The system was introduced in 2012 as an accessible solution for small amounts of green waste. “You buy a bag, fill it and put it outside. No dragging with containers,” says Caroline Maertens (N-VA). It is also financially cheaper, says Julie Vandwatere (Vooruit-Groen): “Two or three bags cost around 20 euros a year. A container subscription rises to at least 170 euros.”
The opposition fears that the abolition will lead to more crowds on the recycling park and less sustainable behavior. “We just have to encourage people to make it greener, not discourage,” concludes Vandewatere.