Amsterdam Introduces New Waste Bins to Combat Can Scavengers
- Amsterdam is rolling out a new type of waste bin designed to combat the persistent problem of scavengers foraging for deposit cans and bottles.
- City Executive Member for Waste Management Hester Heinhuis announced the initiative, highlighting a mechanical design flaw in the municipality's legacy street furniture.
- And when you let go of this one, there is a mechanism inside that ensures the bin closes really well.
Amsterdam is rolling out a new type of waste bin designed to combat the persistent problem of scavengers foraging for deposit cans and bottles. City officials acknowledge, however, that hardware modifications alone will not solve the capital’s litter crisis.
Amsterdam Battles Scavengers With Redesigned Street Bins
City Executive Member for Waste Management Hester Heinhuis announced the initiative, highlighting a mechanical design flaw in the municipality’s legacy street furniture. Current street bins routinely stay propped open after use, offering easy access for individuals hunting for cans.
Current trash cans don’t do that. They stay open. And when you let go of this one, there is a mechanism inside that ensures the bin closes really well.
Hester Heinhuis
Hardware Upgrades Meet Behavioral Realities
Despite the mechanical upgrades, city leadership stresses that the new hardware is only a partial fix for a broader cultural challenge. Heinhuis noted that residents must alter their habits regarding public waste disposal.
According to municipal observations, keeping public spaces clean requires citizens to hold onto their refuse longer rather than abandoning it when a bin appears full. The city also suggests that social enforcement within neighborhoods will play a role.
People simply need to keep their waste with them longer. (…) And it also means that you might have to start addressing each other a bit more often again if someone puts their waste down incorrectly.
Hester Heinhuis
Evaluating the Deposit System in Amsterdam
While acknowledging that the current scheme is not operating effectively across Amsterdam, Heinhuis cautioned against hastily dismantling the regulatory framework.
City officials confirm that litter problems associated with scavengers have worsened since the implementation of the deposit rules. Even so, the municipality maintains that outright abolition of the deposit program remains premature until broader systemic evaluations are complete.
It is not functioning well as it stands. But in all honesty, I don’t know if abolishing that regulation would be the immediate solution. However, we have seen it worsen. That is true. So I also think you have to be very honest about that.
Hester Heinhuis