New Waste Collection System in Tervuren
Effective: March 2026 (and for some from October 1, 2025)
The municipality of Tervuren, in collaboration with the intermunicipal association Interrand, is implementing a new collection system based on the “polluter pays” principle. Specifically, the current garbage bags will gradually be replaced by a system of chip-enabled containers and sorteerstraten (underground container stations). Citizens will now pay according to the weight of their waste.
1. Two systems for disposing of your waste
- Home containers (40 L, 140 L, 240 L, or 1100 L).
- Sorteerstraten (underground container stations) accessible with an electronic badge.
In both cases, fees depend on the weight of waste produced. Interrand determines for you which system applies. Sorteerstraten will be used in the streets of the Tervuren and Moorsel centers.
2. Main Rates (2024 values, indexed annually)
- Residual waste: €0.32/kg
- Organic waste (GFT): €0.16/kg
- Container rental 140 L: €0.70/month
- Container emptying 140 L: €0.65 (residual waste) – €0.10 (GFT)
- Sorteerstraat subscription: €1.40/month
3. Practical Example: Family of 5
Estimated annual production:
- Residual waste: 100 kg × 5 = 500 kg
- GFT: 30 kg × 5 = 150 kg
- 20 collections per year if using a container.
| Cost Item | 140 L Container | Sorteerstraat |
|---|---|---|
| Rental / subscription | €8.40 | €16.80 |
| Collections (20/year) | €15.00 | – |
| Residual waste processing (500 kg × €0.32) | €160.00 | €160.00 |
| GFT processing (150 kg × €0.16) | €24.00 | €24.00 |
| Total Annual | €207.40 | €200.80 |
Currently (with bags), you pay €1.70 per large residual waste bag. Assuming 30 bags per year (overestimation), the annual cost is €51.
4. What this changes for you
- You will no longer need to purchase garbage bags (except PMD).
- You will have a container or an access card for a sorteerstraat.
- Your bills will now depend on your sorting habits and the actual quantity of waste produced.
- You will receive a detailed statement of your deposits and payments via Interrand.
In summary:
Starting March 2026, every household or business in Tervuren will pay for waste according to volume, weight, and number of collections, using a system: the more you throw away, the more you pay.
To learn more and read our perspective on this topic, consult our analysis here: Diftar in Tervuren: an unfair, costly, and visionless reform
