Commercial waste collection in Dutch cities is a free market in which many waste collectors
operate independently. Collaboration among waste collectors is a relatively recent phenomenon
that is still in its infancy. This study develops a Python-based simulation model using OSMnx and
Google OR-tools to assess the potential benefits of collaboration in waste collection in Rotterdam. Four collaborative scenarios are simulated, three of them in a collaborative setting. Results show that collaboration can significantly reduce the distance traveled by vehicles and the costs for waste collectors, with smaller waste collectors benefiting the most. While full collaboration offers the greatest efficiency gains, even constrained partnerships improve operations. These findings highlight the potential for collaboration to enhance urban logistics and sustainability.