Opening tubes for PMD containers to prevent contamination
Starting this week, all 103 containers for plastics, metal packaging and drink cartons (PMD) at the 55 Maastricht sorting stations will be fitted with a tube behind the opening. The opening tubes should prevent large waste items and large rubbish bags from ending up in the PMD containers.
Why PMD containers will be fitted with opening tubes
Over the past year, our PMD waste has become increasingly contaminated by construction debris, food waste, full grey bin bags and other types of waste. The waste management facility rejects PMD loads that are contaminated, which means we have to have these loads incinerated as residual waste. This not only harms the environment, but also costs hundreds of thousands of euros a year.
Since 1 December 2022, we have equipped some PMD containers with tubes as a trial. The tubes are placed inside the containers, behind the opening, so large waste items and full rubbish bags no longer fit. Regular PMD can still go into the container, as the circular opening on the outside remains the same. The pilot showed that the waste from PMD containers with tubes is less contaminated and more often approved by the waste management facility.
Please bring your waste to a milieupark (recycling centre) if it does not fit through the tube.
PMD explained
Plastics, metal packaging (tins, cans) and drink cartons (PMD) can be placed in a PMD container at a sorting station or recycling centre. Reprocessors can make these materials into a variety of products such as shampoo bottles, lunch boxes and buckets. If you separate your plastic packaging, tins and drink cartons, you will have less residual waste left. This allows you to save money on residual waste bags and helps protect our planet. Visit Plastics, metals and drink cartons (PMD) | Gemeente Maastricht or check the waste sorting guide in the Milieu App to find out what goes in the PMD container.
