Structured collection and recycling of as much flat glass waste in the Netherlands as possible: that is the mission of Vlakglas Recycling Nederland. We are a small organization that operates nationwide. To collect flat glass waste in the Netherlands as efficiently as possible:

• we have contracts with nationally operating transport companies and international flat glass recyclers;
• we work together with collection points, usually located at glass companies and environmental parks;
• we coordinate the levying of the recycling fee on insulating glass, which is used to finance the Dutch flat glass collection system;
• we inform the public and those involved about the possibilities and rules regarding flat glass recycling.

Flat glass Recycling Netherlands; a valued system

In 2004 we received the Glass Award because of its cross-sector image .

Vlakglas Recycling Nederland is working hard to reduce CO2 emissions. We do this with our carrier and has already resulted in winning the Lean and Green Award  in 2011 and the Lean and Green 1st and 2nd Star  in 2012 and 2017. In 2015 we have the  Lean and Green Award Personal Mobility may receive for the CO2 reduction on commuting.

Knowing more?

The Flat Glass Recycling Netherlands Foundation was, after a successful pilot, founded in 2002 on the initiative of the Glass Branch Organization (GBO) and the Dutch Glass Federation (NGF). If you would like to know more about this: click on  our history , the partners we work with, our employees and board  or watch our film with a bird's eye view of the history.

History and organization

Vlakglas Recycling Nederland was founded in 2002 on the initiative of the most important parties in the glass industry. Our goal: responsible collection and reuse (recycling) of flat glass waste.

Origin of Vlakglas Recycling Nederland

In 2000, the Dutch flat glass producers took the initiative to set up a recycling system on a voluntary basis in order to fulfill their producer responsibility. The initiative was based on three parties:

• the Manufacturers of Insulating Glass in the Netherlands (FIGIN);
• wholesalers and importers of flat glass, united in the Glass Industry Organization (GBO);
• the Dutch Glass Federation (NGF).

In 2000, a trial was first conducted in the northern provinces of the Netherlands. Because of the good results that were achieved, the then Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment approved the developed system and its financing on 20 December 2001.

2002: Foundation Vlakglas Recycling Nederland is established

The Flat Glass Recycling Netherlands Foundation was established in 2002 to set up a national waste management system. The Foundation has set up a national network of collection points. These include glass companies, construction sites, recycling centers. In addition to these normal collection points for the smaller quantities of flat glass waste, locations have been set up where container loads or large quantities can be dumped: the so-called storage and transhipment locations. The glass is transported from the collection points and storage and transshipment locations to recycling locations abroad.

The system that Vlakglas Recycling Nederland has developed is based on voluntary action. That works well, according to a study by the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment. This study concludes that the system complies with the principles of producer responsibility, and that the Ministry sees no reason to convert this system into legislation.

Activities Flat glass Recycling Netherlands

At the moment, Vlakglas Recycling Nederland employs 7 people (partly part-time). Their main activities are to set up and maintain the collection network, to provide information and education about flat glass recycling, and to ensure that the revenues are received.

Operational responsibility lies with the director of Vlakglas Recycling Nederland. Ultimate responsibility rests with the board . Vlakglas Recycling Nederland has five board members: from the concerns and from the free trade. The board meets three or four times a year to discuss how the activities are progressing and what the future policy looks like.

Vlakglas Recycling Nederland is an independent foundation. The glass sector has no substantive influence on Vlakglas Recycling Nederland. Vlakglas Recycling Nederland does maintain close contacts with the glass industry, because it represents the glass industry. This is a large part of the supporters of Vlakglas Recycling Nederland. In addition, Vlakglas Recycling Nederland maintains contacts with organizations that have a similar assignment.