Oud West Council Approves New Waste Collection Schedule, Bringing Changes for 27,000 Households

The Oud West City Council voted on Tuesday evening to adopt a new household waste collection schedule, a move projected to affect more than 27,000 local homes starting next month. The new plan brings Oud West in line with neighbouring cities, introducing fortnightly collection for general waste while expanding weekly recycling pickups.

Aligning Waste Services with Regional Norms

This policy shift comes after a review by the city's Sustainability Committee earlier this year, which found Oud West lagging behind nearby areas such as Molenwijk and Buitenpoort when it comes to recycling rates and waste diversion. The city’s report noted that while regional diversion targets rose to 55 percent in 2025, Oud West’s rate has stalled at 48 percent for the past two years. City officials said the updated schedule mirrors changes adopted in neighbouring cities, where reduced landfill pickup is paired with increased recycling options in an effort to cut down on landfill volumes and reduce operational costs.

For residents, the most noticeable impact will be a change in collection days and the type of material picked up each week. Fortnightly general waste pickup means householders will need to plan ahead, especially those in larger multi-unit dwellings. The city’s expanded recycling program will include doorstep pickup for soft plastics, placing Oud West on par with cities like Zuidhaven that introduced similar services in 2025. The changes will be communicated by letter to all affected addresses, according to the city’s announcement.

Data, Costs and Community Impact

Council budget papers for the 2026-2027 financial year estimate that adjusting the waste service will save approximately €420,000 over twelve months, mainly through lower landfill fees and more efficient route planning. Figures from the Oud West Waste Report 2025 show that each household produced an average of 432 kg of landfill waste per year, well above the 388 kg average reported by the regio’s Waste Cooperative. If Oud West matches regional recycling gains, policy analysts expect a reduction of at least 1,000 metric tonnes of landfill waste annually.

Some residents have raised concerns about the adequacy of bins for fortnightly rubbish, particularly families and those without space for additional containers. City staff say they will offer larger or additional general waste bins upon request, funded by the implementation budget. Local advocacy groups highlight the need for public education and support during the transition to minimise improper dumping, which rose by ten percent in Zuidhaven after their own policy shift last year.

Rollout and Next Steps

The council’s timeline lists a series of community information sessions set to begin on July 15, with printed guides to be distributed from July 20. The policy takes effect citywide on August 5. Householders are encouraged to check their address on the council’s website for specific collection calendars. Monitoring data, published quarterly on the city’s online transparency portal, will track participation and any increases in recycling volumes. Council staff say a review is scheduled for March 2027, with adjustments expected if key diversion and cost targets are not met. For Oud West residents, the coming weeks will bring both practical adjustments and the promise of greater alignment with regional environmental commitments.