ROTTERDAM, 8 December 2025 – Rotterdam has confirmed temporary changes to household waste collection around Christmas and New Year. Residents are advised to check adjusted schedules to avoid missed collections or street clutter.
Bin collection changes during the holiday period
During the Christmas and New Year period, household waste and recycling collection follows an adjusted schedule. When a public holiday falls on a regular route, the collection day shifts; details are provided through the city’s official channels.
Collections that would normally occur on 25 and 26 December and on 1 January are rescheduled per neighbourhood. The municipality notes that underground and other “wijkcontainers” are generally emptied on public holidays, except on Christmas Day.
How residents can check their schedule
Residents can look up exact collection dates by postcode and house number via the municipal Afvalwijzer (waste guide) or the English-language waste page; app notifications can be enabled for reminders.
The city’s overview page on waste services also links to container maps and practical guidance for each waste stream, including paper and cardboard and organic (gfe+t) schedules.
Container use and public collection points
Underground containers across the city will remain accessible throughout the holidays, though residents are advised to avoid peak times immediately after Christmas. Overflowing containers are more likely during this period due to increased household waste.
The municipality has reiterated that bulky waste (grofvuil) should not be placed next to containers without an appointment, even during holiday weeks. Enforcement will continue, and fines may be issued where waste is left incorrectly.
Why this matters for neighbourhoods
Adjusted collection schedules are intended to keep streets accessible for emergency services and minimise nuisance during busy holiday weeks. When bins are put out on unscheduled days, pavements can become obstructed and waste can be scattered by wind or animals.
By checking the correct dates in advance, residents can help keep neighbourhoods clean and avoid unnecessary complaints or enforcement action during the festive period.
Looking ahead to January
From early January, regular collection schedules will resume across most districts. The municipality has advised residents to use underground containers if storage space becomes limited during the holidays, rather than placing extra bags beside household bins. Further information, including district-specific updates, will be published online in the final week of December.
