwards is technically not (yet) possible.

Which is better: separation at source or post-separation with a machine?

Which method is best depends on circumstances and location. Some municipalities choose source separation, others prefer post-separation, and still others opt for a combination of source and post-separation.
Post-separation with a machine always complements source separation. In low-rise houses, source separation produces the best quality raw materials. It is also the cheapest way to separate waste. In flats and flats, it is less easy to separate waste at home. There, post-separation with a machine is a better choice to still be able to recycle valuable raw materials such as plastic packaging, metal packaging and drink cartons.

Why do municipalities choose a different way of collecting residual waste and pmd from flats, flats and upper dwellings?

Home separation with containers is very successful at low-rise buildings in our region. It produces the best quality raw materials. It is also the cheapest way to separate waste. For high-rise buildings, collection in collection containers for PMD is a lot more difficult. This is also a national picture. 

By opting for post-separation of PMD from residual waste in high-rise buildings, we need to incinerate less residual waste expensively. And so we can recycle more. That is why post-separation of PMD is the best choice for high-rise buildings.

Less residual waste through better separation 

Some people think that all the waste ends up back in one pile anyway. This is not true. This is because our collection trucks collect the same type of raw material each time. However, it is important that the waste is properly separated. VGF (vegetable, fruit and garden waste and food leftovers), for example, should be separated from other types of waste as much as possible. VGF waste is generally wet and dirty, sticking to other waste. As a result, residual waste cannot be sorted as well during the post-separation process and plastic is burned unnecessarily. Separating VGF waste properly at the source creates a drier residual waste flow, giving us better results in post-separation. VGF waste is also not waste, but fully raw material for compost or biogas, among other things! So it is a shame to throw it away with residual waste!  

Therefore, if different types of waste are mixed together, it cannot be recycled properly and unfortunately still has to go with the residual waste and is incinerated. This is unfortunate because raw materials are lost that way.

Tips to make waste separation easier

1. Use separate bins for different types of waste, such as paper, gft, pmd and residual waste. 

2. Pay close attention to which waste belongs in which container. Not sure which container a product or material belongs in? The separation guide helps!  

3. Empty your packaging before throwing it away. This applies to pmd, for example, where it is important that the containers are empty to recycle them properly. 

4. If you are supposed to separate pmd, you should put plastic packaging with the pmd and not with the residual waste. This also applies to drinks cartons and metal packaging. 

5. Make sure your waste is properly separated before you throw it away. This way, we can make good use of raw materials and reduce the burden on the environment. 

Separating waste: important for the environment and your wallet 

It is therefore important to separate waste properly. There are two ways to separate waste: source separation and post-separation. In source separation, you already separate different types of waste at home, while in post-separation it is done in a factory. Both ways have advantages: post-separation serves convenience, but with source separation, raw materials are of better quality so they can be better recycled. The important thing is that we are all aware of the importance of waste separation and do our best to do it properly. In this way, together we can contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable world. 

Why is waste being imported from Italy?  

Italy has insufficient capacity to process residual waste. After a major fire at Rome's largest waste treatment plant in 2022, the new plant is not expected to be operational until 2026. Until then, the residual waste has to go somewhere. The Netherlands has a large incineration capacity because of its high rate of separate collection and recycling (60%) of waste. This leaves less residual waste to be incinerated. 

If Italy cannot incinerate the residual waste, it has to be landfilled, which is the most harmful to the environment. Landfills create methane, a greenhouse gas 28 times stronger than CO2. 

It is therefore very important to separate and recycle waste and raw materials properly. By reducing residual waste and reusing and recycling more, we need to use fewer natural resources. What is burned once cannot be reused. If residual waste remains after separation, it must be incinerated. The cost of this will rise in the coming years, due to processing costs and taxes, for instance. Less residual waste is therefore good for both the environment and your wallet.

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! 

• Intro text: By recycling waste, you contribute to a clean environment for current and future generations. Separating waste can be tricky, so in this blog we give tips and explanations on how to easily determine which bin a product belongs in.

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! 

• Intro text: Find out how to separate waste even better! Learn useful tips and tricks to make a difference in our region. From smart recycling suggestions to creative reuse ideas. Read it now in our blog and let's build a cleaner and more sustainable environment for all of us together!

Since the industrial revolution in 1750, humans became increasingly distant from nature. The production of goods grew immensely, as did the economy. But where more is produced, more waste is also created. A waste stream of paper, plastic, Styrofoam, food scraps, electronics, iron and so on.  This is not only around people, but also around animals and plants. By separating our waste better, together we contribute to a better environment and a cleaner living environment. We explain why waste separation is so important and what you can do about it yourself at home. 

Why separate waste? 

Waste is a big problem. We are all producing more and more waste and this has a negative impact on the environment. It takes a lot of energy and raw materials to process waste. While others can still put your (old) stuff to good use. Or perhaps there are reusable materials among them that can be recycled. By separating waste and recycling old items, you will find that you have much less residual waste at home. This saves raw materials and energy. So less residual waste is good for the environment and for our wallets.  

Separating our waste incorrectly also causes additional air pollution. Burning waste also releases a lot of CO2. This is bad for the environment and the climate. Animals also suffer because of waste in nature. They eat it and get sick. Or they get caught in it. By separating our waste properly, we can reduce these negative consequences. 

Separating waste and raw materials: a breeze! 

Anyway, we all know that separating waste is not usually anyone's favourite chore. So make it easy on yourself with the following tips: 

1. For example, put a separate bin for food waste and cardboard next to your bin. Don't have room for multiple bins in your home? You are not the only one. There are now many space-saving solutions on the market. For example, a duo waste bin called Vriflex. 
2. Make sure your waste bins are in the right places. For example, put a paper bin next to your desk. 
3. Make it visible. For example, put stickers on the bins showing what belongs in them. 

Important for the environment 

Separating waste is important for the environment and the future of our planet. By separating waste better, we can reuse raw materials and reduce the negative impact of waste on the environment. The tips above will make separating waste easier. Involve the whole family and make it a challenge. Together, we can contribute to a better world. Good luck with waste separation! 

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! 

• Intro text: After an intensive period of street monitoring, informing and warning, from 12 June our supervisors will proceed to apply urgent administrative coercion if residents' offering behaviour does not improve.

When collecting waste, our staff regularly come across serious pollution. Such as by-placements of waste at collection containers and dumped waste in public areas. Since the introduction of the environmental card, there are even more byplacements in certain areas. To ensure clean and safe public spaces, we address residents. If disposal behaviour does not eventually improve, our supervisors will proceed to apply urgent administrative coercion.

Our Supervision & Enforcement team has received many reports of waste dumping since the closure of the collection containers in Gorinchem and Hardinxveld-Giessendam. It is important to clear these up as soon as possible. After all, waste dumping is bad for a neighbourhood's safety and public health. And it also looks very dirty.

Visible in the neighbourhoods

Over the past few weeks, our environmental coaches and supervisors had many conversations with residents about the delivery rules and the new waste policy. They were also able to help residents who had problems with their environmental card. And they spoke to entrepreneurs, because commercial waste does not belong in our collection containers.

Supervisors move to urgent administrative order

After an intensive period of monitoring the streets, informing and alerting, our supervisors will start from 12 June proceed to apply urgent administrative coercion if residents' offering behaviour does not improve. The cost of this is set at €206.50 per violation. Enforcement on waste and raw materials collection is not done lightly. There is always a reason for it. For each situation, our supervisors assess what form of enforcement is needed. This can be done by providing information, issuing warnings and resorting to emergency administrative enforcement.

What is urgent administrative order?

We apply urgent administrative enforcement. We charge for the cost of removing the waste and thus eliminating the unsafe and unhealthy situation. The advantage is that the environment is left clean, as pollution is cleaned up immediately. If there are witnesses to the placing of the waste, our supervisors will talk to them. In that case, the supervisors conduct neighbourhood investigations.

When do supervisors proceed with urgent administrative enforcement?

Supervision focuses mainly on adding waste to the collection containers or dumping waste in public areas. Repeated littering of containers can also lead to urgent administrative enforcement.

Use the separation guide

Do you ever doubt which bin a product or material belongs in? The separation guide and the Waardlanden app help with this. This way, you always have all information on waste and raw materials at hand.

Do you have a question about Supervision and Enforcement?

> Find answers to frequently asked questions on supervision and enforcement here

• Intro text: Today marks the launch of the tidy up campaign launched. This campaign alerts residents to the need to reduce residual waste. And encourages you to separate your own waste and important raw materials even better at home. Because less residual waste is important for the environment and your wallet.

Today marks the launch of the 'Nice and tidy' campaign launched. This campaign alerts residents to the need to reduce residual waste. And encourages you to separate your own waste and important raw materials even better at home. Because less residual waste is important for the environment and your wallet. The campaign contributes to the goal of significantly reducing the amount of residual waste per inhabitant, to no more than 100 kilograms in 2025. This is a reduction of 132 kilograms per person per year compared to 2020. To achieve this, we work together with the municipalities of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Molenlanden and Vijfheerenlanden.

Introduction of recycling tariff in 2024

To reduce the amount of residual waste, the municipalities of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam and Molenlanden will introduce the recycling tariff from 1 January 2024. These municipalities will then calculate waste charges in a new way. You will have an influence on the amount of part of the waste disposal charges. A part is fixed and a part is variable. This varying part is called the recycling rate. Do you separate raw materials well and have little residual waste? Then the costs are lower than if you have a lot of residual waste. You pay the recycling rate for each time you present residual waste. The new way of calculating waste charges will not apply to Vijfheerenlanden residents in 2024. The municipalities take into account residents with a lot of medical waste, litter pickers and households with insufficient income.

Less waste and proper separation means less residual waste

The 'Lekker Opgeruimd' campaign should help residents separate their own waste even better to reduce residual waste. Waardlanden director Hans van den Brule said: 'The campaign shows that everyone can also do something good at home. Reducing residual waste is necessary to prevent further depletion of raw materials. Because by separating waste even better, we can recycle more raw materials. This is important for the environment and in this way we all help to create a clean and waste-free environment for ourselves and future generations.'

Nice and tidy!

Part of the campaign is the 'Waste Separation Quiz'. With this online quiz, residents test their knowledge about separating and reducing waste. We also publish blogs and videos with more content on sustainability and practical tips on how to separate waste even better. Would you like to stay up to date and receive useful tips? Then sign up for our e-mail newsletter and follow us on social media. The campaign will be visible offline as well as online. Such as expressions on the streets and on the municipal pages in door-to-door newspapers. And our environmental coaches will be out daily to help and advise on the streets, at meetings and events.

Tips and information

More tips, information and the answers to frequently asked questions about waste separation and the changes around waste collection can be found at waardlanden.nl/lekkeropgeruimd.

• Intro text: Are you already among the large group of people who separate their waste properly? In that case, thanks for that! We can take another great step: towards less waste. There are many good and fun ways, which often also save you money.

Are you already among the large group of people who separate their waste well. In that case, thank you for that! And we can take another great step: towards less waste. There are many good and fun ways, which often also save you money. For example, buying and cooking food smarter, so you use everything. Repairing things is fortunately becoming more normal again. And buying and selling used items is a trend.

You too can save waste

Milieucentraal's Waste Reducer gives you an insight into how to save waste. Complete the questions and indicate what you already know and do about reducing waste. At the end of the test, you will receive personalised tips on how to reduce waste and save money.

You can complete the questions completely anonymously within a few minutes. Between the answer options of the multiple-choice questions, there are all kinds of useful initiatives. So the test immediately gives you good ideas for reducing your own waste. At the end of the test, you will get even more useful tips.

> Launch the Waste Miner for your tailored advice

Questions and tips

We hope you discover many new, fun and valuable ideas. Do you have any questions or a tip of your own to share? Mail our environmental coaches Ingrid and Nelleke, they will be happy to help you.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay informed about the latest developments and receive useful tips on how to separate less waste and even better? Sign up to receive the monthly digital 'Lekker opgeruimd' newsletter.

Yes, I want to receive the newsletter

• Intro text: Download our handy app. This way, you always have all waste information to hand. And you know exactly when your container is due at the road and where what type of waste is allowed.

Very handy! Install our app on your smartphone. This way, you always have all waste information to hand. The app contains your personal waste calendar. You can also set it to notify you when you need to take one of your containers to the road. Then you will never forget this.

All useful functions at a glance

• Your personal waste calendar
• Report such as a full collection container or an illegal dump
• Container location search
• Separate more easily with the handy waste separation guide
• Receiving important messages

Download the Waardlanden app for Android or iOS

• Intro text: Scouring pads: handy, right? But did you know they are harmful to the environment? Discover sustainable alternatives that work just as well and are better for nature.

You probably know them: scouring pads made of plastic foam. They are in almost every kitchen and are very handy. But did you know that these sponges are bad for the environment? Fortunately, there are sustainable alternatives that work just as well and are better for nature.

Scouring pads made of plastic foam are usually made of polyurethane. This material does not break down in nature. During cleaning, small pieces of plastic wear off all the time. These pieces, also called microplastics, wash away with the water. Via wastewater, they enter rivers, oceans and eventually the food chain.
Sponges do not last long. They wear out quickly and you have to replace them often. This creates a lot of waste. So choose a sustainable alternative.

1. Luffa sponges

Use a luffa sponge. This sponge is made of plant fibres. Luffa sponges are 100% natural and compostable. They contain no chemicals and are sturdy and perfect for scrubbing away caked-on residue. In addition, they are soft enough for delicate surfaces such as glass, pans and tiles. And they last longer than plastic scouring pads. A perfect alternative to plastic foam scouring pads.

2. Coconut fibre sponges

Try a coconut fibre sponge, made from the fibres of coconuts. They are biodegradable and very strong:  ideal for heavily soiled surfaces, such as caked-on pans.

3. Wooden washing-up brushes

Choose a wooden dishwashing brush with natural bristles, without microplastics. Super durable because when the brush head wears out, you can replace it. The handle will last for years.

Make a difference

By switching to a sustainable alternative to scouring pads, you help reduce the amount of microplastics in the environment. And make cleaning a little greener. It's a small change in your daily habit, but one that makes a big difference to the planet. In this way, we are moving together towards a clean environment and waste-free future.

For more tips, visit waardlanden.nl/tips

• Intro text: After an enjoyable New Year's Eve, a lot of fireworks rubbish is often left behind. Not only is this a dirty sight, but fireworks litter is also dangerous for people, animals and the environment. Fortunately, you can do something about it. Find out how to safely and quickly clear away fireworks debris and make your street tidy again.

After an enjoyable New Year's Eve, a lot of fireworks rubbish is often left behind. Not only is this a dirty sight, but fireworks litter is also dangerous for people, animals and the environment. Fortunately, you can do something about it. Find out how to safely and quickly clear away fireworks debris and make your street tidy again.

Why clean up fireworks waste?

• Dangerous:There may be duds among the remains that still go off. This is dangerous for children and pets.
• Bad for the environment: Fireworks contain harmful substances such as plastics and metals. These pollute soil and water.

What can you do?

• Watch out for duds:That's fireworks that haven't gone off. That can still be dangerous, so never let children clean up on their own. Make sure an adult is there. Never let children clean up alone.
• Wet firework debris:Fireworks leftovers can smoulder or glow for a long time. Therefore, wet everything a little before putting it in a rubbish bag. This will prevent fires. Afterwards, you may dispose of this waste with the residual waste.
• Protect pets:Animals can get sick if they get firework debris in their mouths. Make sure they can't reach it.
• Clean your pavement:Do you have stains on your tiles? A soak with warm water and a little natural soap will work wonders. Do not use harsh detergents as they can damage your tiles.

Together clean 2025

These simple steps will help you ensure a safe and clean neighbourhood. Take responsibility and clean up your fireworks waste immediately on 1 January. That way you will start the new year clean and tidy. We wish you a happy New Year and a litter-free 2025!

• Intro text: What do you do with the oil after baking oliebollen? Avoid blockages and choose a sustainable solution: Turn it in!

New Year's Eve is not complete without a big bowl of oliebollen. But where do you leave that pan full of oil after baking? It is important never to throw used oil down the sink, toilet or waste bin. This causes blockages in pipes and is bad for the environment. Fortunately, there is a simple and sustainable solution: turn it in.

Keep the bottle and pour back the oil

As soon as you pour the oil into the pan, set the empty bottle aside. Let the oil cool down well after frying and pour it back into the bottle. This way you can keep your kitchen, shed or garage clean and transport the oil easily. Is the bottle full? Then deliver it to the waste disposal centres or the Kringloopplein with your environmental pass. Or at a collection point nearby. You can find the nearest locations at frying fatrecyclehet.co.uk.

Also collect other oils separately

Oil from jars containing sun-dried tomatoes or feta, for example, also does not belong in the sink, toilet or waste bin. Collect such leftover oil in a separate plastic bottle without a deposit and hand it in when the bottle is full.

Why submit?

Used oil and grease can be well recycled, for example into biofuel or biodiesel. This way, you help reduce waste and contribute to a cleaner environment.

So: enjoy your baking, but return your oil and fats separately and start the new year tidy and sustainable!

For more tips, visit waardlanden.nl/tips