Eeklo (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Eeklo’s Kringloophuisje collected 250 devices, 80 bikes. M-accent repairs them. Ronny Vandeputte: The project grows, creates jobs, and expands to more parks.
AS VRT News reported, Eeklo’s, in the province of East Flanders, Belgium, recycling park has introduced the Kringloophuisje, which is changing how people handle reusable waste. They mentioned that this small space lets people donate old bikes, appliances, and other household items.
This year, they collected 250 electrical appliances, a big jump from only 17 the year before. Also, 80 bikes have been donated, compared to just 10 previously. According to officials, more residents are aware of the value of reusing and repairing items instead of throwing them away. The park rangers play a key role by guiding visitors and explaining what can be donated. They help people rethink what they consider waste and understand which items can still be used.
How is Eeklo’s Kringloophuisje turning waste into jobs?
After collection, items go to M-accent, a local social enterprise. M-accent checks, fixes, and renovates the items. Ronny Vandeputte from M-accent says people often don’t realise what they throw away. Many items just need small fixes to be reused.
M-accent sells the items at low prices. He mentioned that this system helps the environment and creates jobs for people in job training programs. The Kringloophuisje is more than just a drop-off spot; it shows how sustainability, education, and helping people can work together locally.
“They have followed extra training and have now become real ambassadors of reuse,” Vandeputte explains.
According to Vandeputta, the Kringloophuisje in Eeklo is doing well, collecting more reusable items and creating jobs. Because people are donating more bikes and electronics, there’s a need for workers to fix them. M-accent has hired 4 more people to handle the repairs.
These jobs often go to people in social programs, helping them find work. He mentioned that the project helps reduce waste and supports local jobs. The repair work, like fixing toasters and bikes, keeps materials from being thrown away and teaches workers new skills.
Eeklo is expanding to other recycling parks. Vandeputte says they knew it could be successful, but the response has been even better than expected. Other towns want to start similar programs. People and park workers both love the project.
“That’s why we’re expanding to a second recycling park next month,”
Vandeputte added.
“We want to involve all recycling parks as soon as possible.”
