Belgian municipalities implement waste management and fee changes

Several municipalities in Belgium are implementing changes to waste management systems and pricing. In Kapellen, a new Diftar system will take effect on June 1, 2026. Under this system, residual and organic waste will be collected via chipped containers that record the weight of the waste. This transition replaces the previous system of waste stickers and specific bags, as the principle is to reward residents who produce less waste with lower costs.

Separately, the municipalities of Lennik, Roosdaal, Ternat, and Pepingen have announced increases in recycling center fees due to rising collection, processing, and transport costs. For items such as bulky waste, construction waste, and hard plastics, rates are expected to rise from 16 euro cents per kilogram to 24 euro cents. While local officials state these increases aim to encourage more conscious waste management, opposition members have expressed concerns regarding the financial burden on citizens and the potential for increased illegal dumping.