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 came 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. Changes to residential waste collection have been completed. Changes to collection at recycling drop-offs will take place in the first half of 2024.
Implementation period
Planned completion in the first half of 2024
Status: Completed
Status report on July 1, 2025
Action completed.
Older status reports
| Timeline | Progress description |
| July 2024 | Changes to waste collection at households have been implemented. Modifications to recycling drop-off locations have begun, and the future setup of recycling centers is under review. |
| July 2023 | In 2023, a significant change in waste collection occurred, with the distribution of new bins divided by district. Bin distribution began in May 2023 and will conclude in September 2023. |
| January 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 |
| 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. |
Reykjavík City departments:
Related
Environmental goals
- 1. Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions | Green Deal A carbon-neutral city by 2040 and environmentally sustainable adaptation to climate change.
- 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. Improved access to healthy outdoor recreational options and food | Green Deal Emphasis on public health objectives and increased urban living.
- 5. Sustainable transportation | Green Deal Investment in transport infrastructure based on green and diverse principles.