Throwing away trash, Hollebolle Gijs-style

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Gijs and Job from De Laak Elementary School, along with Moris, the graffiti artist, and Alderman Jan Slootweg, at the unveiling of the trash can

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 elementary school in West Maas en Waal its own theme for two trash cans in its village. Some of the themes include: music and peace, animals, sports, and vacations. Graffiti artist Moris brought these themes to life. Over the past few weeks, he has been painting the trash cans in the villages. Alderman Jan Slootweg: “We expect that this will encourage our (younger) residents to throw their trash in the trash cans more readily. That trash can be used as raw material for making new items. In any case, the trash cans add a cheerful touch to the neighborhood.”

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.

Unveiling of the trash can