New PMD waste rules simplify recycling for Dutch households
From March 2026, Dutch households can recycle more types of packaging in the PMD waste stream, including coffee capsules and aerosol cans. This change makes waste separation easier and boosts recycling efforts, reducing waste and conserving resources.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| New PMD items (2026) | Aluminium/plastic coffee capsules, empty aerosol cans, large foils, combined packaging (e.g., bread bags, soup bags) |
| 5-second test | Is it packaging? From your household? Empty? If yes, it belongs in PMD. |
| Why separate? | Reduces waste, increases recycling, and lowers incineration needs. |
| Resources | Yes/No List (PDF), Waste Separation Guide |
The Municipality of Maashorst, responsible for local waste management, implements these changes to align with national recycling goals. Their role includes educating residents and ensuring compliance with waste separation regulations to improve sustainability.
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Updated Yes/No List makes separating PMD waste even easier
Thanks to improvements in sorting and recycling processes, all household packaging made of plastic, metal, and drink cartons can now be disposed of in the PMD waste stream. Proper separation thus becomes much clearer and easier.
From now on, coffee capsules, household aerosol cans (such as deodorant and hairspray cans), large foils, and combined packaging like bread and soup bags can also be placed in the PMD waste.
Take the 5-second test
Want to know if something belongs in the PMD bag? Ask yourself these three questions:
- Is it packaging made of plastic, metal, or a drink carton?
- Does it come from your household?
- Is it empty?
Three times yes? Then it belongs in the PMD waste.
What’s new?
New as of 2026 are, among other things:
- Aluminium and plastic coffee capsules
- Empty aerosol cans (such as deodorant, hairspray, and whipped cream cans)
- Large packaging foils
- Combined packaging with plastic or metal, such as:
- bread bags with a plastic window
- soup and chip bags
- spice sachets
Not sure?
Unsure where a package belongs? Check the Yes/No List (PDF, 5.7 MB) or consult the Waste Separation Guide (This link leads to another website). This way, you’ll quickly know where your waste should go.
Why is proper separation important?
By separating waste better, we collectively ensure less waste, more recycling, and a cleaner Maashorst:
- Valuable raw materials do not end up in residual waste
- More materials are reused
- Less waste needs to be incinerated
Note: Empty = better recyclable
Food residue makes recycling difficult or even impossible.
What can you do?
- Shake out packaging
- Squeeze them out
- Scrape out leftovers
- Rinsing is not necessary (coffee cups do not need to be empty)
This helps ensure as much material as possible is reused.