If you’ve been strolling around in Leiden, you may have noticed some new additions to some of the parks: pizza box recycling bins. The Dutch municipality has installed these pizza box stations to prevent crowded bins and littering caused by the food containers.

Pilot programme for pizza box waste bins in Leiden

Pizza boxes are a nuisance, not only for us to throw away but also for sanitation workers in various Dutch cities. After residents have stuffed them into waste bins, they often cause blockages because of their size.

The new recycling bins designed especially for pizza boxes have slots that allow you to easily deposit your used pizza box inside. Each container can hold a few dozen pizza boxes to later be recycled. To test out the pizza box trash bins, four have been placed in the Van der Werfpark and Kiekpark in Leiden. The success of the trial will be determined by how well-used the bins are and whether they are used for their purpose.

More important steps for waste need to be taken

Many people are not entirely pleased with the new recycling bins, as the city is only dealing with part of the problem. Overflowing bins alongside the canals are a big issue that will not be completely solved by the pizza box bins.

It has been suggested that more waste bins be added in general, and that they should be emptied more frequently. Ensuring bins can be securely closed to prevent birds and other animals from pulling trash out will also reduce littering. 

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