How to Recycle Selectively

28.02.24

How to Recycle Selectively at the Accommodation Provided by DB Work. Dutch Rules on Recycling and Environmental Protection

Selective recycling is an important aspect of daily life in the Netherlands, a country known for its strong commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. Even more so, selective recycling at the accommodation provided by DB Work to those with whom it enters into a work contract in the Netherlands is a common responsibility of all colleagues in the property.

This article will introduce you to the general rules of selective recycling in the Netherlands, the importance of adhering to these rules at DB Work accommodation, the consequences of non-compliance, and what exactly you can recycle at the accommodation.

Providing accommodation in the Netherlands - a benefit and a responsibility at the same time

One of the most appreciated benefits by those who sign a contract through DB Work is the fact that DB Work provides them with accommodation in the Netherlands. From the first day a DB Work professional arrives in the Netherlands, they will be presented with the accommodation, where they will live with one or more colleagues, who are also DB Work employees. The fact that they do not live alone, but have roommates, implies, as expected, some general rules of conduct.

At the accommodation provided by DB Work, adhering to these rules, including those regarding selective recycling, is not just an obligation, but also an opportunity to contribute to the Dutch efforts of environmental protection. Adapting to these practices means not only avoiding fines, but is also a sign of respect towards the local community and the norms governing Dutch society.

General rules of selective recycling in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has a well-organized recycling system, which classifies waste into several main categories: organic waste, paper and cardboard, glass, plastic and metal, as well as electronic waste. Each category must be deposited in the corresponding containers, which are easily accessible in most residential areas and at the accommodations offered by DB Work.

  • The container for organic waste is usually brown or green.
  • The container for paper and cardboard is usually blue or grey.
  • The container for plastic is usually yellow.
  • The container for glass is usually green or white.
  • The container for metal is usually grey or orange.

It is important to adhere to these colors and to deposit waste correctly in the appropriate containers to ensure an efficient recycling process. Specific rules may vary slightly depending on the locality, but the basic principle remains the same: correct separation of waste to facilitate the recycling process.

What exactly can you recycle at the accommodation?

At DB Work accommodations, you can recycle a wide range of materials, including:

  • PET bottles and other plastic items: water bottles, soft drink packaging, and other plastic containers can be recycled in the containers specifically designated for plastic.
  • Paper and cardboard: newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, and other paper waste should be placed in the containers dedicated to paper recycling.
  • Glass: beverage bottles and other glass containers can be recycled at glass collection points.
  • Organic waste: food scraps and other biodegradable waste can be deposited in the containers designated for organic waste, thus contributing to the production of compost.

WARNING: Do not dispose of oil, grease, paint, or other toxic liquids in the sink or toilet. Also, there are numerous rules regarding even the proper storage of household garbage, not just selective recycling.

The benefits of recycling - how can you recover the deposit for certain containers?

Interestingly, recycling not only protects the environment but can also offer material benefits. Supermarkets in the Netherlands provide collection centers for plastic bottles and aluminum cans, where DB Work employees can receive shopping discount vouchers or the return of the deposit for the respective container. This is an excellent way to save money and feel rewarded for your recycling efforts.

When you purchase a glass-packaged product from a store, you will notice the word "statiegeld" inscribed, indicating that a deposit was included in the product price. You can insert this bottle into the recycling and deposit return station at the store where you bought the product. Then, based on the receipt issued by the station, you will be able to recover the deposit at the store's cash registers.

The consequences of not adhering to the rules of selective recycling

Non-compliance with recycling rules can have serious consequences, including substantial fines. The amount of the fines can vary depending on the severity of the violation and the specific policy of the respective municipality. Fines for non-compliance with recycling rules start from a few tens of euros and can reach up to several hundred euros or even more, in serious or repetitive cases.

In addition, negligent behavior towards recycling can negatively affect the image and accommodation experience at DB Work.

Most importantly, remember that adhering to the rules is crucial, as the Dutch are rigorous in enforcing the law.

Do you want to be part of the DB Work professional team? Do you have experience in the naval, industrial, logistics, or construction field? Send your CV by email to job@dbwork.com!

Here are the advantages of working in the Netherlands with a DB Work contract: