Located on Dapperstraat, Het Afvalpaleis operates as a sustainable showroom and secondhand exchange space set up inside an anti-squat property furnished like a home. The project aims to reduce waste by promoting reuse, raising local awareness, and offering guidance on sustainable living.
Visitors can take items displayed across the rooms in exchange for voluntary donations. These contributions fund the building rent, support volunteer staff, and keep the centre activities running.
Personal stories behind donated goods
The space is currently presenting ‘Buurtschatten’, an exhibition created by four anthropology students in partnership with the Amsterdam Museum. The students interviewed neighbourhood residents about items they donated, gathering the personal memories tied to each object.
The collected pieces and their background stories are displayed together in glass vitrines throughout the showroom. Highlights include Moroccan baby shoes worn by three brothers and an unused camping lamp brought home from Lithuania during an exchange trip.
Repairing electronics and cutting waste
Beyond functioning as a donation hub, Het Afvalpaleis uses installations, such as stages filled with rubbish bags, to prompt reflection on disposal habits. Another dedicated room is used to repair broken electrical appliances so they can remain in use rather than being thrown away.
Local residents in the Dapperbuurt contribute by dropping off unwanted goods, picking up needed household items, and helping out as volunteers.
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