Would you like to be part of the environmental watch in 2026?
Associations and groups in Hafnarfjörður have the opportunity to monitor the environment, that is, to take on the task of clearing designated areas in exchange for financial support for the project. The application deadline is 22 April.
We look after the environment together and take responsibility.
Associations and groups in Hafnarfjörður have the opportunity to monitor the environment, that is, to take on the task of cleaning designated areas in exchange for financial support for the project. This is a collaborative project between the local council and community organisations for the upkeep of the town's open spaces. The City of Hafnarfjörður never stops on environmental patrol.
The „ENVIRONMENT WATCH“ project is about the care and beautification of the town, and the aim, as ever, is to promote residents' environmental awareness, make the town more beautiful and increase cleanliness. Associations and groups in Hafnarfjörður can receive a grant of 150,000 króna for cleaning a designated area twice a year. The application deadline is 22 April.
Only twelve groups get through each time.
Hafnarfjörður has been divided into twelve areas. In each area, the emphasis is on clearing rubbish and debris from main paths and roads, streams and ponds, the coastline, natural lava fields, and open and green spaces.
The groups selected will clean their area twice a year, once between 1 May and 1 June, and once between 1 and 30 September.
Environmental Watch Regionalisation
Who can be on duty?
All clubs, associations and groups in Hafnarfjörður are invited to apply to take part in the Environmental Watch. There is one group per area, and a total of twelve groups can partner with the town on the project.
When allocating areas, the composition of the group and the type of area will be taken into account, that is, how accessible it is. Each group shall have a group leader who will liaise with the council's Environment and Planning Department and, in consultation with them, arrange the timing and method of the clean-up.
For groups made up of children or young people (for example, junior sections of sports clubs or scout troops) that request to take part, the condition is set that a group leader and a responsible adult are present, and furthermore that adults work alongside the children during the clean-up. The reason for this is primarily safety, as the clean-up will take place in areas where hazards may be present, such as near roads, streams and the coast.
The accompanying information for group applications must state the following:
- Name of the association/organisation/group
- The main aims and purpose of the association
- A brief report on the activities of the past 3 years
- Number of members and age distribution (children, teenagers and adults)
- Who will do the work (if it's a children's/youth group, who will be working with them)
- How to use the strength
- Any requests for areas, if any
- Name and details of the group leader (address, telephone, email address)
Staff from the Environment and Planning Department of Hafnarfjörður supervise the work and implementation in each area, assess how the work is being carried out, and make recommendations for improvements as necessary, as well as arranging for the rubbish to be disposed of. Rubbish bags are available from the Hafnarfjörður Service Centre at Norðurhellu 2, should groups request them.
The application deadline is 22 April 2026. Applications should be sent to: ishmael@hafnarfjordur.is
Further information is available from the town's customer service on 585-5500 and from Ishmael David: ishmael@hafnarfjordur.is