Amsterdam is bracing itself for dustbins overflowing with rubbish and a huge stink in the streets as waste processing workers begin a three-day strike in a row over the government's plans to increase the waste incineration tax. While garbage will still be picked up during the strike, none of it will be processed, a prospect that could lead to a backlog in the city's waste system.
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National Drive Against Crackdown on Incineration Tax Hike
The strike, by trade union FNV, is aimed at the Dutch government's plans to raise waste incineration tax by €567 million. The union says this is intended to compensate for revenue lost from ditching the levy on single-use plastics. FNV is scared that this would then be cheaper than exporting waste and jeopardize the existence of Dutch recycling and waste processing businesses.
The union has been sensitive to public upset, calling for a "public-friendly" strike: Mats will be put off, but the waste they collect will not be disposed of during the strike.
Amsterdam Gears Up for Overflow and Stench
Amsterdam refused to honor trash during the strike and fears have mounted about hygiene and public order. Alderman Hester van Buren has warned council members that full containers, extra trash on the street, and bad smells can be expected to the extent especially around the most busy areas.
A previous strike, in 2023, left the city center covered with fast-retorting garbage.
To lessen the impact of the strike, the city upped waste collection before the strike started and asked residents to hold onto their trash if they could. Extra waste will be temporarily housed at a site on Nieuwe Hemweg.
Van Buren also took aim at the government's tax hike, stating it will punish waste processors rath.
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