Utrecht launches first upcycling hub to cut waste and boost circular economy
Utrecht’s new upcycling centre, ‘Up Utrecht’, offers residents and businesses a space to repair, reuse, and upcycle materials. This initiative supports the city’s goal of becoming waste-free by 2050, empowering citizens to contribute to a sustainable future while learning new skills.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Centre | Up Utrecht |
| Location | Werkspoorkwartier district, near Hof van Cartesius, Utrecht |
| Size | 350 m² |
| Materials Source | Donated by residents at Tractieweg waste separation station |
| Activities Offered | Workshops, repair sessions, workbench hire, exhibitions, circular startups |
| Second Centre | 800 m² facility in Lunetten (opening later in 2026) |
| Municipal Goal | Fully circular city by 2050 |
| Opening Date | 21 March 2026 |
| Key Figures | Alderman Susanne Schilderman (Circular Economy), Bianca Ernst (UP Utrecht foundation) |
The Municipality of Utrecht is responsible for implementing policies that promote sustainability and reduce waste. This upcycling centre is part of the city’s broader strategy to transition to a circular economy, aligning with national and European environmental targets.
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Utrecht’s first upcycling centre officially opened
Utrecht has a new first: the city now has its own upcycling centre. Residents, entrepreneurs and organisations can use the space to reuse, repair and upcycle materials and appliances. The centre is called ‘Up Utrecht’ and marks an important step towards a waste-free city by 2050.
The new 350 m² upcycling centre is located in the Werkspoorkwartier district, near Hof van Cartesius. Alderman Susanne Schilderman (Circular Economy) officially opened Up Utrecht today alongside the UP Utrecht foundation. Alderman Schilderman said: “Utrecht is in desperate need of more places where the circular city can come to life. The way we handle our raw materials is no longer sustainable. That’s why I’m so proud of this new, special location for the city. A centre where repair, upcycling and reuse are central, and where everyone can get involved. Here, residents give their items a second life, learn new skills and, step by step, help build a circular future.”
Up Utrecht operates entirely with materials donated by residents at the waste separation station on Tractieweg. The centre offers workshops, repair sessions, the hire of workbenches and exhibitions. It also provides space for craftsmanship and new circular business ventures. Bianca Ernst (UP Utrecht foundation) said: “With Up Utrecht, we aim to ensure as many people as possible recognise the value of materials and actually start working with them. Up Utrecht offers plenty of opportunities to really get to grips with sustainability: accessible, practical and with a healthy dose of creativity.”
Alderman Susanne Schilderman at the opening of Up Utrecht today. Photo: Sol German
Celebratory programme packed with circular activities
Today, Up Utrecht transformed into a lively festival site with workshops and activities. Visitors could adopt plants in second-hand pots, browse beautiful items from Emmaus & De Arm thrift stores and race in a self-built circular soapbox with a team of friends. Activities aren’t limited to today: the entire week offers sustainable events at Up Utrecht and across the city as part of the 2026 Circular Economy Week.
On the road to a circular Utrecht by 2050
The upcycling centre is one of the initiatives the municipality is using to work towards a fully circular city by 2050. This means waste will no longer exist, and raw materials will be reused over and over again. Later this year, Utrecht will open a second upcycling centre: a larger facility of around 800 m² in Lunetten. Last year, the new Trechterweide raw materials depot also opened. Here, the municipality collects, repairs and cleans used materials from public spaces so they can be reused in the city.
Be sure to visit Up Utrecht! Check out the upcycling centre and all of Up Utrecht’s activities on the website: Activiteiten Agenda | Door hergebruik, reparatie en upcycling maken we de cirkel rond! — UP Utrecht