Waste container conversion requests and sale of 240L containers

Do you live in a multi family building and want to reduce the number of waste containers?

A modification of the number of dual 240L containers for food scraps and mixed waste has been opened for duplexes as well as 240L containers for multi-family food scraps. This is a temporary change process from September 25th to November 30th, 2023. There are no additional costs for the changes during this period.

Waste container conversion request on behalf of dual, three, or multi-family dwellings

Residents of Hafnarfjörður own their garbage containers

Residents and companies in Hafnarfjörður own their waste containers and handle their purchase, maintenance and renewal as well as exchanges between waste categories. During the implementation of the four part waste sorting system in the summer of 2023, single family homes received dual containers for food scraps and mixed waste, and multi-families, 240L containers for food scraps, to be able to recycle proberly. According to Article 10 of the Waste Management Act No. 55/2003, collection of food scraps, mixed waste, plastics, paper and cardboard shall take place at residential buildings and waste containers for these waste categories shall be provided.

Assessment of capacity requirements after the trial period

The summer and autumn of 2023 marked a trial period in the implementation of a new waste sorting system in the capital area as a whole. By now, residents, in Hafnarfjörður, should have a good sense of the capacity needs for food scraps and mixed waste in duplexes, tri-family homes and multi-family homes.

• Duplexes residents can agree to have one 240L container for food scraps and mixed waste and return one container.
• Residents of tri-family homes can agree to have two 240L containers for food scraps and mixed waste and return one container. It is also possible to return three 240L containers for food scraps and mixed waste and replace it with one common 240L container for food scraps and have one plastic container rebranded for mixed waste.
• Condominiums can apply to reduce the number of 240L containers for food scraps. Capacity needs to be carefully considered regardless of whether there is room for the containers in the waste storage facilities, but many households need to have additional waste categories installed. 240L food scrap containers may only be filled up to 3/4th due to the weight of the waste container. A minimum of 40L must be calculated for each apartment in the apartment building.

A dual, three- and multi-family home representative formally applies for a change for each address. The application is reviewed for minimum capacity requirements, the number of returns of waste containers confirmed along with the timing and arrangements for the return process will be informed by email. Questions related to changes in the number of waste containers should be sent to: sorpflokkun@hafnarfjordur.is

The perimeter of addresses can be viewed on Hafnarfjarðarbær’s map website

Waste container conversion request on behalf of dual, three, or multi-family dwellings

Waste collection rate is the same regardless of the number of containers

Particular attention is drawn to the fact that waste collection rates are the same irrespective of the number of containers. Food scrap and mixed waste containers are discharged every 2 weeks and residents must be fully aware of their capacity in relation to the waste generated and that the number of containers is sufficient for consumption during all months of the year and the number of inhabitants living there. If a container is returned, you need to purchase a new one if you need to add or replace it later. Residents and housing communities in Hafnarfjörður are encouraged to place waste containers in waste storage, shelters or similar for the winter. Containers that are sheltered from the weather and winds have a longer lifespan. It is also important that waste collectors have easy access to each waste category without having to move other categories of waste.

Further information on the four way sorting system in general

Specific information on implementation and arrangements in Hafnarfjörður

Price list

Now residents of single family homes can purchase one dual 240L container for plastic and cardboard

Sales have been opened for all types of 240L waste containers. Now residents of single and duplex apartments can buy one dual 240L container for plastic packaging and paper and cardboard and switch from two 240L containers for these same categories. Residents are asked to note that dual 240L containers for paper and plastic (96L plastic and 144L paper) is considered unsuitable for private residences with more than three inhabitants due to the average amount of waste generated per household. Special attention is drawn to the fact that plastic and paper containers are unloaded every 4 weeks and food scraps and mixed waste every 2 weeks. If the container is compressed and the processive material is not released automatically upon release, the container is returned with the solid contents in it. Properties where the quantity exceeds the container due to the number of occupants, extra waste containers can be purchased at an additional fee, for their disposal. The town of Hafnarfjörður only sells 240L containers for food scraps, mixed waste, plastic packaging and paper and cardboard. Housemates can buy 660L tubs from Terra. New lids for new types of waste containers can be purchased at the Hafnarfjarðarbær Service Centre at Norðurhella 2. It is also possible to obtain new caps on lids of newer types of garbage containers.

Buy a new container here

Previous news article about the new waste system

Thank you for sorting!