Guide to donating and recycling items in the Netherlands

Núria SL
Oct 1
2 min read

Updated: Oct 5

Moving, decluttering, or simply refreshing your home often means you’ll find things you no longer need. Instead of throwing them away, you can give them a second life. The Netherlands has an excellent system for donation, recycling, and reuse. Here are the main options:

1. Kringloopwinkels (Thrift Stores)

Kringloop shops are everywhere and accept furniture, clothing, kitchenware, toys, and more. They resell items affordably and support local social projects.

· Popular chains: Het Goed, Rataplan, Kringloopcentrum

· Tip: Check your city’s local kringloop — most offer pick-up for large items.

2. Clothing Donation Containers

Across cities, you’ll find textile containers for clothes, shoes, and linens. Even worn-out textiles can be recycled.

Look for containers run by Sympany, Leger des Heils ReShare, or your municipality’s waste service.
Clothes in good condition are donated; the rest are recycled into fibers.

3. Online Platforms for Giving Away Items

Marktplaats: list for free pickup.
Facebook Marketplace or local groups.

These are great for smaller things (electronics, books, decor, clothes, shoes).

4. Household Waste & Recycling Centers (Afvalbrengstation)

Each gemeente (municipality) has a recycling center for things that can’t go in regular bins. You can bring:

Electronics & appliances
Batteries & light bulbs
Paint, chemicals, or construction waste
Large furniture
Used cooking oil

Check your local gemeente website for opening hours and accepted materials.

5. Specialized Donations

Food banks (Voedselbank) → non-perishable food and hygiene products.
Refugee organizations (VluchtelingenWerk, RefugeeHelp) → clothing, bicycles, baby gear.
Animal shelters → old blankets, towels, or pet supplies.