Swap stops will be stored for the winter
Reykjavík’s swap stops are a summer initiative; they are now heading into winter storage and will be set up again next summer. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the circular economy and strengthen it. Launched in 2025, the project operated at three locations this summer.
The first swap stop was set up on Sundlaugavegur. Residents welcomed the pilot, prompting the addition of two more swap stops this summer—one at Eiríksgata and another at Sogavegur. This brought services closer to residents and encouraged people to put items to good use instead of throwing them away or buying new ones.
Swap stops are always located at recycling drop-offs, and SORPA bs. monitors them as it does other recycling drop-offs in the capital area. The swap stops also exemplify the circular economy, as they are repurposed bus shelters fitted with shelves. The shelters are intended for small, usable items.
“As we put the shelters into storage, we want to thank everyone for the positive response, and we’ll continue next summer,” says Friðrik Klingbeil Gunnarsson, an engineer at Reykjavík City’s Office of Environmental Quality.
