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New waste sorting system
A new sorting system has been introduced in Reykjavík in cooperation with neighboring municipalities. The Act on the Circular Economy requires household waste to be sorted into four categories at home. Proper sorting can reduce waste and recycle value instead of disposing of it.
Four categories
Household waste must be sorted into paper and cardboard, plastic packaging, food waste, and mixed household waste.
All homes should have containers for these four categories
Other categories
Beyond home sorting, care must be taken to ensure glass, metals, batteries and toxic waste, textiles, and pharmaceuticals do not end up in mixed household waste. In 2024, metals, glass, and textiles can be returned at most drop-off centers. Pharmaceuticals and their packaging can be returned to pharmacies. Batteries can be returned to recycling centers and gas stations.
Which bins are right for me?
Detached houses: For households with three residents or fewer and little waste, split bins could be suitable. One for mixed household waste and food waste, and another for paper and plastic.
For households with four or more residents, at least three bins are required. One for mixed household waste and food waste, a blue bin for paper, and a green bin for plastic.
Multi-unit buildings: In larger multi-unit buildings, whole bins are suitable, not split bins.
Do you need more or larger bins?
All residents need to sort into four categories at home, but the number of bins can be adjusted. At minimum, two split bins can be used in single-family homes where there are three residents or fewer.
What if I need to modify my waste bin enclosure?
Detached houses: If you need to install or expand a shelter, you must obtain the consent of the adjacent landowner if the location is closer to the property boundary than three meters. Waste bin enclosures must not open onto municipal land.
When setting up a waste bin enclosure, keep in mind that access should be easy and safe. It is recommended that the walk to the bin be short, but an additional fee is charged if the walk is longer than 15 meters.
Multi-unit buildings: You need to apply for a building permit to the Building Commissioner if you intend to build a waste bin enclosure or shelter on a multi-unit property.
Bin size
| Type | Height (mm) | Width (mm) | Depth (mm) |
| 140 L | 1100 | 505 | 555 |
| 240 L | 1169 | 580 | 724 |
| 360 L | 1150 | 590 | 880 |
| 660 L | 1225 | 1255 | 775 |
The 240-liter bin is the most common size, as with split bins and blue and green bins for paper and plastic. The standard size of the brown bin is 140 liters.
Want to know more?
The public has long called for separate collection of organic waste and harmonization of waste sorting systems in the capital area. A unified waste collection system means better service for residents. All general information about the sorting system and food waste collection can be found on Sorpa's website.
Questions and answers about the new sorting system
Do I need to have more than one bin?
Yes, under the new Act, each household must collect food leftovers, paper, and plastic. In addition, there must be a bin for mixed waste. There are therefore bins or compartments for four categories in total.
How much space do the split bins take?
Split bins are the same size as the gray bins for mixed waste that have been used in Reykjavík, 240 liters and 58 centimeters wide. The bins are divided in a 60/40 ratio. The smaller compartment is 96 liters and the larger compartment is 144 liters.
If the bins are lined up side by side, we recommend leaving 10 centimeters between them.
Can I request a split bin for paper and plastic instead of having two separate bins?
Yes, if you live in a private dwelling, you can request a split bin. If the request is received before the bin swap due to the new sorting system takes place, you will receive it at the same time as the bins are swapped. If the request comes later, it will be processed as quickly as possible after the bins are swapped in the district.
Is a split bin for paper and plastic sufficient for more than three residents?
No, a split bin probably won't suffice for households with more than three residents. It's important to understand that if residents compact paper or plastic in the bin, so it does not fall out when the bin is inverted during emptying into the waste collection vehicle, the bin will be left behind unemptied.
How many residences can use the same brown bin for food waste?
The brown bin is expected to serve up to six apartments, but this can vary depending on the number of people in the household. If the brown bin fills up, you can order more bins.
How often will food waste be collected?
Organic kitchen waste will be emptied every other week, which is a common frequency abroad and has been successful in pilot projects here in Iceland.
Where do I get a paper bag for food waste?
Paper bags for food waste are available for free at Sorpa recycling centers and Góði hirðirinn.
How do I dispose of food waste in a paper bag?
Let sauces and liquids drain from food before placing it in the bag. This helps keep the food waste dry and prolongs the life of the bag.
If disposing of food waste from the fridge, do so when taking the bag out, not when starting to use a new bag. This will make the bag last longer.
Close the bag securely when placing it in the bin.
Ensure the brown bin is not in direct sunlight; a little breeze cools it down.
Can I use a cornstarch bag for food waste?
No, we recommend not using cornstarch bags for food waste as they break down poorly at Gaja, the compost and gas production plant, and tend to wrap around the machines that process the waste.
Can I dispose of garden waste in the brown bin or the food waste compartment?
No, garden waste should be delivered to the Sorpa recycling centers. The reception is free for up to two cubic meters of material. You can put a bouquet of flowers or other similar household waste in the bin.
What should be done with metals and glass?
Metals and glass should be sorted separately and delivered to drop-off center or recycling centers. Glass is collected at nearly all drop-off centers in the city, and in 2024, metal containers will be added to all drop-off centers.
What is the fee schedule?
The waste collection fee in Reykjavík depends on the number and size of bins and waste categories. Municipalities are obligated to recover all costs associated with waste collection and handling. Bins for recyclable materials are considerably cheaper than bins for mixed household waste to encourage more sorting.