Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region – Ongoing strikes by waste collectors trigger severe garbage buildup, raising health concerns and public frustration across multiple municipalities
Brussels is facing a growing waste crisis after consecutive strikes by bin collectors disrupted garbage collection services, leaving streets piled high with multi-coloured waste bags. Residents across several communes are voicing frustration as the situation worsens, particularly in heavily affected areas like Schaerbeek.
The disruption began after a national strike on 12 March 2026 protesting federal government budget cuts. While services had yet to fully recover, a second three-day strike by waste collection operators compounded the issue, creating a backlog that authorities say could take up to ten days to clear.
Bruxelles-Propreté, the city’s public waste management agency, has warned that returning to normal operations depends heavily on workforce availability. In the meantime, collection teams are prioritising white and orange bags due to health risks, leaving recyclable waste such as blue and yellow bags unattended in many areas.
Schaerbeek has emerged as one of the worst-hit communes, particularly for food waste collection. Residents have reported garbage piling up to alarming levels, with some streets seeing waste stacks exceeding a metre in height.
Local business owners are among those most affected. Mohamed, who runs a grocery shop in Schaerbeek, described the situation as unbearable. He told local media that rubbish has accumulated directly in front of his shop, creating both hygiene issues and deterring customers.
Residents have also expressed concern over the impracticality of storing waste indoors. While authorities advised people to keep certain bins at home during the disruption, many say they lack the space to do so.
Nina, a local resident, pointed out that not all households have balconies, terraces, or sufficient storage space. For many, leaving waste outside remains the only option, despite the risks of attracting pests.
The current crisis has reignited a broader debate about cleanliness in Brussels. Critics argue that the problem extends beyond temporary strikes and reflects deeper systemic issues in the city’s waste management policies.
A citizens’ collective known as “40 Comités” recently issued a public statement highlighting what they describe as a collective failure. According to the group, Brussels is not inherently dirty but is being made dirty due to poor management and lack of effective enforcement.
They also noted that in some cases, streets appear dirtier after waste collection than before, raising concerns about operational efficiency and accountability within the system.
Public frustration is further fueled by differences in waste disposal practices compared to other cities. Some residents have questioned why the use of rubbish bins is not mandatory in Brussels, noting that leaving bags directly on the street makes them vulnerable to animals such as rats and birds.
The issue of waste infrastructure has also come under scrutiny. The regional government has proposed installing underground waste containers as part of a broader reform strategy. However, previous studies suggest that such systems may not significantly improve waste sorting or overall cleanliness.
Research conducted by environmental organisations indicates that underground containers often attract illegal dumping around their vicinity. Additionally, concerns have been raised about potential damage to underground infrastructure and the city’s subsoil.
Despite these challenges, the new regional leadership is pushing for changes aimed at reducing operational costs. Proposed measures include reducing the frequency of waste collection for certain categories, such as collecting paper and cardboard every two weeks instead of weekly.
Unsorted household waste collections may also be standardised to once a week across all communes. Officials argue that these changes align with usage patterns and are necessary to address budget constraints.
However, these proposals have yet to be implemented and will require further consultation with trade unions and waste management staff. Given the recent strikes, negotiations may prove complex.
For many residents, the immediate concern remains the visible and growing waste on their streets. Some have expressed feeling disrespected by the city’s inability to maintain basic cleanliness standards.
One Schaerbeek resident told local media that they have reached their limit, describing the situation as unacceptable. They emphasized that while citizens are expected to respect their city, they also expect the same level of care in return.
Health concerns are also mounting as waste continues to accumulate. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to uncollected garbage can increase the risk of disease, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
As Brussels works to restore normal waste collection services, the crisis serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between public services, labour relations, and urban management. Without long-term solutions, residents fear that similar situations could arise again.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
