Request for change of rubbish bins for multi-occupancy properties
An amendment has been made to the number of 240L dual-chambered food and mixed waste bins for semi-detached and terraced properties, as well as 240L food waste bins for flats. This is a temporary change process, running from 25 September to 30 November 2023. There is no additional charge for the changes during this period.
Do you live in a semi-detached, terraced or block of flats and want to reduce the number of rubbish bins?
An amendment has been made to the number of 240L dual-chambered food and mixed waste bins for semi-detached and terraced properties, as well as 240L food waste bins for flats. This is a temporary change process, running from 25 September to 30 November 2023. There is no additional charge for the changes during this period.
Bins replacement request for a two-, three-, or multi-unit property
Residents in Hafnarfjörður have their own rubbish bins.
Residents and homeowners' associations in Hafnarfjörður own their own rubbish bins and are responsible for their purchase, maintenance, and renewal, as well as for swapping between waste categories. With the introduction of four-stream household waste collection in summer 2023, detached houses were given a two-chambered bin for food waste and mixed waste, and flats were provided with 240L bins for food waste to enable the four-stream system. In accordance with Article 10 of the Act on Waste Management No. 55/2003, collection of food waste, mixed waste, plastic, paper and cardboard must take place at residential properties, and waste bins for these waste streams must be provided.
Assessment of space requirements and number of staff at the end of the probationary period
Summer and autumn 2023 marked a period of trial and error in the implementation of the new four-stream system across the entire capital region. By now, residents, including those in Hafnarfjörður, should have a good idea of the capacity requirements for food waste and mixed waste in two- and three-unit properties, and for food waste in multi-unit properties. From 25 September to 30 November 2023, residents in two-, three- and multi-family households, and their respective housing associations, are offered the opportunity to review the number of their rubbish bins free of charge.
- Inhabitants of twin settlements Within a property boundary, they may agree to have a single 240-litre bin for food and mixed waste and to return a single bin.
- Inhabitants of a three-storey house Within the property boundaries, an agreement can be made to have two 240L bins for food waste and mixed waste, and to return one bin.
You can also return three 240L bins for food and mixed waste and receive, in exchange, a single 240L bin for food waste and have one bin for plastic and mixed waste re-labelled. - Households in multi-occupancy dwellings Within the property boundaries, you can apply to reduce the number of 240-litre food waste bins. Careful consideration must be given to the required capacity, regardless of whether there is space for the bins in a refuse store or compound, as many households will need to have additional refuse compounds installed. 240L food waste bins must only be filled to three-quarters of their capacity due to the weight of the waste. A minimum of 40L per flat in a block of flats must be provided.
A representative of a block of flats formally applies for a change for each address. The application is reviewed for minimum space requirements, the number of bin returns is confirmed, and the timing and arrangement of the return process will be communicated by email. Questions regarding changes to the number of bins should be directed to: sorpflokkun@hafnarfjordur.is
The plot boundaries of addresses can be viewed on the City of Hafnarfjörður's map website.
Bins replacement request for a two-, three-, or multi-unit property
The same refuse collection frequency regardless of the number of containers
Please note that the frequency of rubbish collection is the same, regardless of the number of containers.. Containers for food waste and mixed waste are collected every two weeks. Residents must fully appreciate the space required for the waste generated, and ensure that the number of containers is sufficient for use throughout the year and for the number of residents living there. If a container is returned with a confirmed change request, a new one must be purchased if it is to be added to or renewed at a later date. Residents and residents' associations in Hafnarfjörður are encouraged to properly secure their rubbish bins in bins stores, shelters and compounds for the winter. Bins that are sheltered from the weather have a longer lifespan. It is also important that waste collectors have easy access to each waste stream without having to move other waste streams out of the way.
More information about the four-party system in general
Specific information on the implementation and arrangements in Hafnarfjörður