Belgian municipal waste management transitions

Various Belgian municipalities are transitioning to new waste management systems and fee structures to encourage better recycling and reduce residual waste.

In Beernem, the municipality is moving from bag-based collection to a container-based system as part of a transition to the DifTar (differentiated tariff) system scheduled for March 1, 2027. This initiative aims to meet an OVAM target of reducing residual waste to 90 kg per inhabitant by 2030. Public information sessions have been organized to allow residents to select container sizes and address concerns.

Similarly, Kapellen is implementing a DifTar system on June 1, 2026, using chipped containers to weigh residual and organic waste, replacing the previous sticker and bag method. Meanwhile, the municipalities of Lennik, Roosdaal, Ternat, and Pepingen have announced increases in recycling center fees for bulky, construction, and hard plastic waste due to rising operational costs. While officials state these changes promote conscious waste management, some opposition members have raised concerns regarding the financial impact on citizens and the risk of increased illegal dumping.