Local municipal policy and waste issues in the Netherlands

In Gouda, residents of the Korte Akkeren neighborhood have reported significant pollution and odor nuisance linked to an underground waste container. Locals have described the smell as being as bad as ‘a corpse’ and noted that waste is frequently left beside the container or hanging from lamp posts. These issues reportedly intensified following the 2025 introduction of separate PMD (plastic, metal, and drink cartons) collection. While the municipality maintains that the container complies with distance regulations, residents continue to express frustration regarding hygiene and litter.

In Bodegraven-Reeuwijk, local authorities are managing social and housing policy developments. A new policy plan for 2027-2031 has been introduced to support residents lacking sufficient basic skills, a demographic representing 27% of the local population. Furthermore, following discussions with the Province of Zuid-Holland, the municipality is reviewing housing regulations for labor migrants and unaccompanied minor refugees. Proposals have shifted toward permanent housing at locations such as Nespad and Goudseweg, with the potential to increase labor migrant housing capacity to 200 residents.