• Intro text: Captain of The Plastic Geurrilla Bram from der Wal is firmly and passionately committed to tackling pollution in our and our children's and grandchildren's future environment.

In the quiet and green Alblasserwaard, a group of people once got together with a mission: to fight litter in the beautiful region. This is how environmental initiative The Plastic Guerrilla (DPG) was born six years ago. DPG leader Bram from der Wal is firmly and passionately committed to tackling pollution in our region and the future living environment of our children and grandchildren.

Growing strength

Of course, it does not do so alone. Armed with grabs and rubbish bags, the environmental group, together with fellow fighters and supporters, holds clean-up campaigns in polluted areas in our region throughout the year. 'Because every piece of litter picked up, brings us one step closer to a cleaner place,' says Plastic Guerrilla warrior Bram. 'It is so nice to see new fighters signing up with every action. From town to village, young and old, all determined to fight for our common cause.'

Education and future fighters

Thus, The Plastic Guerrilla continues to grow into a force that is unstoppable. Apart from the clean-up campaigns, the environmental group also educates in schools and participates in school projects on the importance of a clean living environment. In this way, young warriors are also encouraged to change the world.

Join The Plastic Geurrilla

Take action too and join The Plastic Guerrilla! Don't be a spectator, but a participant in the fight against litter. Then children and grandchildren can grow up in an environment that is clean and healthy. Wondering when the next plastic guerrilla will take place and how you can join in? Follow DPG on Facebook or see plasticgeurrilla.co.uk.

This is how we are moving together towards a clean environment and waste-free future.

• Intro text: Today begins spring, time to make your outfits lighter and airier. Get rid of those thick jumpers and hello clothes that suit spring. But how do you do that in an eco-friendly way? We offer some tips. 

Today begins spring, time to make your outfits lighter and airier. Get rid of those thick jumpers and hello clothes that suit spring. But how do you do that in an eco-friendly way? 

Manufacturing new clothes is super bad for the environment because of all the water and chemicals it takes. That is why it is important to reuse your clothes as much as possible. Here are some tips: 

• Make your own clothes and accessoriesSewing and knitting are totally back. By making your own scarves and jumpers, you don't have to buy new ones ánd it's super fun to do.
• Pimp old clothesMake your old jumpers and t-shirts trendy again by decorating them with ecological clothing paint or iron-on patches. This will make them trendy again.
• Go for second-hand Check second-hand clothes shops or browse online for cool vintage clothes. It's not only good for the environment, but also for your wallet. Win-win! 
• Donate old clothes If you can't or no longer want to wear your clothes, give them to a second-hand shop. You can also dispose of your old clothes in a sealed bag in the textile container. Even broken clothes and worn-out shoes can be disposed of in the textile container. These can also be recycled. Dirty or wet clothing, with e.g. oil or paint on it, belongs in the residual waste. For more information on what belongs in the textile container, go to waardlanden.nl/textiles.

Whether you make your own clothes or buy second-hand, together we make the world a little greener and more stylish! 💚 

• 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: 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 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.

• Intro text: Have you ever wondered what happens to our waste and separated raw materials after we throw them away? Find out how "waste" can be turned into new raw materials for new products.

Have you ever wondered what happens to our waste and separated raw materials after we throw them away? Collected raw materials go to a processor. There, they are converted into raw materials that are used for new products. In this way, we need to extract fewer new materials from the earth, leaving less residual waste to be incinerated. Because anything we have to burn is gone forever. And that's a shame. That's why separating waste is so important! 

What are commodities?  

Raw materials are materials used to make new products. Think of paper, plastic, metal and packaging glass. These materials can be recycled and turned into new products. By separating waste, we can ensure that these raw materials are put to the best possible use and not lost. 

Why is separating waste so important? 

Separating waste is vital for several reasons: 

1. For preserving natural resources. By separating and recycling waste and raw materials, we can reduce the use of new raw materials. Thus, we save precious natural resources such as trees (for paper), petroleum (for plastic) and ore (for metal).  

2. For reducing waste. By separating and recycling waste and raw materials, we can reduce the amount of waste going to the incinerator. This reduces CO2 emissions.  

3. For energy savings. Recycling raw materials often costs less energy than producing new raw materials. So by recycling raw materials, we can save energy and reduce CO2 emissions.  

Which raw materials are important? 

When separating waste at home, there are important resources to watch out for:

Paper

Paper can be recycled about 7 times and used to make new paper. For example, A4 paper can become a newspaper and a newspaper can become toilet paper again.

Plastic

Plastic can be recycled and used for new plastic products.

Metal

Metal, such as tin cans and aluminium foil, can be melted down and reused for new metal products. By recycling metals, we save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Glass

Packaging glass can be infinitely recycled without loss of quality. By collecting glass separately, we can turn it into new glass bottles and jars. 

Gft 

Vegetable, fruit, garden waste and food scraps (GFT) are perfect for making compost. Putting compost between shrubs, plants and crops increases the quality of the soil and allows rainwater to drain better.  

How can you help? 

The good news is that you yourself can contribute to the process of turning waste into new raw materials! You can take a few simple steps to do so: 

Separating waste

Make sure you separate waste properly at home. Use separate bins or bags to make waste separation easier. Read our blog with useful tips on how best to separate your waste. 

Use the separation guide

Use the handy online divorce guide or use the separation guide in the Waardlanden app. Then you will know exactly which waste belongs in which bin or container and what can or cannot be recycled. 

Reduce your waste

Try to be conscious of use and reduce the amount of waste you produce. For example, use reusable bags, bottles and containers.  

Together, we make a difference! 

By properly separating waste and raw materials, we can preserve valuable resources and contribute to a more sustainable world. So let's all do our bit and make a difference together! 

• Intro text: At our environmental centres, you can hand in nitrous oxide cylinders free of charge. Never throw them on the street or with the residual waste. By exploding in collection trucks and waste incinerators, they cause major damage and serious safety risks.

From 1 September 2023, all environmental centres in the Netherlands are prepared to take in used illegal nitrous oxide cylinders. You can also hand in nitrous oxide cylinders at our environmental centres. The cylinders are commonly found in public areas and residual waste from January this year. By exploding in collection vehicles and waste incinerators, they cause major damage and serious safety risks for residents, employees and equipment. Installations get damaged, have to be shut down and repaired.

According to industry association NVRD and Waste Management Association, the situation is untenable: "There is no solution from the state, now we are taking matters into our own hands." Officially, environmental centres are not allowed to take in illegal cylinders, because from 1 January 2023 they will fall under the Opium Act. So using and disposing of them is prohibited in our country. Therefore, the waste industry has decided to accept nitrous oxide cylinders free of charge at all waste recycling centres in the Netherlands as an emergency measure. With this emergency measure, the industry hopes that fewer cylinders will end up in public spaces and residual waste. Other pressure containers such as gas cylinders, gas cans and spray glue tanks can also explode in our collection vehicles or in the incinerator. So always bring these to the environmental street and never throw them on the street or with residual waste.

• Intro text: Waardlanden collects waste and raw materials for Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Molenlanden and Vijfheerenlanden. This involves processing personal data as laid down in the Household Waste Privacy Statement.

Waardlanden takes care of waste and raw materials collection for the municipalities of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Molenlanden and Vijfheerenlanden. In carrying out these tasks, personal data are also processed.

The way the municipalities and Waardlanden deal with this personal data is laid down in the Household Waste Privacy Statement. The privacy statement is here can be found on our website. In the Waardlanden app, you will find the statement in the menu under the heading 'Information'. The privacy statement can also be found on the websites of the municipalities of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Molenlanden and Vijfheerenlanden.

More general information on the subject of privacy can be found in the Privacy policy and in the Privacy regulations From Waardlanden.

Many residents already separate their waste very well. To improve the quality of the separated raw materials in the containers at low-rise houses for vegetable, fruit and garden waste (VGF) and plastic packaging, metal packaging and drink cartons (pmd) even further, we will check the contents from 3 July 2023.

Read more: Quality checks on contents of PMD and GFT containers