Strategic plan for urban cleanliness in Brussels

Aproach

Development of the strategy

Möbius facilitated the completion and approval of the strategic plan through constructive discussions and iterative revisions with all involved stakeholders: municipalities, Leefmilieu Brussels, MIVB, Brussel Mobiliteit, Safe.brussels, and various Brussels services. 

The plan was structured around three pillars – government services, citizens, and businesses – and encompassed 14 major challenges and 65 concrete actions. After initial approval by the Brussels government, a broad consultation with municipalities was held, followed by a thorough budget analysis. 

After approval, Möbius coordinated the launch and dissemination of the strategy, officially named clean.brussels. The strategy was presented during a press conference and inaugural event attended by over 100 stakeholders from the sector. 

Implementation of the plan

From 2023 onwards, the focus shifted to the execution. Möbius guided the rollout of a new governance model through the establishment of a Cooperation Council (Regio-Municipalities), bringing together various Brussels actors. This Council, prepared by a limited Bureau, meets twice a year to align execution and set priorities. Möbius took on the operational organisation and follow-up to ensure decisions were turned into concrete actions. 

Additionally, thematic working groups were established around areas such as waste management, voluntary collection points, and complaint management. These work structures allowed stakeholders to develop joint solutions. 

To further stimulate collaboration and knowledge sharing, a Cleanliness Forum was organised in 2023, gathering more than 100 actors from Brussels and surrounding regions (Wallonia, Flanders, Northern France). 

Möbius closely followed the execution of the 65 measures using a roadmap and systematic evaluations. Progress reports and feedback from responsible parties were analysed, allowing the strategy to be continuously adjusted. 

Project call for municipalities

A significant lever in the execution was the urban cleanliness project call for Brussels municipalities, managed by Möbius and supported by Bruxelles-Propreté. With a budget of €2.5 million, 25 municipal initiatives were selected. Möbius designed follow-up tools, provided quarterly reports, and supported municipalities through a helpdesk. This ensured that the resources had a measurable impact on urban cleanliness. 

Results

With clean.brussels, the Brussels-Capital Region now has an integrated and well-supported strategy for urban cleanliness. Through strict coordination, transparent collaboration, and continuous evaluation, Möbius, alongside involved actors, achieved tangible results: 

• Stronger collaboration between regional and municipal actors. 

• Clear governance through the Cooperation Council and thematic working groups. 

• Concrete, measurable improvements through the execution of 65 actions and municipal projects. 
• Sustainable impact on the livability and cleanliness of Brussels. 

The clean.brussels case highlights how strategic planning, co-creation, and change management come together to elevate urban cleanliness. By working shoulder-to-shoulder with public and private partners, Möbius contributed to a shared vision that extends beyond isolated initiatives. The result is a strategy that is not only supported by policymakers but also by citizens, businesses, and municipalities – with the ultimate goal of a cleaner, more livable city.