- 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:
- 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.
- Make sure your waste bins are in the right places. For example, put a paper bin next to your desk.
- 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!
To encourage and facilitate the separation of fruit, vegetable, garden and food waste, residents of high-rise buildings can now apply for a free VGF kitchen bin. The VGF kitchen bin is a handy tool for collecting VGF waste in your kitchen. Afterwards, simply take it away to the gft container. That way it won't stink up your home.
Do not use (bio)plastic bags
Do not put VGF waste in plastic bags, because then they cannot be made into compost. Also, bags made of bioplastic do not belong in the GFT container, as they take too long to break down and compost. Bioplastic is plastic made from vegetable waste instead of petroleum or gas. Only special, compostable VGF waste bags with the Kiemplant logo or OK-Compost logo and paper bags are allowed in the VGF waste, as they are a convenient tool for separating VGF waste. Want to know more? Then go to the website of Milieu Centraal.
Apply for free GFT kitchen bucket
Do you live in high-rise buildings? Then you can use this form to order a free VGF kitchen bucket until X. You will then immediately receive a roll with 20 biodegradable bags for the bucket.
Note:
- You can only order a gft kitchen bin if you live in a high-rise building in the municipalities of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Molenlanden or Vijfheerenlanden
- One free kitchen bucket can be requested per address
- 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.
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- 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 mobile phone. This way, you always have all waste information to hand. In settings, set to receive push notifications. Then you will receive important messages about breakdowns, changes or maintenance and you will always be well informed. You can also set a waste reminder so you are notified when a container is ready for disposal. So you never miss a collection time again.
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: A crackling fire provides warmth and cosiness in your home. But what do you do with the ashes that remain?
A crackling fire provides warmth and cosiness in your home. But what do you do with the leftover ashes? Many people think that cooled ash can be disposed of with the organic waste because it comes from wood, but that is not true. Ash contains residues of metals and salts that interfere with composting. With a few simple steps, you clean up safely and keep your home and neighbourhood clean.
Ash belongs with residual waste
Ash does not belong with the VGF waste, because ash contains residues of metals and salts. They can damage machinery and prevent the waste from being processed properly. So always throw ash with your residual waste.
Let ashes cool well
After firing, the ashes often soon appear cold, but there may still be glowing particles inside. These can even after more than 24 hours still cause fire. Therefore, always leave the ashes cool for at least a day, preferably in a metal bucket with a lid. Put the bucket on a non-combustible surface, such as stone or concrete, and never in the shed or container.
Use a sealed bag
Has the ash cooled down completely? Then put it in a sturdy, well-sealed plastic bag before throwing it in the residual waste container. This prevents dust from blowing up or heat from being released. Do not use paper bag: which can tear through or ignite If there is still a glowing piece in between. Disposing of ash safely prevents fire hazards and keeps resources clean. Small steps make a big difference. This is how we go through the seasons together, step by step.
- Intro text: Black Friday is the time to buy new products. But what do you do with all the packaging material and cardboard? Instead of throwing it away, you can reuse it in a smart and sustainable way. This way, you help the environment as well as giving the material a second life.
Black Friday is the time for many people to buy new products cheaply. Did you buy something new because you couldn't borrow it or find it second-hand? Then chances are that it came with a lot of packaging and cardboard. Instead of throwing it away, you can reuse it smartly and sustainably. This way, you help the environment as well as giving packaging a second life. After Black Friday, use these tips to deal with your packaging in an easy and responsible way.
1. Re-use it for your own shipments
Need to send something yourself, such as a gift or a return shipment? Many packaging materials, such as air cushions, bubble wrap and cardboard, can be reused. This will not only save you money, but also reduce waste.
2. What belongs where? Recycle it properly
What belongs where? Many packaging materials such as paper, cardboard, bubble wrap and polystyrene can be recycled. Therefore, make sure you dispose of the materials separately and in the right bin.
Paper
If you can tear paper then it can go with the paper. Can't? Then it should go with the residual waste.
Cardboard boxes
Cardboard boxes belong in the waste paper. Make them flat and small, then more will fit in the container.
Styrofoam
Put small pieces of Styrofoam in the residual waste. Do you have larger pieces? Then take them to the waste disposal site with your environmental pass.
Air-cushion bags and bubble wrap
Air cushions and bubble wrap are allowed with your plastic packaging, metal packaging and beverage containers (pmd*).
3. Turn it into something new
Give packaging materials a second life. Bubble wrap, for example, is perfect for craft projects with children or to keep fragile items safe. Use cardboard to make storage boxes or creative decorations. Please note that as soon as craft materials are painted, glued or combined with other materials, they cannot be recycled. Even if you segregate waste carefully, painted or glued craft materials should go with the residual waste. So try techniques that require little or no glue, such as folding or attaching with string. Choose unpainted cardboard, recycled paper or fabrics that can be reused. If you need glue, choose durable glue.
4. Ask for less packaging material
Did you know that many online shops allow you to specify that you want to receive less packaging? Or maybe you can collect your order locally, so packaging material is not needed at all. It's always good to ask shops about their packaging policy, especially during busy periods like Sinterklaas, Christmas and Black Friday.
*Do you live in a high-rise or low-rise building without a pmd container? Then throw away pmd and residual waste together in a collection container for residual waste in the neighbourhood. This waste is collected separately and later sorted by machines.
- Intro text: During the winter months it can freeze quite hard. Especially in the kitchen and garden waste container, nuisance then quickly arises because vegetable, fruit, garden and food waste (VGF) is damp. With these tips, you can avoid problems when it freezes and we can empty your container properly.
During the winter months it can freeze quite hard. Especially in the VGF container, nuisance then quickly arises because vegetable, fruit, garden and food waste (VGF) is damp. If this freezes, the waste gets stuck and the collection truck cannot empty your container properly. Some or all of the waste will then not fall out of your container when we tip it over above the trolley.Returning is unfortunately not possible. With these tips, you can avoid problems when it freezes and we can empty your container properly.
10 tips to prevent freezing
- In frosty weather, hold the valve open a little with a stick or piece of cardboard.
- Smear some Vaseline on the edge of the lid to prevent freezing.
- Put the container in a sheltered place in frosty weather, such as in the shed.
- Place a sheet of newspaper or some sawdust at the bottom of the container.
- Put as little wet GFT in the container as possible; let food waste drain or dry first.
- Throw as little leaf litter into the container as possible during frost, or do so only just before collection day.
- Mix wet waste with drier waste to reduce freezing.
- Do not stamp or push waste. Stamped waste freezes faster.
- Put the container out only in the morning, just before 7.30am.
- Is the waste still stuck? Gently poke it loose with a stick or shovel.
Note: Do not use salt or antifreeze in the container. This pollutes the waste, hinders the composting process and is harmful to the environment.
Together through the seasons
Being smart about waste prevents inconvenience and keeps collection running smoothly even in cold weather. This is how we move through the seasons together - ensuring a clean environment and less waste.
- Intro text: A real Christmas tree creates a cosy, warm atmosphere and is for many people the symbol of the holiday season. Yet there are plenty of other sustainable alternatives that are just as attractive as a real Christmas tree.
A beautiful real Christmas tree in your home is part of the holiday season for many people. Cosy, atmospheric and full of lights. But did you know that there are other ways to put your home in the Christmas spirit - without cutting down trees?
Traditional Christmas trees usually come from conifers. These trees take many years to grow and are often discarded after only a few weeks of use. Millions of trees are cut down for them every year worldwide, while trees are desperately needed in the fight against climate change. Also, transporting such a tree from the shop or grower to your home causes additional emissions of harmful gases. More sustainable alternatives can help reduce the environmental impact of Christmas trees.
An artificial tree that lasts for years
Artificial Christmas trees come in all shapes and sizes. Choose a sturdy tree of good quality so that you can enjoy it for years. Even better is a second-hand artificial tree. Every year, artificial Christmas trees are handed in at thrift shops in our region. These can usually be viewed and bought from mid-November onwards.
Wooden Christmas tree
More and more people are opting for a wooden Christmas tree. It is reusable, can be adapted to your wishes and lasts for years. So you have a sustainable and attractive tree in your home.
Christmas atmosphere on the wall
Little space or fancy something new? Create a tree on the wall with branches, string or a garland of lights. Or hang a pretty tapestry or sticker in the shape of a Christmas tree. Just as cosy - durable and completely needle-free.
Rent or adopt a tree
In more and more places, you can rent or adopt a Christmas tree. After the holidays, you return the tree so that it can be replanted. This way, you enjoy the same tree every year, without having to cut down new trees.
Still prefer a real tree?
Then choose a potted, rootballed tree and give it plenty of water. That way, you can plant it in the garden after the holidays and use it again next year.
Don't have a garden? Waardlanden takes care of the collection of real Christmas trees, with and without root ball. You will soon find more information on this website. Hand in the tree at a collection point or environmental street. Christmas trees are not waste and are recycled into compost and green gas. They are also shredded into ground cover in stables.
Together through the seasons
With a few conscious choices, you will also bring cosiness into your home this year - in a sustainable way. This is how we go through the seasons together, step by step towards a waste-free future.
- Intro text: Celebrating Sinterklaas sustainably? You can! Find out how to make a beautiful and eco-friendly surprise using simple, recycled materials.
The Sinterklaas party is not complete without surprises! Fortunately, you don't have to buy anything new. With a little imagination and things you already have at home, you can make the most beautiful surprises - good for your wallet and the environment.
1. Use what you already have
First look around the house: boxes, toilet rolls, newspapers, magazines or empty bottles with no deposit. With some cutting, pasting and folding, turn these into a robot, car or house. Also ask around among relatives or neighbours. That way, you can give things a second life.
2. Choose clever crafting materials
Need to buy something new? Then go for recycled or reusable materials, such as paper, cardboard or biodegradable glue. Rather leave plastic, Styrofoam and tape behind. Rather reuse something you already have, such as an old plastic bottle with no deposit or container.
3. Make divorce easy
Try to make your surprise so that the waste is easy to separate. Use paper, cardboard and string instead of paint, tape or glue. If something is glued or painted, it belongs in the residual waste afterwards. Without glue or paint, it can often just go with the waste paper.
4. Packing without waste
Use old newspapers, magazines or bits of fabric to wrap your surprise. This often looks even more original than standard gift paper. No old paper at home? Use recycled paper or a cloth bag that you can reuse every year.
5. Create something that stays
Think about whether your surprise can be used after Christmas Eve. Turn it into a storage box, toy or decoration, for example. That way the recipient will enjoy it for a long time.
Small effort, big difference
By clever crafting and recycling, you will make Sinterklaas a party that is fun for now and good for later. This way, we go through the seasons together, step by step towards a waste-free future.
