Cleaning & Care

Many factors need consideration when cleaning, maintaining and preserving Reykjavík City's land areas.

Cleaning Up Together

Reykjavík City urges the City's residents to join forces in cleaning up the City after winter and welcoming spring with a smile. Residents could have more initiative and take responsibility and they are reminded that Sorpa recycling centers accept garden waste and tree trimmings free of charge.

Snow and ice clearing

When snow falls or if there is slippery ice in Reykjavík, we work according to the winter service contingency plan, and the snow shift goes to work. Conditions are monitored regularly and workers are sent out as needed.

Grass Mowing

When spring arrives and the ground grows, it's time to start thinking about mowing. Reykjavík City handles mowing in city-owned areas. We mow all grass on city land, public parks, next to urban highways, and on the grounds of all Reykjavík primary schools and preschools. We do not mow private lawns and encourage residents to familiarize themselves with lot boundaries.

Benches and waste containers

The city's benches offer a place to rest weary bones and enjoy the surroundings. Waste containers, located near all city benches, help keep our environment clean.

Containers are emptied daily in the center of Reykjavík. Containers in other parts of the city are usually emptied weekly. The focus is on making waste containers visible and easily accessible. Waste containers are also located by all benches in the city.

Reykjavík City maintains benches continuously, whether due to weather or vandalism.

Street and pedestrian path sweeping

Winter did not treat all of us well—and streets and pedestrian paths are certainly worse for winter. That is why most of the street and pedestrian road cleaning takes place in the spring, and into summer, even though they also get a little cleaning in the fall to prepare for the coming winter.