Amsterdammers unite for National Cleanup Day this Saturday
This Saturday, residents across Amsterdam will join forces to tackle litter in their neighborhoods during National Cleanup Day. Volunteers like Gina Houwer show how collective action can make a difference, turning frustration into pride—and cleaner streets for everyone.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | National Cleanup Day |
| Date | March 21, 2026 |
| Location | Amsterdam, with focus on Indische Buurt (Indies Quarter) |
| Organizer | Afval Activisten Indische Buurt (Waste Activists Indies Quarter) |
| Frequency | Monthly clean-up events |
| Common Litter Types | Plastic, cigarette butts |
| Participation | Open to all; join via supportervanschoon.nl |
| Incentive | Free coffee at local hospitality venues after clean-up |
The City of Amsterdam supports community-driven initiatives like National Cleanup Day to promote environmental responsibility and civic engagement. By facilitating access to resources such as waste grabbers and publicizing local clean-up events, the municipality encourages residents to take an active role in maintaining a cleaner city.
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Read the full translated article below
'Cleaning up together is more fun': come help out at National Cleanup Day!
This Saturday, March 21, is National Cleanup Day again. Amsterdammers will take to the streets together to clean up their neighbourhoods. Gina Houwer, an enthusiastic resident from the Indische Buurt (Indies Quarter), is one of the volunteers committed to making Amsterdam cleaner. She is part of the Afval Activisten Indische Buurt (Waste Activists Indies Quarter), which rolls up its sleeves every month.
“Why do I participate? Of course, I can get annoyed by all the litter on the streets, but I can also do something about it myself. Working in a group is more fun than doing it alone, and it’s nice to see that I’m not the only one bothered by the litter.” She receives positive reactions from neighbours who are curious about what’s happening. “We often bring flyers with us and invite them to join in.”
An example
Gina sometimes confronts people who litter. “Not everyone reacts well to that. ‘I pay taxes, don’t I?’ is what I often hear. That leaves me speechless. Tax money isn’t meant for that. Especially when children are present, I think: what kind of example are you setting as a parent?”
Cigarette butts and plastic
“We mainly find plastic and cigarette butts. People toss butts out of car windows or onto the ground and then head back into the café. Of course, I wonder why people litter, but that thought doesn’t help me. Cleaning up with people who share the same mindset does.”
The Afval Activisten Indische Buurt
The clean-up group Gina is part of organises monthly clean-up events. This Saturday, they will also join National Cleanup Day. “We start with a group of people and then split up to tackle smaller sections of the neighbourhood.” The group also has a clear strategy: “We begin near a hospitality venue, where we’re treated to a free cup of coffee at the end. It makes the clean-up event cosy and feels like a true shared activity. After an hour of work, you look with pride at a clean street.”
Join in on National Cleanup Day
Would you like to help make the city cleaner too? Grab a trash bag, put on some gloves, and head out into the streets. Or join a clean-up event in your neighbourhood.
- All clean-up events in Amsterdam can be found at supportervanschoon.nl
- Want to join Gina and her neighbours? Check the call-up dates.
The woman in the photo is not Gina Houwer.