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Circular focus - Sorting and collection of organic waste
Description of the action and objectives
Green Deal action
Significant changes to the Waste Management Act happened in 2021, the majority of which will come into effect on January 1, 2023. The Act places increased responsibility on individuals and legal entities to sort waste and label containers and on the collection of fees for waste treatment.
Implementation period
Planned completion in the second half of 2023
Status: In progress
Status report on January 1, 2023
With the Act on the Circular Economy, which entered into force in January 2023, it is mandatory to classify household waste into four categories at home: paper, plastic packaging, organic waste (food scraps), and mixed waste. The municipalities in the capital area: Garðabær, Hafnarfjörður, Kjósarhreppur, Kópavogur, Mosfellsbær, Reykjavík, and Seltjarnarnes have been working on the preparation of the system for the past two years. The collection of sorted organic kitchen waste in Reykjavík began on September 1, 2021, and was expanded to more districts in 2022
Older status reports
The table shows older status reports with information on the progress of the action since its inception (if you're using your phone, it's better to turn it sideways).
| Timing | Progress description |
| July 2022 |
The collection of sorted organic kitchen waste in Reykjavík began on September 1, 2021, and was expanded to more neighborhoods in 2022. Waste per capita is decreasing between years, and Reykjavík residents produced the least amount of waste in the metropolitan area in 2021. |
The actions of the Green Deal are linked to Reykjavík City's policies, which include:
Reykjavík City departments:
Related actions
The table contains actions related to this initiative, and you can access more information by clicking on the "action title" in the table (if you're using your phone, it's better to turn it sideways).
Environmental goals
- 1. Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions | Green Deal Carbon-neutral city by 2040 and adaptation to climate change in an eco-friendly manner.
- 2. Increased carbon sequestration and enhancement of green areas | Green Deal Increased cultivation, utilization, and connection between green spaces.
- 3. The City is adapted to the impacts of climate change | Green Deal Combating climate change and adapting to it.
- 4. Bætt aðgengi að heilnæmum útivistarmöguleikum og matvælum Emphasis on public health objectives and increased urban living.
- 5. Sustainable transportation | Green Deal Investment in transport infrastructure based on green and diverse principles.