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
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.
Residual Waste
Bag Color: White or black
What to Throw: Non-recyclable waste like vacuum cleaner dust, broken ceramics, or non-recyclable packaging.
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.
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).
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.
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
Bulky Waste:
Large items like furniture or mattresses must be collected on specific days or brought to a recycling center (container park).Hazardous Waste:
Batteries, paint, and electronics should be disposed of at designated collection points or recycling parks.Textiles:
Use special containers or donate to local charities.
How the System Works
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.
Online Resource:
Visit www.recycleapp.be for collection schedules and additional information.Recycling Parks (Containerparken / Déchetteries):
You can bring specific waste types to recycling centers.Registration: May be required for access.
Pay-As-You-Throw:
In some municipalities, you pay per garbage bag or container collected to encourage recycling and waste reduction.
Regional Variations
Flanders:
Advanced waste separation and recycling practices, often leading European efforts.Brussels:
A similar system with an urban focus.Wallonia:
Same categories as other regions but with slight differences in collection methods.
Important Notes for Tenants
Garbage Bags:
These are sold at supermarkets and must match the required type for your waste (correct color and label).Sorting Rules:
Always follow the guidelines provided by your municipality.Penalties:
Incorrect sorting or putting out garbage on the wrong day can result in fines.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.