Waste Removal

In the Netherlands, most waste is recycled and therefore collected separately:

• small household waste
• garden, fruit and vegetable (GFT: groente-, fruit- en tuinafval) waste
• paper and cardboard
• clothing
• glass
• white goods (large appliances)
• small electronic and chemical waste (such as batteries, paint, small electrical appliances, etc.)
• building (construction and demolition) waste
• plastics (depends on the municipality)

Many municipalities have underground neighborhood waste containers for disposal of household garbage. Each household has an access card for garbage disposing in their nearest container. Some municipalities (usually outside of the cities) have portable grey containers for household waste.

Composting and recycling

Houses with a garden will also be provided with a green compost container for organic matter, and fruit and vegetable waste (GFT). Each municipality has a schedule on their website for pick up days for different types of waste.

Containers for glass, clothing and paper/cardboard are located near most supermarkets.

Each municipality has a collection station for all other kinds of waste. Some municipalities issue residents with a dump access pass, but in other towns, anyone can drive in. Dropping off waste requires a fee at some locations, so refer to local pages about Milieudienst or Reinigingsdienst for more information.

Waste collection tax

Waste collection is paid for by a tax (afvalstoffenheffing), which is assessed yearly based either on a flat fee or based on weight/amount of waste. This tax also varies per municipality and number of people living at a property. As of 2024, the average waste collection tax ranges from €194 to €363 per year.