From dead chickens to diapers and wood waste in organic waste containers: “We are going to check incorrect sorters more strictly” (Sint-Niklaas)

“Gft stands for vegetable, fruit and garden waste. But we have noticed that many people use the containers to dump waste that does not belong there,” says Maxime Vanderhaeghen, spokesperson for MIWA. (Read more below the photo)

For example, the garbage collectors found used diapers, compostable bags, bread bags, plastic bags, wood blocks, vacuum cleaner bags and even dead chickens in the green containers. “And that is not the intention,” says Vanderhaeghen. “Mistakes happen out of ignorance or inattention. But unfortunately the collection team also has to deal with residual waste that is hidden under a layer of organic waste. The collectors then have to manually remove it from the collection truck during the round wrong avoid waste in the garbage truck.”

“If residual waste ends up in the organic waste bin, the entire load of the collection truck cannot be composted, but must be processed as residual waste. So get burned. Very polluting and also very expensive”

Maxime Vanderhaeghen

Spokesperson MIWA

“That is why MIWA will organize strict checks on the correct sorting of organic waste in the coming weeks,” says the spokesperson. “Throwing your waste in the wrong container has major consequences. If residual waste ends up in the organic waste bin, the entire load of the collection truck cannot be composted, but must be processed as residual waste. So get burned. Very polluting and also very expensive. Every citizen is partly responsible for this.” (Read more below the photo)

A team from MIWA will now accompany the regular collectors of organic waste in the coming weeks. “Containers with sorting errors are not emptied. They remain standing with an information hanger on the container stating the reason why it was refused,” Vanderhaeghen added.

If you have any doubts about what may or may not go in the green or blue bag, you can find all the information on the waste calendar or the sorting guide at www.miwa.be.