Changes to the refuse collection charge 2024
On 1 January 2023, strict regulations on the separate collection of household waste came into force. At the same time, amendments to Act No. 55/2003 on waste management were implemented, stipulating that charges for handling waste shall be as close as possible to the actual cost per person. Such a charging method is based on the polluter pays principle, where everyone pays for what they dispose of (pay-as-you-throw), i.e., in line with the number of containers.
Implementation of Pay-As-You-Throw – thank you for recycling!
On 1 January 2023, strict regulations on the separate collection of household waste came into force. At the same time, amendments to Act No. 55/2003 on waste management were implemented, stipulating that charges for handling waste shall be as close as possible to the actual cost per person. Such a collection method is based on the polluter pays principle, where everyone pays for what they dispose of (pay-as-you-throw), i.e., in line with the number of containers. These legislative changes are reflected, among other things, in the waste collection and disposal charges for the City of Hafnarfjörður for 2024. Thus, the composition of rubbish bins for residents has a direct impact on the refuse collection charge, which changes from being a fixed amount to a variable one based on the number and size of containers. Furthermore, residents in blocks of flats share the total cost proportionally according to the size of their flat.
A composite charge based on four cost items
The major change in local authority waste collection and disposal charges is that the charge changes from being a single flat rate to a variable charge per household, based on four cost components:
- Operation of a local hub – a fixed fee per household
- Food waste/Mixed waste – variable charge depending on size and quantity
- Plastic packaging – variable charge depending on size and quantity
- Paper and board – variable charge depending on size and quantity
The composition of rubbish bins has a direct effect on the rubbish collection fee.
From this change onwards, the total cost will be distributed among the households of blocks of flats according to the size of their flats. Consequently, the largest flats will bear the highest proportionate cost, in line with the number and size of the rubbish bins at the property. The refuse collection tariff is generally being increased by 9.91% to cover cost increases and wage rises that exceed this year's forecasts, and to account for expected inflation next year. A change in the composition of residents' rubbish bins can significantly reduce this increase and, in some cases, even lower the charge. In autumn 2023, residents were permitted to purchase all types of rubbish bins, and they are encouraged to review their bin composition if they have not already done so. In the case of multi-occupancy properties (two or more flats), it is the chairperson of the residents' association who requests a change to the bin configuration, following approval from the residents and after careful consideration and an analysis of waste volume requirements in relation to collection frequency.
The aim is sustainable resource use.
These changes are intended to create the conditions for the establishment of a circular economy, in order to promote sustainable resource use and reduce waste generation. Local authorities play a key role in this, particularly with regard to waste management and implementation. In recent months and years, the City of Hafnarfjörður has been working on a review of its governance mechanisms and actions based on the Waste Act. This change is a step in that journey.
The refuse collection and disposal charge is collected annually with property taxes. The 2024 property tax bills were recently published on My Pages on the town's website and on Island.is.