Waste collection points in Maastricht
Maastricht wants to manage waste more efficiently. Together, we can reduce waste and increase reuse. That's why the way household waste is collected will be changed step by step. Across many neighbourhoods, local waste collection points will be introduced, featuring underground containers for general (residual) waste.
If you live in a flat or apartment building, waste collection points will also include containers for food waste such as fruit, vegetables and food leftovers. Existing sorting stations (milieuperrons) will remain in place; collection points will be introduced in addition to these.
By separating waste more effectively, we can significantly reduce the amount of residual waste. That’s good for the environment – and for your wallet. Want to find out where a collection point will be located near you? Visit your neighbourhood’s project page.
Information about your neighbourhood
The rollout of waste collection points will take place neighbourhood by neighbourhood between 2026 and 2030. Each neighbourhood’s project page will include:
- dates for local information sessions
- proposed locations for collection points
- an interactive map
- the latest project updates
When waste collection points are about to be installed in your neighbourhood, you will receive a letter with more information. A link to your neighbourhood page will also be added here.
View the information for your neighbourhood
What’s changing?
Underground containers for general waste
In most areas, general household waste will no longer be collected in bags. Instead, you’ll take it to an underground container at a nearby collection point.
This means the familiar red-and-white waste bags will be phased out.
How it will work
- You can dispose of your waste at a time that suits you.
- Access is via your plastic waste disposal pass (milieupas).
- Each time you use the bin (one collection), you pay the same as you would for one 50-litre red-and-white bin bag.
- Charges are calculated and billed annually via BsGW.
- Standard rubbish bags (up to 60 litres) can be used.
What this means for you
- No more need to buy designated waste bags.
- Greater flexibility – you choose when to dispose of your waste.
- By sorting your waste properly, you will have less residual waste and pay less.
Better sorting means less residual waste and lower costs.
New food waste containers for flats and apartments
Residents of flats and apartment buildings will also have access to dedicated food waste containers at their collection point.
How it will work
- Your current 25-litre kitchen caddy will no longer be emptied, but you can still use it at home.
- You take your food waste to the shared container at your building.
- The container is available 24/7.
- Access is via your plastic waste disposal pass (milieupas).
- There is no charge for disposing of food waste.
Why this change is being made
National guidelines on safe working require waste‑collection jobs to be made less physically demanding. When collecting household rubbish, crews often have to lift heavy bags or food‑waste caddies, which puts a lot of strain on their bodies. Using local waste collection points means more of the work can be done with machinery and proper equipment, so staff don’t have to lift as much and can stay healthy in their roles for longer. The new containers also make it easier for you to sort your waste. You can dispose of your food waste and residual waste whenever it suits you.
What does a collection point look like?
A typical waste collection point includes:
- 1 or 2 undergrond containers for general (residual) waste
- a food waste container (for flats and apartment buildings only)
These are separate from existing sorting stations (milieuperrons), where you’ll find containers for materials such as glass or nappies.
When will my neighbourhood be included?
The new system will be introduced neighbourhood by neighbourhood.
Rollout per neighbourhood
- 2026: Amby, Limmel, Nazareth
- 2027: Boschpoort, Belvédère, Bosscherveld, Lanakerveld, Caberg, Oud-Caberg, Malberg, Malpertuis
- 2028: Frontenkwartier, Brusselsepoort, Pottenberg, Dousberg-Hazendans, Daalhof, Belfort, Mariaberg, Wolder, Campagne, Biesland, Jekerdal, Villapark, Sint Pieter
- 2029: Wyckerpoort, Wittevrouwenveld, Scharn, Heer, Vroendaal, De Heeg, Randwyck, Heugem
- 2030: Boschstraatkwartier, Statenkwartier, Kommelkwartier, Jekerkwartier, Binnenstad, Sint Maartenspoort, Wyck, Heugemerveld
What if you live in Borgharen, Itteren, Meerssenhoven or Beatrixhaven?
Collection points will not be introduced in these neighbourhoods. You will receive a letter in 2027 or 2028 with more information.
Residents in these neighbourhoods will receive a mini bin for residual waste at home in 2028. This will be the same type of bin as the green one used for vegetable fruit, garden and food waste.
Collection points are less suitable in these neighbourhoods because the homes are further apart and the areas are more spread out. That is why we have chosen to collect residual waste here using mini bins.
Information sessions about the collection points
We will be holding local information sessions in each neighbourhood. At these sessions, you can:
- learn why the new system is being introduced
- see how locations are selected
- view proposed locations in your area
- share your views and preferences
- ask questions
- submit feedback via an online form.
You are welcome to drop in at a time that suits you. Full details of the sessions will be available on your neighbourhood’s project page as your neighbourhood’s turn approaches.
How are locations chosen?
Not every location is suitable for a collection point. When selecting sites, we take into account:
- road safety
- proximity to homes
- underground cables and pipes
- access for collection vehicles
- the impact on parking and green spaces
Our aim is to keep walking distances within 200 metres wherever possible.
Can residents have a say?
Yes. Residents are actively involved through local information sessions. You’ll be able to view proposed locations and share your thoughts.
All feedback is carefully reviewed, and we will explain how it has influenced the final decisions.
Frequently asked questions about collection points
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Why are we switching to a new way of collecting waste?
National guidelines on safe working require waste‑collection jobs to be made less physically demanding. When collecting household rubbish, crews often have to lift heavy bags or food‑waste caddies, which puts a lot of strain on their bodies. Using local waste collection points means more of the work can be done with machinery and proper equipment, so staff don’t have to lift as much and can stay healthy in their roles for longer. The new containers also make it easier for you to sort your waste. You can dispose of your food waste and residual waste whenever it suits you.
What is a waste collection point?
A waste collection point is a designated area in your neighbourhood with 1 or 2 containers for general (residual) waste. If you live in a flat or apartment building, there will also be a container for food waste.
A waste collection point from a recycling station (milieuperron), where you’ll find containers for materials such as glass or nappies.
Why are food waste caddies being phased out for flats and apartments?
The current 25-litre caddies are heavy and no longer meet national guidelines for waste collection. By introducing shared containers at collection points, disposal becomes more convenient for residents and less physically demanding for staff. You can still keep your caddy for use at home.
Is there a charge for disposing of food waste?
No. Disposing of food waste in the shared containers is free of charge.
Do I need to return my food waste caddy?
No. Although they will no longer be emptied, you can continue using your caddy to collect food waste at home before taking it to the container.
Can I use bags for food waste?
Yes, but only compostable bags are permitted – look for the seedling logo or the OK compost label. Do not tie the bag, as this prevents proper composting during processing. Plastic bags are not allowed, as they contaminate the compost produced from food waste.
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When will the changes take place in my area?
The new system will be introduced neighbourhood by neighbourhood, between 2026 and 2030. You can find the schedule on this page.
Where will my nearest container be located?
Waste collection points will be installed at various locations across each neighbourhood. Proposed sites will be shared on your neighbourhood’s project page and discussed during local information sessions.
How does the municipality decide on locations?
Selecting suitable locations is done in several stages:
Initial assessment
We identify locations that are technically suitable – for example, ensuring collection vehicles can access the site and there are no underground cables or pipes in the way.
Draft proposals
Based on this, we draw up an initial list of possible locations.
Resident input
These proposals are presented at local information sessions, where residents can share their views and any concerns.
Final decision
We review all feedback before confirming the final locations. We will also explain how residents’ input has been taken into account.
Installation
The collection points are then installed. Residents living nearby will be informed in advance.
How far will I need to walk for a collection point?
In most cases, a waste collection point will be within around 200 metres of your home. This may vary slightly depending on the layout of the neighbourhood and available space.
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Can I have a say in where containers are placed?
Yes. Each neighbourhood will have information sessions where proposed locations are presented. You’ll be able to share your views and provide feedback.
What happens with my feedback?
All comments received – whether at meetings or through other channels – are carefully reviewed. We will then explain how this feedback has influenced the final decisions. Once the plans have been formally approved by the municipal executive, there is also an opportunity to lodge an objection if you do not agree with the plans.
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How do the underground containers for residual waste work?
You can open the container using your plastic waste disposal pass and deposit your residual waste. Each time you use the bin (one collection), you pay the same as you would for one 50-litre red-and-white bin bag. These costs are calculated and billed annually via BsGW.
How do I get a plastic waste disposal pass?
You need a plastic waste disposal pass to open the bins. This is a physical card. The digital pass in the MilieuApp does not work. If you don’t have a plastic waste disposal pass, please apply for one.
Can I dispose of waste at any time?
Yes. Waste collection points are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can dispose of your waste whenever it suits you.
What type of rubbish bags can I use?
You can use standard household rubbish bags up to 60 litres.
What happens with the red-and-white waste bags?
Once the new system is in place in your area, the red-and-white waste bags will no longer be accepted.
If you still have unused red-and-white bags, you could give them to someone in an area where the old system is still in place, or donate them to a local food bank.
Why do I have to pay per use?
Charging per use encourages people to separate their waste more effectively. The less residual waste produced, the lower the processing costs. This helps keep overall costs down for both the municipality and residents.
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Are the collection points accessible for people with mobility aids?
Yes. Accessibility is an important consideration in both the design and placement of the containers. They are located along accessible routes such as pavements or footpaths, with sufficient space around them for ease of use.
What if I’m unable to take my waste to the container myself?
If you’re unable to dispose of your waste due to age, illness or a disability, someone else can do this on your behalf. The containers are accessible at all times, making it easier to arrange assistance when needed.
I’m on a low income and currently receive free waste bags. What will change?
If you currently receive free residual waste bags due to a low income, you will instead receive a number of free disposals on your waste disposal pass under the new system. This means your first few uses of the container will be free of charge.
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What if a container is full?
If a container is full, you can use another nearby container.
If you notice a container is full or not functioning properly, please report it via the BuitenBeter app or by calling 14 043.
What happens if someone leaves waste next to a container?
Leaving waste beside a container is not permitted, as it leads to litter and environmental nuisance. If you see this happening, please report it via the BuitenBeter app or by calling 14 043. The waste will be cleared within 3 working days.
What should I do if my plastic waste disposal pass doesn’t work or is lost?
If your plastic waste disposal pass is faulty or lost, you can request a replacement via the page Waste disposal pass | Municipality of Maastricht.
Room rentals with a shared front door
If you live in a rented room and share a front door, you can still use the underground waste containers, provided you have access to a plastic waste disposal pass (milieupas).
- If a pass is already registered at your address, it can be shared among residents.
- If not, your landlord may have one – check with them first.
Charges are based on usage. The annual bill is sent to the landlord via BsGW, so it’s important to agree in advance how costs will be shared.
Landlords of rooms with a shared front door
If you let rooms within a property with a shared entrance, ensure your tenants can use the plastic waste disposal pass linked to the address. As the property owner, you will receive the annual charges via BsGW. Make clear arrangements with tenants about how these costs are passed on.
Information for businesses
The new collection points are intended for household waste only. Businesses are not permitted to use them. If you run a business, you are responsible for arranging your own waste collection.
If you currently pay municipal waste charges (BsGW), you will receive further information later this year.
Contact us
Do you have a question? Please check the frequently asked questions above first. If you still need help, you can send an email to grondstoffenplan [at] maastricht.nl.
When waste collection points are about to be installed in your neighbourhood, you will receive a letter with more information.