For 25 years, waste hubs in Leuven's social housing neighborhoods have been helping residents correctly sort and dispose of their waste. What started as a project against illegal dumping and litter has become a fixture in the community. Today, committed volunteers not only assist with waste sorting but also transform these hubs into meeting places where residents get to know each other. The city of Leuven and housing company Dijledal are honoring these volunteers today.
The first waste hubs opened in 2001 in areas such as Sint-Maartensdal, Schorenshof, Casablanca, and Eénmeilaan, as part of the 'Buitengewone Buurt' project. The initiative supported residents in waste sorting while simultaneously helping to reduce illegal dumping and litter.
Today, residents of social housing can still bring their waste there several times a week. The waste hubs offer practical support for waste sorting and serve as a central collection point for waste collection. Moreover, over the years, they have evolved into accessible meeting places within the neighborhood.
“"The volunteers have been the beating heart of this operation for 25 years. They help neighborhood residents with waste sorting, but they are also a trusted point of contact in the area and make time for a friendly chat. This makes the waste hubs much more than just a place to dispose of waste; it's also a meeting point. With this festive gathering, we want to explicitly thank them for that."
Alderman for waste policy, Thomas Van Oppens, also emphasizes the importance of the initiative: “The waste hubs show that good waste collection goes hand in hand with guidance and awareness. Thanks to this accessible support, residents can sort their waste correctly, and we prevent illegal dumping and litter. This is greatly appreciated by our waste collectors. The waste hubs contribute to a cleaner and more pleasant neighborhood for everyone.”
For Dijledal, the waste hubs contribute to the quality of life in neighborhoods with social housing. “Thanks to the waste hubs and the volunteers, residents can dispose of their waste several times a week. This provides extra comfort, space, and hygiene in their homes. Furthermore, this place creates an accessible meeting opportunity with neighbors,” says Hannes De Geest, chairman of Dijledal.
To celebrate the special anniversary, Dijledal and Buurtcentra Leuven organized a festive reception today for all waste hub volunteers. They are thanking the people who have been committed to a clean and warm neighborhood for years.
“"I do this volunteer work because you can really make a difference in your neighborhood. People come here to bring their waste, but they often stay for a chat. Of course, we help with sorting, but in the meantime, we exchange neighborhood news and you get to know many people from the area."
