Reducing your rubbish bins means reducing the amount of waste you generate. A first simple step: you have to reduce your waste at source... i.e. when shopping. Disposable packaging should therefore be avoided by purchasing in bulk and opting for reusable packaging, boxes, etc. (tips and tricks)
The second step involves the selective sorting of waste. Since 1 January 2010, the selective sorting of household waste is compulsory in the Brussels-Capital region[1].
Why is it important to sort waste?
It's no longer a secret, sorted waste is a resource. If it's done correctly, selective sorting adds value to the object and gives it a second life (or enables it to be used for other purposes). The object is reused in its original form or in another form (for example, old fabrics can be used to make a patchwork quilt or even new clothes). Sorting avoids the need to incinerate waste. It also helps to tackle the squandering of natural resources. By sorting our waste, we promote the concept of recycling as well as the preservation of natural resources. "We reduce the costs of waste treatment, save energy, avoid wasting reusable materials, reduce the volume of waste to be treated, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, limit our environmental impact and promote employment in the recycling sector " [2].
Waste sorting in Brussels
Do you have questions about waste sorting in Brussels? For more information, contact the Agence Bruxelles-Propreté:
https://www.arp-gan.be/fr/tri.html
Come and collect your orange container for organic materials
Is your orange bag unfit for purpose due to the vagaries of weather and the odd greedy animal? You can get an orange container to put the bag in for free! Just go to one of the Recypark of Bruxelles-Propreté. Residents of Brussels-City can also order one from the Service Propreté Publique on tel.: 0800.90.107.
And what about compost?
By composting your organic waste, you can reduce the volume of your household waste by one-third (read more). Also, there’s no need to incinerate the organic matter and nutrients return to the soil (compost).
Do you want to compost your leftovers or organic waste? Nothing could be easier, just follow the Brussels Environment guide: https://environnement.brussels/thematiques/espaces-verts-et-biodiversite/mon-jardin/mon-compost
Please note, the City of Brussels subsidises the (vermi-)compost bin. Are you interested? Have a look here: https://www.bruxelles.be/prime-vermicompostiere
And, if you prefer to set up a collective composting system, look here! https://environnement.brussels/thematiques/espaces-verts-et-biodiversite/mon-jardin/mon-compost/compost-collectif
Are you a bit confused and don't know where to start? The non-profit organisation Worms helps citizens, schools and businesses with composting. Their website is full of useful information and their team is on hand to answer all your questions: https://www.wormsasbl.org/index.php?tar=activite