How the Waste System Works in the Netherlands (Student Guide)

Summary Box: Waste System in the Netherlands (At a Glance)

• Waste is strictly separated (general waste, paper, plastic, glass, organic waste)

• Many cities use underground containers opened with a card or app

• Trash must be disposed of only in designated containers

• Fines are common and can reach €95–€150+

• Rules differ slightly per municipality

If you’re new to the Netherlands, understanding the waste system is essential—both for daily life and for avoiding unexpected fines.

Why the Dutch Waste System Can Be Confusing for International Students

Most international students arrive with good intentions—yet still get fined.

Why?

• Trash cans aren’t always visible

• Instructions are often in Dutch

• Containers may be locked

• Rules change depending on the city

• Leaving a bag “next to” a bin is illegal

The Dutch system is built around waste reduction, recycling, and accountability—and it assumes residents already know the rules.

This guide fills that gap.

Step 1: Know the Main Waste Categories

1. General Waste (Restafval)

What goes in:

• Non-recyclable items

• Used tissues

• Dirty packaging

• Broken items (not electronics)

Where it goes:

• Underground containers

• Large shared bins in apartment buildings

⚠️ Often limited capacity—some cities charge per bag or per opening.

2. Paper & Cardboard (Papier)

What goes in:

• Cardboard boxes (flattened)

• Paper bags

• Newspapers

What does NOT go in:

• Pizza boxes with food stains

• Wax-coated paper

Paper bins are usually open and free to use.

3. Plastic, Metal & Drink Cartons (PMD)

What goes in:

• Plastic packaging

• Aluminum cans

• Milk & juice cartons

Some cities collect PMD separately; others require it in general waste.

📍 Always check your municipality.

4. Glass (Glas)

What goes in:

• Glass bottles

• Glass jars

What does NOT go in:

• Broken drinking glasses

• Ceramics

• Window glass

Glass containers are usually located on street corners or near supermarkets.

5. Organic Waste (GFT)

What goes in:

• Food scraps

• Vegetable peels

• Coffee grounds

Mostly available in student housing or family neighborhoods, less common in city centers.

Step 2: How to Find Trash Container Locations

Option 1: Municipality Website

Search:

“Waste collection + your city name”
(e.g. Afvalscheiding Nijmegen)

You’ll usually find:

• Maps of container locations

• Collection days

• Local rules

• Instructions in English (sometimes)

Option 2: Waste Collection Apps

Many cities use official apps such as:

• AfvalWijzer

• MijnAfvalwijzer

• Local city apps

These apps show:

• Nearest containers

• Collection schedules

• What goes where

Option 3: Ask Your Housing Provider

Student housing providers and landlords often:

• Provide a waste card (afvalpas)

• Explain which container belongs to your building

• Share internal waste rules

If you didn’t receive instructions—ask immediately.

Step 3: Understanding Underground Containers & Waste Cards

In many cities, general waste containers are locked.

You may need:

• A waste card (afvalpas)

• A key fob

• A mobile app linked to your address

Important:

• Waste cards are address-based, not personal

• Using the wrong container may cause a fine

• Losing your card often costs money to replace

Step 4: Fines You Can Get (And How to Avoid Them)

Common Waste Fines

Yes, They Can Trace Trash to You

Municipal inspectors:

• Open trash bags

• Look for letters with your name or address

• Issue fines directly to residents

Ignorance is not accepted as an excuse.

Step 5: What to Do With Large or Special Waste

Bulk Waste (Grofvuil)

Examples:

• Furniture

• Mattresses

• Large household items

You must:

• Book a pickup appointment

• Or bring items to a recycling center (milieustraat)

Leaving items outside without permission = fine.

Electronics & Batteries

• Small electronics: supermarkets or electronics stores

• Large electronics: recycling center

Bottles With Deposit (Statiegeld)

• Plastic bottles & cans with deposit

• Return to supermarkets

• Get money back

💡 Never throw these in the trash.

Common Mistakes International Students Make

• Leaving trash next to “full” containers

• Assuming rules are the same in every city

• Throwing pizza boxes in paper bins

• Using a neighbor’s container

• Ignoring waste cards

• Throwing bulk waste outside at night

All of these can result in fines.

Practical Example: First Week in the Netherlands

You move into your room and have:

• Cardboard boxes

• Plastic packaging

• Food waste

Correct approach:

1. Flatten cardboard → paper bin

2. Plastic → PMD or general waste (check city)

3. Food scraps → GFT (if available)

4. General waste → assigned underground container

Wrong approach:

• One black bag next to a container

Glossary

• Afval – Waste

• Restafval – General waste

• PMD – Plastic, Metal, Drink cartons

• GFT – Organic waste

• Afvalpas – Waste card

• Grofvuil – Bulk waste

• Milieustraat – Recycling center

Sources & Helpful Links

• Municipal waste pages (city-specific)

• Official waste collection apps

• Student housing providers

(Always check your local municipality website for the most accurate rules.)