The Unexpected Joy of No Garbage Day in Amsterdam
Taking out the garbage might seem like an odd subject for a YouTube video, but the convenience and cleanliness of Amsterdam's waste disposal system are truly remarkable. Unlike many other cities, Amsterdam eliminates the hassle of a designated "garbage day" altogether.
The Frustrations of Traditional Garbage Collection
In many places, garbage trucks operate on a weekly schedule, requiring residents to store waste outside. This system presents several challenges, including:
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The inconvenience of hauling bins.
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Dealing with scavenging animals like raccoons.
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The unsightliness and odor of garbage stored on the street.
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The stress of remembering garbage and recycling schedules.
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In Toronto, garbage and recycling were picked up on alternating weeks, leading to further complications.
The Solution: Underground Containers
Amsterdam utilizes underground containers to solve these problems effectively. This simple yet ingenious system offers numerous advantages:
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No need for individual bins: Residents don't need to store garbage bins outside their homes.
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Reduced truck traffic: Garbage trucks don't need to travel down every street.
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Clear sidewalks: Garbage bins don't obstruct pedestrian walkways.
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Elimination of garbage day: There is no fixed schedule to worry about.
How the System Works
Underground containers are located throughout the city, often multiple within a short distance of each other. Locations are often identified via online maps. These locations always contain garbage containers, but may also include recycling containers for paper, glass and plastics. When a garbage bag is full, residents simply drop it off at the nearest container. The city regularly empties the containers, sometimes using advanced bins that notify them when full and even have built-in compactors. Large item pickup is handled separately.
The Benefits of Amsterdam's System
The underground container system contributes significantly to the quality of life in Amsterdam. Residents enjoy:
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The freedom from worrying about garbage schedules.
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A cleaner and more pleasant environment, free from unsightly trash.
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The absence of animal-related garbage messes.
The system's effectiveness demonstrates a simple yet impactful solution to a common urban problem.