No matter how harmless they may seem, incorrectly sorted items in PMD can have a significant impact. Faced with a rising number of sorting mistakes, Fost Plus sounded the alarm at the end of 2024. Since then, the organisation has launched an ambitious action plan together with its partners. In addition to communication about proper sorting behaviour and raising awareness of the potential impact of sorting errors, concrete action is also being taken on the ground.
Enforcement
Intermunicipalities can work with their waste collectors to apply refusal stickers to incorrectly sorted PMD bags. This allows for immediate intervention at the source. The new stickers also include a section where the collector can leave a message. Bags with such a sticker are not collected and must be taken back by the resident, re-sorted, and only then presented again at the next collection.
Knoledge building
Fost Plus offers training and information materials for waste collectors, recycling park staff, transfer stations, etc. In this way, we support them in recognising sorting errors more quickly and taking appropriate action. With this train-the-trainer approach, we aim to help as many people as possible guide citizens to sort correctly.
Communication
Alongside Fost Plus’ national campaign on radio, TV, online and billboards, we also support intermunicipalities in communicating effectively with the residents in their area. This ensures that messages can be tailored to local needs.
Intermunicipalities and waste operators who would like more information about this action plan can contact: partners@fostplus.be.
