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.
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.
- 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: 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.
- Intro text: The festive season is coming: a cosy time with good food and presents. Unfortunately, this also often results in extra waste. With a few smart choices, you can enjoy the festive season to the full - without unnecessary waste.
The festive month is coming: a cosy time with yummy food and presents. Unfortunately, that also often creates extra waste. With a few smart choices, you can enjoy plenty of holidays - without unnecessary waste.
Give an experience
A gift does not always have to be something tangible. Give an experience: a day out, a workshop or a fun activity together. This will create beautiful memories, without any extra stuff.
Make something yourself
Still prefer something to unwrap? Make your own personal gift. Think of something delicious, a creative project or something handy for around the house. Home-made gifts are unique, save money and avoid packaging waste.
Swap or buy second-hand
There are still good toys or beautiful items lying around in many homes that are no longer used. Swap them with others or check out the thrift shop. You will often find almost new gifts for a small price - good for the environment and your wallet.
Packing
Wrapping paper looks festive, but it also creates a lot of waste. So choose reusable or natural materials to wrap gifts. Use cloth, an old box or leftover fabric instead of disposable wrapping paper. Do you have leftover wrapping paper? Save the best pieces for next year, use them for craft projects or turn them into decorations. This will give the paper a second chance and keep the party mood going for a while.
Reuse packaging
A lot of packaging material is often left over after (online) purchases. Don't just throw it away:
- Cardboard boxes: make them flat and small, then more will fit in the container.
- Bubble wrap or air cushions: reuse them or dispose of them at the pmd.*
- Styrofoam: small pieces with the residual waste, large pieces to the waste disposal site with your environmental card.
- Paper: Not all paper should go with the waste paper. Take the tear test:
- Does it tear easily? Then it may go with the waste paper.
- Does it not tear or shine strongly (film or plastic layer)? Then it belongs in the residual waste.
Wrapping film is also always part of the residual waste.
Feel free to use packaging material again, for example to send something or to store fragile items. And if you are creative, turn it into something new - without glue or paint, so it can be recycled later.
Demand for less packaging
Do you order online? Choose shops that use less packaging material or merge packages. Do you book and collect from the shop? Then often no extra shipping box is needed. In any case, collecting from a local point reduces delivery kilometres and thus CO₂ emissions.
Make a wish list
Together with the children, make a list of what they really want. This will prevent premature purchases and allow for more targeted searching, so you spend less money.
Buy less, but more consciously
This year, choose quality over quantity. Go for a few valuable, durable items that will last for years.That way, you will reduce the waste mountain - even after the holidays. This is how we will go through the seasons together, step by step towards a waste-free future.
https://www.waardlanden.nl/tips
*Do you live in a high-rise or low-rise building without a pmd container? Then you dispose of pmd and residual waste together in a collection container for residual waste in the neighbourhood. This waste is later sorted by machines.
- Intro text: A strong gust of wind or an autumn storm can blow over a container in no time. Litter then blows through the street, into the ditch or into nature. This is messy and dangerous. With a few simple preparations, you can keep your container and waste in place - all year round.
A strong gust of wind or an autumn storm can blow over a container in no time. Litter then blows through the street, into the ditch or into nature. This is messy and dangerous. With a few simple preparations, you can keep your container and waste in place - all year round.
Put your container outside safely
By placing your container correctly at the drop-off point, you help our drivers and prevent waste from being blown away:
- Place your container outside just before 7.30 am on the collection day. This way it will be by the side of the road for as short a time as possible.
- Make sure the flap is closed. That way, nothing will blow out.
- Don't put anything next to the container. It is not allowed and during storms it also blows into the neighbourhood.
- After emptying, remove the container from the road as soon as possible. Then it cannot blow over and the street is clear again.
- In doubt about the collection day? Check the waste calendar.
Prevent waste from blowing away
Loose materials or a light bag of plastic quickly blow away in storms when the container is emptied. Our drivers cannot always get out and clear loose materials due to safety concerns. Please help:
Always put rubbish in a tightly knotted rubbish bag. This keeps everything together and prevents loose and light waste from blowing into the street.
- For pmd, use a transparent bag that you tie securely. This way, our raw materials inspectors can immediately see whether your waste is properly separated.
- For VGF waste, use compostable bags with the Kiemplant logo or OK compost logo. Only these bags may be disposed of with VGF waste.
Together through the seasons
With these simple preparations, you will be ready for storms and high winds. Together, we will ensure less waste, a clean neighbourhood and a pleasant living environment. This is how we go through the seasons together, step by step towards a waste-free future.
Find more useful offer rules at worthlanden.co.uk/offer-rules.
- Intro text: Find out how to turn your garden waste into nutritious compost, all from your own garden. Learn practical tips for eco-conscious gardening and save money while contributing to a cleaner environment. Start your sustainable gardening adventure today!
Read more: Environmentally conscious gardening: making your own compost
- Intro text: Autumn is a great time to tidy up your home. Less stuff means peace and quiet at home and saves waste. Don't throw things away too quickly, but choose what fits: pass them on, repair them, swap them, sell them or - if there is no other way - take them to the recycling centre.
Autumn is a great time to tidy up your home. Less stuff means peace and quiet at home and saves waste. Don't throw things away too quickly, but choose what fits: pass them on, repair them, swap them, sell them or - if there is no other way - take them to the recycling centre.
Passing on: make someone else happy
Usable items do not belong in the residual waste. Make someone else happy with them or hand them in. You can bring furniture, crockery, toys, books and household goods to the recycling shop or the Kringloopplein. Clothes, shoes, coats, bags, sheets, towels, curtains and even cuddly toys belong in the textile container in the neighbourhood. Worn or broken textiles are also welcome, as long as they are clean and dry in a sealed bag. Do you have other usable items? Check out a gift shop or giveaway corner in your neighbourhood. This way you avoid waste and help others.2. Repair, exchange or sell
Repair, exchange or sell
Many items get a second life with a little intervention. Fix a loose chair leg, replace a zip or have an appliance checked at a workshop or repair café. Items that are still good but you no longer use can be exchanged or sold. Think of clothes, toys or appliances that quickly find a new owner via a swap afternoon, a local giveaway group or an online platform. This way, you avoid waste and make someone else happy.
To the waste disposal site: always welcome
Something doesn't fit in the container or is really no longer usable? Bring it to the environmental centre. You are always welcome with your environmental pass and you can come as often as you like. You never pay anything for most waste streams, even after several visits. These include electrical appliances, mattresses, textiles, paper and cardboard, glass, polystyrene foam (EPS), metals, cooking oil, nappies, small chemical waste, gas bottles and flat glass.
Only a few types of waste are subject to a fee. You can bring bulky garden waste, rubble, clean wood, impregnated wood, gypsum/cellular concrete, bitumen (roofing leather) and bulky household waste three times a year free of charge. From the fourth visit, you pay a small fee. You pay this directly by pin to our employee at the gate.
Residents of Vijfheerenlanden municipality do not pay to bring items to the environmental centres.
Free trailer loan
Lots to take away? Borrow a trailer free of charge from Waardlanden. You may use the trailer for a maximum of two hours and simply arrange it yourself via waardlanden.nl/self-regulation. This makes cleaning up and taking away to the waste disposal site a lot easier.
Handy tip: many items are made of different materials. Take these apart at home whenever possible. That way you can hand in more for free and raw materials are better recycled. This is better for the environment and saves costs. Load your car or trailer smartly. Put the same types of materials together. This way you can unload quicker at the waste disposal site and be on your way again quickly.
Smart sorting before you hit the road
Make it easy on yourself by sorting in advance. Put things in three piles: what you can pass on, what you can repair or sell and what really has to go to the waste disposal centre. Hand in textiles clean and dry, in a sealed bag. And always make paper and cardboard boxes flat and small. This saves space and prevents blockages in the containers.
Together through the seasons
By giving things a second chance and avoiding residual waste, you help create a clean environment and reduce waste. And what really can no longer be used, you can dispose of properly. This is how we work together towards a waste-free future. Together, we go through the seasons step by step.
