All fixed metal bins to be removed from metro stations

Brussels public transport operator Stib has begun removing all of its fixed metal waste bins from metro stations as they no longer meet the security criteria required since the terror threat level in the city was raised to level 3 a year and a half ago.

A Stib spokeswoman said it was no longer practical to keep the bins, as "police asked us systematically to lock them shut". She added: "As a result, since the Novemmber 2015 lockdown, the bins were more often shut than open."

Alternative solutions have been found, by installing temporary bins with transparent bags. The Stib is now looking at a long-term solution and assessing its options. In the meantime, 500 more temporary bins are being placed at metro and pre-metro stations. All the metal bins will be removed by the end of March.