Ready to learn how to sort trash and recycle in the Netherlands? There is absolutely no reason to leave your waste, well, really go to waste. In fact, already, folks in the Netherlands recycle 58% of all municipal waste. So it’s no wonder why there are so many options available for every single type of product. With 6 different bins separated by color and an array of services to help recycle even the most hazardous of waste, the entire process couldn’t be more seamless.
Here’s our easy guide on waste separation and recycling in the Netherlands.
What Are The Different Types Of Recycling Bins In The Netherlands?
Blue bin: This container is designated for paper and cardboard products such as newspapers, magazines, and cardboard boxes.
Yellow bin: This container is designated for plastic packaging, metal cans, and drink cartons. If you have any plastic yogurt cups, plastic fruit bowls, and plastic packaging for vegetables, bread, and toilet paper, make sure to throw them in there!
Green or white bin: This container is designated for glass bottles and jars. These containers can be used to dispose of glass bottles and jars in which drinks, food, cosmetics, perfumes, and medicines have been stored.
Green bin exception: In some cities, like Wassenaar, the green bin is used for Organic Waste. (Thank you, Michael for pointing this out).
Brown bin: This container is designated for organic waste such as food scraps and garden waste. This type of waste will then be collected, fermented, and composted into useful products, such as green gas, CO2, compost, and water.
Gray or black bin: This container is designated for non-recyclable waste that cannot be put in any of the other recycling bins.
How To Recycle Batteries In The Netherlands
Check for a battery recycling point: Look for a designated battery recycling point in your local supermarket, electronics store, or other retail locations. Note that there is currently no battery processing operational in the Netherlands. Batteries from electric vehicles, which are not eligible for second use and must therefore be recycled, are therefore sent to European processors. Simply Google “battery bins + your local area,” and you will get plenty of options.
How To Recycle Electronics In The Netherlands
Return electronics to the manufacturer or retailer: Some manufacturers and retailers have their own take-back programs for electronics, so it's worth checking with them to see if they offer this service. Recycling electronics helps to recover valuable materials such as gold, silver, and copper, which can be reused in new products, reducing the need for new resources. It’s a win-win!
Sell them: Check Marktplaats, FB, eBay, or any other platform where you wish to sell. Consider the condition of your offered piece and compare it with the same/similar products and their sold prices.
Recycling services: According to hundreds of reviews, the best computer recycling service in the Netherlands is called IT-Recycling. With more than 200 kg we collect old computers and other computer waste for FREE.
