Brussels is considering switching to underground waste containers
11 July 2024
Even though Brussels has imposed strict fines to anyone who litters or commits illegal dumping, many neighbourhoods are still struggling to cope with increasing amounts of littering. Therefore, Belgian authorities are seriously considering switching to underground waste containers to tackle the litter challenge.
According to local press, an argument in favour of this potential change is a study commissioned by Brussels authorities to examine the results of the waste underground containers system in six European cities, Antwerp, Hamburg, Porto, Barcelona, Florence and Rotterdam. The initial results of this study, published in March 2024, showcased the advantages and disadvantages of such a system in these cities.
First of all, with the operation of these containers, the collection of trash bags every few days from the pavement has resulted in areas being cleaner. Additionally, the underground containers have a large capacity and the bins above ground have a small size thus making them suitable for densely populated areas. However, this system comes with certain disadvantages, notably the continuous fly-tipping around the sorting areas and containers as well as the problem of not sorting waste properly.
A second phase of this study will revolve around analysing the results of the 23 underground containers that are already installed in Brussels and if they solve the problem of littering in the areas of the city where they exist. The results of this study will be available in the summer of 2024.
Brussels Minister for Public Order Alain Maron stated that the intention of the city is to switch to underground waste containers based on the initial results of the study. The final decision, though, will be in the hands of the next government since there will be elections in Belgium in June 2024.
He admitted, though, that any success of such systems depends mostly on how citizens are using this system and incentives for them to use it correctly. Once again, the importance of raising awareness and communicating to the public how to correctly implement litter prevention measures are essential elements in reducing litter in any city.
The Secretariat will keep you posted for any latest developments regarding this issue.
According to local press, an argument in favour of this potential change is a study commissioned by Brussels authorities to examine the results of the waste underground containers system in six European cities, Antwerp, Hamburg, Porto, Barcelona, Florence and Rotterdam. The initial results of this study, published in March 2024, showcased the advantages and disadvantages of such a system in these cities.
First of all, with the operation of these containers, the collection of trash bags every few days from the pavement has resulted in areas being cleaner. Additionally, the underground containers have a large capacity and the bins above ground have a small size thus making them suitable for densely populated areas. However, this system comes with certain disadvantages, notably the continuous fly-tipping around the sorting areas and containers as well as the problem of not sorting waste properly.
A second phase of this study will revolve around analysing the results of the 23 underground containers that are already installed in Brussels and if they solve the problem of littering in the areas of the city where they exist. The results of this study will be available in the summer of 2024.
Brussels Minister for Public Order Alain Maron stated that the intention of the city is to switch to underground waste containers based on the initial results of the study. The final decision, though, will be in the hands of the next government since there will be elections in Belgium in June 2024.
He admitted, though, that any success of such systems depends mostly on how citizens are using this system and incentives for them to use it correctly. Once again, the importance of raising awareness and communicating to the public how to correctly implement litter prevention measures are essential elements in reducing litter in any city.
The Secretariat will keep you posted for any latest developments regarding this issue.
