Dutch cities compete to replace tiles with greenery in national championship
From March to October, municipalities across the Netherlands are competing to remove tiles and create greener spaces. Residents in Wierden can access subsidies and a free Tile Taxi to help transform their gardens, improving climate resilience and biodiversity.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Dutch National Tile-Ripping Championship (NK Tegelwippen) |
| Duration | March 19 – October 31, 2026 |
| Participating Municipality | Wierden (part of the 'Twente Wippers' group) |
| Subsidy Availability | Partial reimbursement for greening gardens, rain barrels, etc. |
| Tile Taxi Service | Free collection of ripped-out tiles (April 1 – October 31, excl. summer) |
| Minimum Tile Area | 5 m² |
| Maximum Tile Area | 20 m² |
| Registration | www.nk-tegelwippen.nl |
| Inspiration & Tips | www.groenblauwtwente.nl |
The Dutch National Tile-Ripping Championship is organized by municipalities and environmental organizations to promote climate adaptation and biodiversity. Local governments, like Wierden, facilitate participation by offering subsidies and logistical support to residents.
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Read the full translated article below
Dutch National Tile-Ripping Championship 2026 Kicks Off: Wierden Joins Again!
From March 19 to October 31, 2026, the Dutch National Tile-Ripping Championship (NK Tegelwippen) returns! During this nationwide competition, municipalities will compete to replace as many tiles as possible with greenery. Once again, the municipality of Wierden is participating, alongside other Twente municipalities in the "Twente Wippers" group.
The friendly rivalry promises to be fierce again this year, with various actions, tile taxis, and neighborhood initiatives. But the Dutch National Tile-Ripping Championship is about more than just winning. By replacing tiles with grass, flowers, trees, and façade gardens, we make our living environment more climate-resilient, cooler on hot days, and more attractive to insects and animals.
Green Schoolyard at Het Galjoen
In Wierden, the first tiles have already been ripped out. Students from Het Galjoen, together with the school, parent council, and municipality, have started greening their schoolyard. A green schoolyard sparks curiosity about nature and contributes to biodiversity and a better climate. A great example of how we can make Wierden greener together.
Subsidies and Tile Taxi Help Residents Get Started
Residents looking to green their gardens can take advantage of a subsidy scheme. This reimburses part of the costs for, for example, replacing tiles with greenery, installing a rain barrel, or disconnecting rainwater pipes.
Additionally, there is the free Tile Taxi from Twente Milieu. This service collects ripped-out tiles from your home for recycling. The Tile Taxi operates from April 1 to October 31 (excluding the summer vacation).
Get Involved!
Planning to replace tiles with greenery? First, apply for a subsidy via the website of the municipality of Wierden. Have you ripped out tiles? Report them via www.nk-tegelwippen.nl, so they count toward Wierden’s Tile Counter.
How the Tile Taxi Works:
- Register for the Dutch National Tile-Ripping Championship
- Then schedule an appointment via Twente Milieu
- Place your tiles on the street before 07:30 on the agreed day
- Note: The minimum area is 5 m² and the maximum is 20 m².
Looking for Inspiration?
Visit www.nk-tegelwippen.nl or go to www.groenblauwtwente.nl for inspiration, handy tips, and practical examples for a green garden.
Together, we can make Wierden greener. Will you join in?