New national frameworks influence waste policy Zoetermeer

Chain Agreement Packaging

On June 18, 2025, the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) will decide on a new national Packaging Chain Agreement. This may have major consequences for the current collection system for plastic, cans and drinking cartons (PBD). For example, it is possible that the collection of PBD via collection containers will be phased out.

For Zoetermeer, this means that the current system must be reviewed. If the collection of PBD via collection containers is no longer possible, changes are needed. This may affect the layout of public spaces, waste collection routes, service to residents and costs.

Measures within existing policies

Although no final policy choices can be made yet, the college proposes to start with some pilot projects and improvements that are in line with the citizen council's recommendations:

1. Tile container at the Self-Help Depot
   As part of tile swapping, residents can drop off free and unlimited garden tiles at the Self-Help Depot. This encourages separate waste delivery and greening of gardens. This trial is to see if this garden tile container can be given a permanent place in the waste policy.
2. Research collection scenarios Oosterheem
   A study will be launched into suitable collection solutions for Oosterheem. This will look at use of space, costs, logistics and service to residents.
3. Improve communication and recognizability
   Communication at environmental islands will be strengthened in order to reduce siding, litter and pests and encourage waste separation. The 'Zoetermeer aan de bak' campaign will continue until the end of 2025 and the start of a follow-up in 2026 is being prepared. Information on the municipal website will also be improved, with understandable language and multilingual communication.
4. Cooperation with schools
   In cooperation with the "Clean is Just" campaign, we are looking at how to expand teaching programs on waste separation, recycling and circularity in schools.
5. Supporting reuse and behavior change
    
   • A trial is starting with an electric cargo bike and trailer to make it easier to bring bulky waste to the dump.
   • The free bulky waste collection service will continue.
   • Enforcement is used to deter improperly presented waste.
   • Reuse is encouraged through existing initiatives such as thrift stores and repair cafes.

These measures are consistent with the recommendations of the citizens' council and contribute to the goal of consciously separating and recycling waste.

Future-oriented waste policy

Alderman Blansjaar (Waste): "The commitment and involvement of the citizens' council are of great value for the new waste policy. We are grateful to the participants for their clear advice. Where possible, we want to implement these recommendations within the current policy. As soon as the new national guideline is known, we will incorporate this into the final plan. In this way, together we are building a future-proof and supported waste and raw materials policy for Zoetermeer."

The participants of the citizens' council monitoring group will soon be informed about the national developments and the council proposal. The council proposal is before the City Council for decision.