Het Hogeland leads Groningen in waste reduction with lowest residual waste per resident
Residents of Het Hogeland produce significantly less residual waste than other municipalities in Groningen, saving costs and resources. Their efforts highlight how proper waste separation can reduce environmental impact and waste disposal fees for households.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Het Hogeland |
| Residual waste per resident | 92 kg (2024) |
| Groningen average | 130 kg (2024) |
| Waste disposal tax increase | 22.5% (2019-2024) |
| Inflation (same period) | 23.7% |
| Diftar+ introduction | January 1, 2021 |
| Waste disposal tax ranking | 5th out of 10 municipalities in Groningen |
| Upcoming initiatives | Replacement of glass/textile containers, reusable diaper trial, etc. |
The municipality of Het Hogeland is responsible for waste management policies and infrastructure, ensuring residents have access to proper waste separation systems. Their role includes implementing measures like Diftar+ to incentivize waste reduction and maintain affordable waste disposal taxes.
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Residents of Het Hogeland produce the least waste in Groningen
Residents of the municipality of Het Hogeland separate their residual waste well. As a result, they produce the lowest number of kilos of residual waste in the province of Groningen. This is evident from figures provided by Statistics Netherlands (CBS).
Residual waste
Residents of Het Hogeland produce an average of 92 kilos of residual waste. In other municipalities in Groningen, the average is 130 kg (in 2024).
By residual waste, we mean the kilos of waste that remain after post-separation. High-tech machines are used to extract as many raw materials as possible from your waste. For example, drink cartons, cans, and plastic. These can be reused. The waste that remains is residual waste. This is ultimately incinerated. However, it remains important that you separate your waste properly. Paper, textiles, and other types of waste can no longer be reused if you dispose of them in the grey container. Read more at Welk afval waar.
Waste disposal tax
The largest decrease in kilos of residual waste occurred after the introduction of Diftar+ on January 1, 2021. Diftar+ means you pay for each time you present the container, plus an amount per kilo for the waste in the grey container. In addition, you pay a fixed annual amount for the waste disposal tax. In recent years, the costs have remained in line with the general increase in prices (inflation). From 2019 to 2024, the waste disposal tax increased by 22.5%. In the same period, inflation in the Netherlands, according to the CPI, was 23.7%. The excess revenue from the waste disposal tax has largely been used to keep the rates for 2026 the same as those for 2025. Compared to other municipalities in Groningen, our waste disposal tax is average: fifth out of the 10 municipalities in Groningen.
What will we be doing in the coming years?
- In 2026, the underground glass and textile containers will be replaced. These will be given their own color in line with national guidelines. In other municipalities, this has been shown to have a major impact on the amount of separated materials collected.
- A study has been conducted into the environmental street in Usquert. Here, we see opportunities for increased reuse and possibilities for people with a distance to the labor market.
- We have launched a campaign offering a 'trial package of reusable diapers.' Parents of children up to and including 3 years old can request a free trial package to try reusable diapers.
- We are increasing our communication efforts. This way, residents will have a better understanding of what goes where and what happens to a waste stream after it has been separated and handed in.
In short: as a municipality and as residents, we are already doing very well, and it can get even better! Together, we are committed to producing as little waste as possible.