Zoetermeer residents urged to swap tiles for greenery in final national championship
Zoetermeer is calling on residents to replace garden tiles with greenery to combat heat, waterlogging, and biodiversity loss. Join the last Dutch National Tile-Removal Championship, access subsidies for green roofs, and get free garden advice to make your home more climate-resilient.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Dutch National Tile-Removal Championship (March 19 – October 31, 2026) |
| Municipality Involvement | Zoetermeer (public spaces: De Leyens, Meerzicht) |
| Free Tile/Sand Disposal | Up to 3 bags at Self-Drop-Off Depot |
| Green Roof Subsidy | Available for residents/businesses (see details) |
| Water Catchment Subsidy | Check options at waterschappen.nl |
| Garden Advice | Free visits from Garden Rangers |
The Zoetermeer municipality is promoting urban greening to address climate challenges like heat stress and waterlogging. By participating in national initiatives and offering local subsidies, it encourages residents to contribute to a more sustainable and biodiverse city.
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Fewer tiles, more greenery in the city
We want more greenery and fewer tiles in our city. This keeps our city cooler in the summer, reduces waterlogging because rainwater can better soak into the ground, and creates more space for plants and animals. That is why we are participating again in the (probably last) Dutch National Tile-Removal Championship and are asking you to join us.
What is the Dutch National Tile-Removal Championship?
The Dutch National Tile-Removal Championship runs from March 19 to October 31, 2026. This year’s event will likely be the last one organized. During the championship, we aim to replace as many tiles as possible with greenery. The municipality will do this in public spaces, but you as a resident can also do this in your garden or on your own property. Report the number of tiles you have replaced at www.nktegelwippen.nl/tegelstand.
Tips and actions
We are happy to help you make our city greener. That is why we have compiled a number of useful tips for you.
Tiles and sand
The tiles you remove from your garden can be taken to the Self-Drop-Off Depot. You may bring up to 3 bags that you can carry yourself free of charge.
There may be a layer of sand under your tiles. If this layer is more than 10 centimetres thick and you want to grow plants there, you will need to remove part of the sand. You may also bring up to 3 bags of sand that you can lift yourself free of charge to the Self-Drop-Off Depot. Please note: you may bring a total of 3 free bags of tiles, soil, or sand. This means not 3 bags of tiles and 3 bags of sand.
Bees and butterflies
Are you choosing plants for the spot where you removed tiles? Then opt for plants that attract bees and butterflies. Bees in the Netherlands are struggling, and you can help by expanding their habitat with the right plants. Garden centres often indicate which plants attract bees and butterflies, or you can ask the staff for advice.
Advice about your garden
Would you like advice on how to make your garden greener? A Garden Ranger can visit you to look at how you can add more greenery to your garden, with more space for nature. The Garden Rangers provide concrete tips and ideas tailored to your wishes. More information at www.tuinrangers.nl.
Subsidy for a green roof
The Zoetermeer municipality is offering a subsidy for green roofs. Residents, businesses, and institutions can receive part of the cost of installing a green roof on an existing building, up to a certain maximum amount.
Why a green roof? Green roofs retain rainwater and allow it to drain slowly, helping to prevent waterlogging. In the summer, green roofs also lower temperatures and create a more pleasant living environment. They also contribute to more plants and animals in the city, making the city greener and more liveable.
Applying for the subsidy is straightforward. All the information you need is available at Subsidy Green Roofs Zoetermeer 2025-2027.
Subsidy for water catchment systems
A water catchment system is a great way to add greenery to your garden and reduce the impact of extreme rainfall and drought. With climate change, these events are becoming more frequent.
Water catchment systems refer to anything that collects rainwater in your garden. This prevents rainwater from unnecessarily burdening the sewer system. Your garden itself can act as a water catchment system: disconnect your downspout, create a small channel to guide water through the garden, and let it soak into the ground. Alternatively, collect water in a rain barrel and use it as a buffer during drier periods.
Subsidies are also available for water catchment systems. You can check the options at waterschappen.nl/extreem-weer/watervanger/#subsidiechecker.
Where is the municipality working?
If we ask you to make your garden greener, the municipality must, of course, lead by example. That is why, like last year, we will be making several locations in Zoetermeer greener. Think of shopping centre De Leyens and several streets in Meerzicht.