Belgium is actively committed to environmental protection through regional and national policies aligned with the European carbon neutrality goals by 2050. Each region develops its own plans to preserve biodiversity, improve air quality, manage waste sustainably, and encourage more ecological mobility. This article presents the main actions and initiatives for a more environmentally friendly lifestyle in Belgium.
Environmental policy in Belgium
Each region of Belgium has its own environmental policy. Wallonia, for example, implements the Air Climate Energy Plan (PACE) and the Mobility Plan. These two plans consider sustainable development at the regional level.
In Brussels, the Regional Sustainable Development Plan (PRDD) now manages the planning and management of green spaces, including parks and forests. There are also two other networks:
- Green,
- Blue.
These two networks support the integration of biodiversity by defining green spaces and wetlands. Although it is the capital of Belgium, Brussels is filled with numerous green spaces: forests, gardens, parks, private estates, green cemeteries, etc.
Also note that the Flemish region has the Flemish ecological network, known as Vlaams Ecologisch Netwerk in Dutch. This network includes significant natural entities, as well as all existing and developing ones. The environmental management plan of the Flemish region is dedicated to the upstream implementation of environmental objectives over several years. It addresses the environment, nature, and energy while revolving around annual programs designed to achieve the objectives agreed upon between various institutions and the region.
Since 2021, Belgium has aligned itself with the European Green Deal and committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Biodiversity and protected natural areas in Belgium
The green spaces and other natural environments in Belgium are subject to very delicate protection measures in all regions. Some sites are even listed under Natura 2000, a European program aimed at preserving biodiversity and natural habitats.
In addition to this initiative, each region (Wallonia, Flanders, Brussels-Capital) implements its own conservation plans, which include the sustainable management of parks, nature reserves, and wetlands. These initiatives aim to protect flora and also to strengthen ecological connectivity between different natural spaces, in order to better preserve local biodiversity in the face of climate change effects.
Waste management and recycling in Belgium
In Belgium, selective sorting is practiced. This means that residents are asked to sort glass, cardboard, plastic, and organic waste (fruits, vegetables, peels, herbs, etc.). You can deposit these wastes in your community's recycling center, as each has one. At home, for example, you will use the blue bag to dispose of PMD waste (plastic packaging, metal packaging, beverage cartons).
In most cities, jars and glass bottles must be sorted according to whether they are clear or colored. However, opaque glass, such as porcelain and mirrors, among others, cannot be recycled in the city. They must be delivered to recycling centers, along with large items.
As for cardboard and paper, they must be clean enough to be recycled. Packaging that comes into contact with food (butter pots, yogurt pots, etc.), toilet paper, and tissues are not recyclable. They are considered non-selectable waste.
Organic waste can be collected in the orange bag, but you can also use a compost bin or dispose of it at the waste disposal site.
Anything reusable, such as mattresses, bedding, furniture, and ready-to-wear clothing, can either be returned to thrift stores, delivered to recycling centers, or disposed of in textile containers.
If you have electronic waste, you simply need to find a nearby recycling point to drop off your batteries, bulbs, etc. These are blue bins that you will generally find in your supermarket or in some local electronics stores.
For expired medications, you can return them to your pharmacy. They will know how to properly dispose of these medications.
In Belgium, the Recycle! app (available nationwide) helps you manage your waste daily. It indicates collection days in your community, sends personalized reminders, explains how to sort your waste correctly, and locates drop-off points for batteries, glass, and electronic devices.
Good to know:
In case of public road pollution in Belgium, fines are imposed. They generally range from €50 to €125. This amount can be five times higher if the offense is serious.
Ecological mobility in Belgium
Belgium is constantly investing in infrastructure to encourage sustainable modes of transport. New safe bike lanes and bicycle parking are being developed every year, especially near train stations and major roads.
Cycling remains a very popular means of transport throughout the country, supported by regional cycling plans (such as the Plan Fiets in Flanders or the Plan Good Move in Brussels). These programs aim to reduce the presence of cars in the city and promote soft mobility.
In the event of an accident with a car in Belgium, cyclists always benefit from enhanced legal protection: even if the driver is not at fault, insurance generally covers the cyclist's bodily and material damages.
At the same time, Belgium is also developing sustainable public transport (electric buses, trams, and low-emission trains) and encourages the use of car-sharing and shared electric scooters.
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