Verse from the waste land: Rotterdam’s poetic bin lorries granted cultural status
The Dutch city of Rotterdam has received official cultural heritage status for its long-standing tradition of printing poetry on the sides of its municipal waste collection trucks. The initiative, which began in 1988, aims to make literature accessible to all citizens in their daily lives.
Why it matters
This recognition highlights unique urban cultural practices and the democratization of art in public spaces.
A Rotterdam road sweeper. The poem by Alfred Schaffer translates as: ‘And one more step, and step by step, I step away from myself’. Photograph: Irene Hoekstra A Rotterdam road sweeper. The poem by Alfred Schaffer translates as: ‘And one more step, and step by step, I step away from myself’. Photograph: Irene Hoekstra Netherlands Verse from the waste land: Rotterdam’s poetic bin lorries granted cultural status Lyrical lines printed on side of city’s fleet of rubbish trucks now recognised as one of Netherlands’ proud traditions
Prefer the Guardian on Google It is best known for its rich migration history and striking modern architecture. But now the Dutch city of Rotterdam is seeking recognition for a rather different characteristic: its tradition of printing poetry on bin trucks.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in