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How does the garbage system work?
How does the garbage system work?
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Belgium Waste Management FAQ

Proper waste management is essential and regulated by law in Belgium. This FAQ provides a clear guide to help you follow the waste disposal system accurately and maintain a clean environment.

General Waste Categories and Bag Colors

  1. PMD (Plastic, Metal, and Drink Cartons)

    • Bag Color: Blue

    • What to Throw: Plastic bottles, metal cans, drink cartons.

    • What NOT to Throw: Soft plastics (e.g., plastic bags, yogurt cups) unless specified by your region.

  2. Residual Waste

    • Bag Color: White or black

    • What to Throw: Non-recyclable waste like vacuum cleaner dust, broken ceramics, or non-recyclable packaging.

  3. Organic Waste (GFT)

    • Bag Color: Green bags or bins

    • What to Throw: Food scraps, garden waste, fruit, and vegetable peels.

    • What NOT to Throw: Cooked food (in some regions) or bones. Check local rules.

  4. Paper and Cardboard

    • Bag Color: No bag required. Bundle or place in designated bins.

    • What to Throw: Newspapers, cardboard boxes, books.

    • What NOT to Throw: Greasy or dirty paper (e.g., pizza boxes).

  5. Glass

    • Bag Color: Clear bins for non-colored glass, green bins for colored glass (at public collection points).

    • What to Throw: Bottles, jars (without caps).

    • What NOT to Throw: Mirrors, ceramics, or window glass.

  6. Soft Plastics

    • Bag Color: Orange bags (specific to some regions).

    • What to Throw: Plastic wrappers, bags, and other soft plastics.

    • Note: Check your municipality’s guidelines.

Special Waste Streams

  1. Bulky Waste:
    Large items like furniture or mattresses must be collected on specific days or brought to a recycling center (container park).

  2. Hazardous Waste:
    Batteries, paint, and electronics should be disposed of at designated collection points or recycling parks.

  3. Textiles:
    Use special containers or donate to local charities.

How the System Works

  1. Collection Days:
    Each municipality has a waste collection calendar specifying which waste type is collected on which days.

    • Where to Find: Refer to the printed calendar or online version for your area.

    • Important: Fines may be issued for putting out waste on the wrong day.

  2. Online Resource:
    Visit www.recycleapp.be for collection schedules and additional information.

  3. Recycling Parks (Containerparken / Déchetteries):
    You can bring specific waste types to recycling centers.

    • Registration: May be required for access.

  4. Pay-As-You-Throw:
    In some municipalities, you pay per garbage bag or container collected to encourage recycling and waste reduction.

Regional Variations

  1. Flanders:
    Advanced waste separation and recycling practices, often leading European efforts.

  2. Brussels:
    A similar system with an urban focus.

  3. Wallonia:
    Same categories as other regions but with slight differences in collection methods.

Important Notes for Tenants

  1. Garbage Bags:
    These are sold at supermarkets and must match the required type for your waste (correct color and label).

  2. Sorting Rules:
    Always follow the guidelines provided by your municipality.

  3. Penalties:
    Incorrect sorting or putting out garbage on the wrong day can result in fines.

  4. Recycling Points:
    Locate the nearest recycling park and glass collection points.

By adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to a cleaner and more eco-friendly environment. If you have any questions, reach out to your property manager or consult your municipality’s website for more information.

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