This system, jointly supported by the commune of Etterbeek and Bruxelles-Propreté, will be operational from November 17. It offers the 110 local households more flexibility to deposit household waste between 7 am and 10 pm. The first access badges have been distributed.
Located near the European institutions, Place Jourdan attracts many visitors, posing cleanliness challenges related to household waste bags. The sorting area includes four underground containers (residual, food waste, recyclables) and a zone for paper/cardboard.
Residents will use the official Bruxelles-Propreté bags but deposit them in the sorting area via their badge. Containers will be emptied regularly by Bruxelles-Propreté. Businesses must maintain their collection contracts; only those without on-site storage and under contract with Bruxelles-Propreté will have access.
Information sessions and leaflets have been provided to affected households to explain the system. This project is the result of close collaboration between the commune of Etterbeek, which initiated the process, and Bruxelles-Propreté, which funded and installed the equipment.
To address the risk of illegal dumping, both partners will coordinate their actions. Etterbeek's Mayor, Vincent De Wolf, highlights that this project offers a concrete solution to the accumulation of garbage bags and reflects a strong political will to improve residents' living environment.
This initiative, launched in December 2024, aligns with the new regional strategy for developing sorting areas. State Secretary for Public Cleanliness, Audrey Henry, announced plans for 120 sorting areas across the region, aiming to provide more flexibility for residents and greater cleanliness in the streets.
The development of sorting areas is a key pillar of the cleanliness reform planned for late 2027, with 120 facilities projected during this legislature. 11 communes have expressed interest, with applications open until December 15. The Jourdan facility will be monitored.
