When a village shares: how Ipolytölgyes supports residents and cuts waste

Nestled near Hungary’s border with Slovakia, the tiny municipality of Ipolytölgyes is quietly redefining what rural sustainability can look like. Through a simple initiative called the “Long Ladder” project, the village is tackling isolation, inequality, and waste all at once, by letting locals borrow what they need, instead of buying it.

A new model for local resilience

The “Long Ladder” isn’t just a project, it’s a practical philosophy. One that says: small municipalities can thrive by sharing resources, fostering community spirit, and offering smart, cost-effective services tailored to local needs. The concept? A municipal tool rental service that lends everything from shovels and hedge clippers to kayaks, crutches, sport equipment, and even tables for family events.

In a region where city services are distant and often unaffordable, this initiative makes life easier for residents, especially lower-income families and new arrivals. But its benefits go far beyond convenience.

Why it works

At its core, the “Long Ladder” makes the most of what’s already there. The municipality simply opens up its fleet of public equipment, originally bought for mandatory tasks, and shares it with residents. 

For residents, it means they don’t have to spend money on expensive tools or equipment they’ll only use once in a while. There’s no need to travel far or worry about storing things they rarely use. Instead, they get quick access to help with home repairs, medical needs, or simply enjoying leisure time.

For municipalities, it’s a chance to show they’re truly invested in the community. It strengthens their relationship with residents and demonstrates how smart, shared use of resources can go a long way.

From an environmental standpoint, it cuts down on unnecessary purchases and packaging, lowers emissions from transport, and promotes a culture of sharing and long-lasting use, core principles of the circular economy.

More than tools: building community capacity

By encouraging a culture of sharing and mutual support, this project strengthens community bonds. Some of the tools even come from local residents or international partners, donated for the common good.

It’s a flexible, participatory model that empowers municipalities to solve local problems with local solutions, while connecting across borders.

Not without challenges

Of course, lending tools isn’t all smooth sailing. Challenges include:

• Delayed returns and urgent borrowing needs.
• Wear and tear on equipment.
• Increased time for administration and maintenance.

To mitigate this, the municipality:

• Asks residents to borrow tools during weekday hours only.
• Occasionally helps deliver large or heavy items.
• Offers tool use free of charge, minus a minimal handling fee.
• Sets clear expectations about return times and responsible use.

And it’s working. Demand is highest for hand tools like spades, saws, and wheelbarrows, but event gear like tables and benches is also popular.

Driving a culture of waste prevention

What’s especially exciting is how this ties into broader zero waste principles. By sharing tools, the village cuts down on unnecessary purchases, packaging, and material consumption. But they go even further:

• Municipal waste collection fees are covered for residents.
• Hazardous and electrical waste can be dropped off year-round.
• Green waste is collected for residents who can’t compost.

This is a comprehensive, community-first approach to resource use and waste prevention.

Recognised and replicable

The impact of Ipolytölgyes hasn’t gone unnoticed. The “Long Ladder” project won the 2023 Grand Prize of the SozialMarie social innovation award, along with a special prize for service development from the Association for the Promotion of Local Development.

“This project shows that solidarity and sustainability, not private ownership, can be the backbone of a local economy” said Ipolytölgyes’ Mayor Bertalan Radnai.

The project has been running for five years and now is well established in the municipality, with positive experiences and many people contributing to the success of the scheme by donating their surplus assets that are no longer used. 

And they’re not stopping. Future plans include digitising the service via a mobile app, automating parts of the lending process, and continuing to grow the community’s sense of shared responsibility.

A model for Europe?

As rural communities across Europe search for ways to retain residents, lower costs, and cut waste, the “Long Ladder” offers an inspiring blueprint. It’s simple, scalable, and rooted in real-world needs.