How to sort and dispose of your waste
Find out how to dispose of your household waste and bulky waste. We care about reusing materials. Therefore we collect glass, textiles, paper and hazardous household waste separately.
Waste disposal card (huisvuilpas)
In Groningen, most household waste is collected in underground containers. To open these containers, you need a waste disposal card.
- The waste disposal card is linked to your home address.
- If you live with others at het same address, you all share the same card.
- If you don’t have a card, you can request one.
Containers and collection points
Check the map to find the nearest locations:
Gehighlighte tekst: Map containers and collection points >(externe link)
Problems or malfunctions
If an underground container is not working, call 14 050 or send a message(externe link).
Gehighlighte tekst: Placing waste bags on the street will result in a fine.
Waste calendar
Enter your post code and house number on the waste calendar(externe link) to find out when the various types of waste are collected in your street.
The waste app (afvalapp)
You can also use our app to stay informed. Receive notifications about collection days, view your pickup schedule, and check the containers available in your area.
Download the waste app
Areas without underground containers
In some suburbs, underground containers are not available. In these areas, waste bags should be placed in the wheelie bins provided at your home. Use the waste calendar (externe link)to check collection dates for wheelie bins and recycling waste.
Bulky Waste
Large items can be taken free of charge to one of the Waste Stations (Afvalbrengstations). Check the addresses and opening hours.
You can have your waste collected from your home for a fee. To schedule a pickup, call 14 050.
Gehighlighte tekst: Large electrical appliances (e.g., fridges, washing machines) are collected free of charge.
Costs
You do not have to pay separately for each time you dispose of waste in the underground container or place your bins at the kerb.
Every household pays waste tax. This is for collecting and processing household waste. The rates are fixed. The amount you pay depends on the size of your household.
Recycling
In Groningen, various types of waste are collected separately.
Glass and paper
- You can find containers for paper and glass throughout the municipality (often close to shopping centres). Check the overview of all locations(externe link).
- In some parts of the city, paper is collected from outside your front door. Check the waste calendar(externe link) to find out when it is collected in your street.
Textiles and small electronic appliances
- Throughout the municipality, you will find textile containers for old textiles (and shoes). Find the locations(externe link).
- In the city centre, textiles are collected by GoudGoed (second-hand shop) ten times a year. They collect small electrical items (e.g. electrical tooth brushes) as well in separate plastic bags.
- You can also take electrical items to electronics shops, or hand them in at the chemokar
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 calendar(externe link) to see when there is one near you. Many supermarkets also accept old batteries.
Clothes, books, furniture
At second-hand shops you can hand in your second-hand clothes, books and furniture.
- GoudGoed(externe link)
- Mamamini(externe link)
- Fair Back Kringloop(externe link)
- Kledingbank De Zeecontainer(externe link)
Mamamini also collects furniture by appointment.
Plastics
Plastics don’t need to be separated from the residual waste. It is separated at the waste separation plant. Plastic bottles and drink cans with a deposit can be returned to the store or supermarket.
Gehighlighte tekst: You can return plastic bottles and drink cans with a deposit at the store or supermarket.