English information

New waste policy in Leeuwarden municipality

The Leeuwarden Municipality has adopted a new household waste policy. This involves some changes for you as a resident.

What Changes?

Every household pays a yearly tax for the collection and processing of household waste. As of 2023, you’ll pay a fixed rate and a variable (personal) rate per year. The fixed rate depends on the size of your household. The variable rate depends on the amount of household waste you dispose.

Pay Per Use

As of 2023 the yearly fixed rate will be lowered for all residents. The variable rate is calculated by how often you dispose of waste in the underground container ór how often you present the Sortibak (grey waste bin) for collection plus the weight of your waste. It is similar to the water company bill: the charges depend on the used amount.

New Rates

In 2023, you pay the fixed rate for 2023. In 2024, you will pay the variable rate of 2023 and the fixed rate of 2024.

Fixed Part

 

2022 Rate

2023 Rate

Single person’s household

 € 232.50

 €191.22

Multiple person household

 € 348.74

 €286.83

Recreational properties

 € 174.37

 €143.41

Variable Part (rate for residual household waste. The related invoice will be mailed in 2024)

  • Kilogram rate in the grey container (sortibak) €0.09 per kilo
  • Your own grey container pick-up at your home: €1.00 per time.
  • Bag in underground residual waste container: €0,73 per time.

Costs and Policies

In some situations you are entitled to a remission of the waste processing tax, for example, if you have a low income or a lot of medical waste. There will also be special policies for the collection of bulky waste, litter and diapers. 

Do You Have a Low Income?

If you have a low income, you may request help from Leeuwarden municipality regarding the waste tax payment. In such a case, the municipality may determine whether you qualify for a lower waste tax or perhaps no waste tax at all. Please read more information here.

In 2023 the scheme will change for low income residents. The remission applies to the fixed rate and qualifying residents will receive a maximum of €59.12 remission on the variable rate.

Diapers of Young Children

If you have young children, diapers take up a large part of your container. Moreover, filled diapers are heavy. To assist you, there are designated diaper collection points. Here you may dispose of diapers free of charge. This saves on the amount of residual waste you are left with. Check out the locations.

Medical Indication

Do you have a medical indication due to which you have more residual household waste? For example, because you use incontinence, kidney dialysis or ostomy materials? Then you may be eligible for a 50% discount on the variable rate. You can apply for this discount from 1 January 2023. On this web page of Leeuwarden municipality explains how you may apply for this.

I voluntarily pick up litter. How may I dispose of it later?

If you regularly pick up litter, you may want to apply for a Clean Neighbourhood Pass. With this pass, you can throw litter in an underground container for free.

Apply for the Clean Neighbourhood Pass

You may apply here for the Clean Neighbourhood Pass.

Bulky Waste Collection

From 2022, you are entitled to bulky waste collection, free of charge, twice a year. Residents are required to pay a fee each time for the collection of additional bulky waste. Information on the rates is posted on the web site of Leeuwarden municipality. Always report bulky waste. Even if your neighbours have also reported it.

If you you are bringing your own construction, demolition or bulky waste to the municipal waste disposal site, it is free of charge twice a year. Beyond this you will have to pay a contribution.

Bringing all other types of waste to the waste disposal site remains free of charge if it is handed in separately. For example, when waste materials are sorted into factions of metal, wood, chemical waste and electrical appliances. More information on the waste disposal site is available on the Omrin web site.

Information For Students

Everyone who lives in the Netherlands pays the waste processing tax and other municipal taxes. If you live in student housing, these taxes are usually not included in your monthly rent. Check your contract or ask your landlord about it. More information about municipal taxes for students is available here.

Why A New Waste Policy?

The cost of residual waste incineration is rising fast in The Netherlands. If we could reduce our waste and separate it properly, there will be less residual waste to incinerate. This is saves the environment.

Translation

This web site provides information about the new waste policy in Dutch. Do you prefer to read all information in your native language? Google Translate may help:

  • Open Google Translate
  • Enter the URL http://www.goedterechtinleeuwarden.nl in the text box on the left.
  • Select the desired target language In the text box on the right.
  • Click 'Translate'

Do You Need Additional Information?

You can read more information about the new waste policy, special arrangements and costs in the frequently asked questions. Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please contact us