Ixelles Eyes Underground Waste Containers in Bid to Modernize Urban Cleanliness
Credit: Engels
Brussels, The Gulf Observer: The municipality of Ixelles is taking steps toward modernizing its waste collection system by exploring the use of underground waste containers as a cleaner alternative to traditional rubbish bags left on the streets.
This initiative is part of a broader municipal cleanliness plan, and while waste management and street cleanliness are largely under the jurisdiction of the Brussels-Capital Region, local authorities in Ixelles are seeking to take a leadership role in rethinking urban waste solutions.
“Rubbish bags on the streets are out of date. We should look at the many examples of European metropolises where they put waste underground,” said Ixelles councillor Gerard Oosterwijk (Vooruit). “It is good to see that the municipality of Ixelles is taking a serious look at this and wants to take steps.”
The idea was included in the socialist PS-Vooruit list as part of its platform ahead of the October local elections, underscoring the increasing importance of cleanliness in the political debate across Brussels.
Cleanliness as a Municipal Priority
Ixelles councillor for cleanliness Geoffroy Kensier (Les Engagés) confirmed that the municipality is evaluating several innovative approaches. “All options are on the table,” he said, emphasizing that the municipality is studying waste collection systems in other European cities as part of its research.
“Ixelles wants to take the lead in cleanliness within the Brussels-Capital Region,” Kensier stated. He highlighted that underground containers could be integrated into urban planning, especially in new neighbourhoods and building projects.
A pilot project is already under consideration, targeting merchants around the Ixelles cemetery, where the deployment of underground waste containers could significantly reduce the presence of rubbish bags in public spaces.
Challenges Ahead
Despite growing political will, Kensier acknowledged that implementing underground containers on a larger scale will face financial and operational challenges. To move forward, the municipality aims to consult with the Brussels-Capital Region and examine the potential for public-private partnerships, seeking creative and sustainable alternatives to the current system.
The move reflects a growing consensus that traditional waste disposal practices no longer meet the needs of a modern urban environment, and that Ixelles could serve as a model for other Brussels municipalities looking to innovate in the domain of cleanliness.
