Circular Network Waardlanden

Reinigingsdienst Waardlanden is the waste and raw materials collector for private individuals in the four municipalities of Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Molenlanden and Vijfheerenlanden. Waardlanden’s ambition is in line with national policy: a 100% circular economy by 2050. Waste and raw materials policy in the Waardlanden area plays an important role in this.

The main question that project partners VerdraaidGoed and Superuse started with is: what spatial interventions and organisational activities are needed to develop a Circular Network, with long-term partners and an optimal balance between clustering and decentralised organisation?

This study examined reference projects and conducted interviews with partners from the circular network. It then looked at data on waste streams and the current spatial layout. A vision for a circular network in 2050 was outlined and tested using propositions. The study is described in a report that includes opportunity maps, a stakeholder map, a timeline and a spatial map.

The spatial map shows how recycling centres are developing into recycling squares or eco-parks, which building blocks of the circular network are involved in this, and how goods and waste flows circulate between the city, neighbourhood, recycling square, and eco-park. From 2022 to 2050, more and more building blocks will be added that enable high-quality local (re)use. It is expected that products will increasingly circulate hyper-locally for longer periods of time before ending up at a recycling centre or eco-park.