Drum changes at homes begin in May  

Reduce waste and reuse resources

With the new household sorting system in the southwest corner, one of the biggest environmental steps the local authorities have taken since the district heating system was installed has been taken. With proper sorting, it is possible to reduce waste and reuse valuable materials instead of throwing them away. In simple terms, the scheme involves making it compulsory for all households to sort waste into four categories: food waste, mixed waste, plastic and paper. In addition, households will receive a bin and a paper bag for collecting food scraps in the kitchen.

The three-barrel principle for detached houses

A new bin will be added for households, divided for food waste and mixed waste. The existing bins will be re-labelled for plastic on the one hand and paper on the other. After the reclassification, the arrangement for households will be as follows:

• Dual-compartment bin for food waste and mixed waste
• Bin for plastic packaging
• Bin for paper and cardboard

A number of bins for blocks of flats, tailored to the needs of each property.

All multi-family properties will be provided with four bins. All multi-family properties will receive new bins for food waste. Grey bins will be re-labelled for mixed waste and plastic, and blue bins for paper. The number of bins provided will be tailored to the needs of each property.

Requests for bespoke solutions will be considered from the autumn.

Residents are encouraged to try a new collection schedule and number of bins over the summer and into the autumn to get the best sense of their household's needs, particularly regarding the sorting of paper and plastic. The collection frequency will remain the same: every 28 days for plastic and paper, and every 14 days for food and mixed waste. Once the rollout is complete this autumn, it will be possible to purchase another 240L dual-compartment bin for plastic and paper, and to replace it with a 240L plastic bin and a 240L paper bin.

Bin and paper bags for food waste sorting

Alongside the bin changes, households will receive a basket and a paper bag that breaks down easily with food waste. The basket ensures that the paper bag is ventilated and remains dry. It is a good idea to empty the paper bags regularly into a food waste bin.

The information website is www.flokkum.is

All information about the new and standardised waste collection system in the capital region can be found on the website www.flokkum.is. Further information about the bin exchange in Hafnarfjörður will be issued in mid-May. Residents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new arrangements on the project's information website and to prepare themselves well for what is to come. If any questions arise, residents can contact the Hafnarfjörður service desk on the telephone 585-5500, through the feedback portal on the town's website or by email to the email address hafnarfjordur@hafnarfjordur.is