The Dutch city of Rotterdam's practice of printing poetry on bin trucks has been granted the status of intangible cultural heritage. This formal recognition comes from a Dutch body responsible for preserving the nation's traditions.
Since a poetry festival initiated the idea in 1988, lines of verse have been displayed on all of the city's waste vehicles. Joan Nunnely, the deputy mayor for culture, community and language, stated that what began as a unique idea has now become an integral part of the city.
Proponents of the programme suggest it is both democratising and uplifting, aiming to make poetry accessible to all Rotterdammers. Paul Keijzer, a waste collection worker who began driving litter trucks in 1988, noted that the poetry provides an additional connection to the city and inspires various reactions from the public.
Diana Chin-A-Fat, director of Poetry International, which conceived the initiative, highlighted that the tradition has become deeply embedded in the city's identity. Poet and spoken word artist Derek Otte added that it demonstrates Rotterdam's modern identity, combining poetry with garbage trucks to convey important messages.