Throwing away trash, Hollebolle Gijs-style
On May 27, students from De Laak Elementary School stood with Alderman Jan Slootweg on the corner of Lakenstraat near the petting zoo in Wamel. There, they unveiled a trash can—and not just any trash can. This trash can was decorated with graffiti by Moris, a graffiti artist. A total of 20 trash cans have been decorated with graffiti. Two in each village, and four in villages with two elementary schools.
Last year, De Laak Elementary School received the most votes at the Children’s City Council for its plan titled “Making Trash Disposal Fun.” They developed this plan further, and it has now been implemented. “It’s so cool that our idea won and we now see our trash cans all over the city,” said one student.
Throwing away trash becomes fun
The students at De Laak wanted to do something about the litter in areas where many young people gather. By decorating trash cans in those areas with fun graffiti designs, they’re hoping for the “Hollebolle Gijs effect.” It’ll be fun to throw your trash in the bin.
Various themes
Every primary school in West Maas en Waal devised its own theme for two litter bins in their respective village. Some themes include music and peace, animals, sports, and holidays. Graffiti artist Moris elaborated on these themes. In recent weeks, he has been busy painting the litter bins in the villages. Alderman Evert Jan Slootweg states: “We expect that our (younger) residents will dispose of their waste in the litter bins more readily as a result. This waste can then be used as a raw material for making new items. In any case, the litter bins add a cheerful note to the surroundings.”
Children's City Council
On Thursday, November 16, 2023, the municipality organized the Children’s City Council. During an exciting council meeting, the plan submitted by De Laak Elementary School in Wamel was ultimately chosen by all the children as the winning project. In consultation with De Laak Elementary School, graffiti artist Moris, and the municipality, agreements were reached regarding the implementation of the plan.