More frequent collection of blue bin

From 1 January 2019, the blue bin is emptied every 21 days. Since its introduction in Hafnarfjörður in September 2013, the blue bin at homes in the town has been emptied every 28 days. It has been decided to increase the collection frequency, among other things, in the hope that the amount of cardboard in the blue bin will disappear completely. Blue bins in all neighbourhoods are now emptied every 21 days. The waste collection calendar should be regarded as a reference schedule, as weather conditions, illness and breakdowns may have an impact.

A rubbish bin and a blue bin at every home in Hafnarfjörður

All households in Hafnarfjörður are required to have a green and a blue bin. The purpose is to make it easier to sort rubbish and, at the same time, create a more environmentally friendly community in line with the municipality's environmental policy. The aim is to encourage all residents of the municipality to increase their waste sorting and, at the same time, reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. This sorting system is consistent across the capital region and with many other local authorities in the country. Hazardous waste, metals, timber and other large, heavy items that could damage equipment must not be put in the general waste but should be taken to recycling centres.

Blue bin – what goes in the blue bin?

All paper and cardboard waste should be placed in the blue bin, such as newspapers, magazines, cartons, flat cardboard, egg boxes, office paper and corrugated cardboard. No food waste, plastic bags or other rubbish should be placed in this bin. The charge for a blue bin is included in the refuse collection fee and is collected with the council tax. Additional bins can be requested if required, for which a charge will be made according to the tariff.

See the blue bin rubbish collection calendar

The compost bin – what goes in the compost bin?

The general household waste bin is for household rubbish, such as food scraps, nappies, food-soiled packaging, etc. All plastic must be sorted out, placed in a separate bag and put in the general household waste bin. In addition, metals such as tin cans, jar lids, aluminium trays, etc., should be placed loose in the bin. No recyclable paper or hazardous waste should be placed in this bin. Hazardous waste, metals, timber and other large, heavy items that could damage equipment must not be put in the general waste bin, but should be taken to a recycling centre. At SORPU's reception centre in Gufunes, the bags with the plastic are sorted out mechanically and the metals are sorted out with magnets. Methane is produced from the organic fraction. The grey bin is emptied every 14 days. 

See the kerbside collection calendar

SORPA's sorting website

We point you to the Sorp sorting website, where you can find detailed information on where each item belongs in the recycling.  See the Soru sorting website