This is why the paper containers are overflowing and the municipality does not empty them

The editors of indebuurt Zoetermeer received several emails from Zoetermeer residents asking why the paper bins have not been emptied at the environmental islands lately. Indebuur is the right place for Zoetermeer mysteries! Read on to find out what the municipality’s answer to this is.

The paper containers are overflowing and the containers have not been emptied since New Year’s Eve. Our editorial staff received this report from, among others, Annika Bäcker from Oosterheem and Richard Artes from Meerzicht.

Make cardboard boxes smaller

Throughout the city, residents see mountains of paper and cardboard on and around the environmental islands. According to the municipality, there are about sixty islands in Zoetermeer where people can hand in waste paper and cardboard. Not everyone does that the right way. The idea is to make cardboard boxes small before they go into the container. But not everyone does that, which means the containers fill up faster. “At some locations we have to empty the containers seven days a week,” says a press spokesperson.

New collector

Since October 1, 2024, the municipality has been working with a new collector of paper and cardboard. This company still needs to learn and map the correct way of waste collection, according to the municipality. This has sometimes led to delays in emptying the containers. But the new collector has promised to clear the backlog by the weekend of January 18. The municipality is keeping an eye on it!

Also a mystery?

The editorial staff of indebuurt Zoetermeer is happy to keep you informed of local facts, news items and mysteries. Do you have a question about Zoetermeer? Send the editors an email via [email protected].