Brussels Garbage Collection Disrupted by Strike

Garbage collection across Brussels has been severely disrupted by Monday’s public-sector strike, leaving large amounts of household waste uncollected.

The regional cleaning agency, Brussels Cleanliness, reported major delays, particularly in Anderlecht, Saint-Gilles and Laeken, where around 70% of white garbage bags were not collected. In Forest and Ixelles, approximately 60% were left behind.

Collection services were also affected in central Brussels, while some household waste and glass collection rounds were canceled.

Residents had been asked not to put out blue bags for plastic and metal packaging or yellow bags for paper and cardboard. The agency says some people ignored the request and is asking residents to bring those bags back inside until the next scheduled collection day.

The strike has added to a backlog left by Friday’s labor action. Brussels Cleanliness plans to organize additional collection rounds, but it could take several days to clear all the accumulated waste.

Further disruptions were expected in several Brussels municipalities on Monday afternoon and evening.