How to sort and dispose of your waste

In Groningen we try to reuse as much of our waste as we can, in order to save on natural resources, costs and energy. The Municipality of Groningen collects paper, glass, textile and chemical waste separately.

Containers and collection points

In some parts of the city, the organic waste is also separated before collection. The remaining organic waste, as well as plastics, beverage cartons and metals, are separated after collection.

Map containers and collection points >

Residual waste

In and around the city centre you can dispose of your waste in special underground containers. You can open the containers with a special waste disposal card. If you don’t have a card, please request one.

If there is a problem with the underground container, call 14 050 or send a message.

In the suburbs, you can put your waste bags in the wheelie bins that are emptied in front of your home.

Waste guide

Enter your post code and house number on afvalwijzer.nl to find out when the various types of waste are collected in your street

Glass and paper

You can find containers for paper and glass throughout the city (often close to shopping centres). Check the overview of all locations, In some parts of the city, paper is collected from outside your front door. Check the waste guide to find out when it is collected in your street.

Textile and small electrical items

In the city centre, textile is picked up by GoudGoed (second-hand shop) ten times a year. They also collect small electrical items (e.g. electrical tooth brushes) in separate plastic bags. You can also take electrical items to electronics shops, or hand them in at the chemokar or a local waste centre. Throughout the city, you will find textile containers for old textile (and shoes). Find the location.

Plastics

In the city centre, plastics don’t need to be separated from the residual waste. It is separated at the waste separation plant. This has a number of advantages:

Less CO2 emission.
More plastic packaging material separated at the factory.
Fewer trips of garbage trucks through the city.
No extra containers needed.
Less litter in the streets.

If you live in or near Haren, you can hand in your plastic waste, milk and juice cartons and cans at the district post Haren, Van Maerlantlaan 1. Special bags for this waste are available at the same address.
Plastic bottles with a deposit can be returned in the store or supermarket.

Small chemical waste

You can hand in paint and batteries at the chemokar. The chemokar drives through the city to collect this waste in your neighbourhood at specified times. Check the waste guide to see when there is one near you. Many supermarkets also accept old batteries.

Second-hand shops

At second-hand shops you can hand in your second-hand clothes, books and furniture.

Mamamini also collects furniture from your home after you have booked an appointment.

Bulky waste

You can bring large items of waste to the waste centre free of charge four times a year. Please bring it to one of the Waste Stations, in Dutch 'Afvalbrengstations'.

You can also pay for the waste to be collected from your home. The Municipality collects large electrical appliances such as fridges and washing machines free of charge. To arrange a pickup, call 14 050.