Did you find a note on your bin?
If your bin cannot be emptied for any reason, a sticker explaining why is left on it.
In most cases, the bin is difficult to access, or there is a problem with waste sorting, the bin's contents, or the bin itself.
It is essential to act on suggestions as soon as possible so the bin can be emptied at the next scheduled collection.
What should I do if I find a notice on my bin?
The checked box on the notice left on your bin explains why it was not emptied. In most cases, the problem is easy to fix: move your car out of the driveway on collection days, remember to shovel after heavy snow, or replace a bulb in your outdoor lighting.
Further down this page, you will find information about waste sorting and bin access to help you make the necessary improvements.
How do I dispose of waste that was not collected?
Once you have addressed the problem, the following options are available:
- If collection is not urgent, you can check the waste collection calendar for your next collection date.
- If collection cannot wait, you can request extra unloading for a fee. There is a base fee for each extra unloading, plus a fee for each bin emptied.
- You can take waste to recycling drop-offs and SORPA bs. recycling centers. Keep in mind that recycling drop-offs do not accept food waste or mixed household waste.
- You can buy marked bags for excess mixed household waste at your nearest N1 station or the Reykjavík City service center. The bags are left by the bins and will be removed during the next waste collection.
- The waste collection calendar
- Waste collection fees
- Recycling drop-off locations
Our bins
All households in Reykjavík are legally required to sort household waste into four categories.
Every household must therefore have a blue bin for paper, a green bin for plastic, a brown bin for food waste, and a gray bin for mixed household waste.
Residents are responsible for sorting waste, ensuring access to waste bins, and keeping the bins and surrounding areas tidy.
Blue bin for paper and cardboard
Place paper and cardboard loose in the bins, without plastic bags. Remove food waste from cardboard packaging before placing it in the bin.
Items accepted in the blue bin include:
- Newspapers
- Paper bags
- Pizza boxes
- Paper packaging
Green Bin for Plastic
Plastic can be placed unbagged in the bins. All food and chemical residue must be cleaned from the plastics and the volume must be reduced before it goes in the bin.
Items accepted in the green bin include:
- Plastic bags
- Plastic trays
- Various plastic containers and bottles
- Foam plastic and smaller parts made of plastic
Brown bin for food waste
Place food waste and other organic kitchen waste in paper bags before putting it in the bin. Do not use plastic bags, compostable bags, or bioplastic bags. You can also wrap waste in a newspaper and place it in the bin.
Items accepted in the brown bin include:
- Food waste (including bones)
- Coffee grounds and paper tea bags (paper filters are acceptable)
- Paper towels and uncolored napkins
- Cut flowers and plants
Gray bin for mixed waste
Anything that does not belong in the brown, green, or blue bin and does not need to be taken to a recycling drop-off or recycling center can go in the gray bin. Sorting waste properly should leave very little mixed household waste.
Items that can go in the gray bin include:
- Vacuum cleaner bags
- Disposable diapers
- Disposable sanitary pads
- Wet wipes
A few things to keep in mind about accessibility
Stairs
It is especially difficult to bring heavy bins up the stairs. Ramps/chutes are necessary to improve access when there are stairs. You can also consider other locations.
Lighting
In the winter darkness, good lighting is important for the work areas of waste collectors.
Hindrances
Make sure there are no bicycles or other things in the way of the bins.
Snow and ice
Be sure to shovel snow out of workers paths on unloading days and use sand or salt when it is slippery.
Dogs
On unloading days, it is better to keep dogs away. If a dog is leashed on the property, it is important that it does not get in the way of staff during waste collection.
Doors
It is better if a door stays open while workers are there. Door pumps and hooks that keep doors open while unloading make work easier.
Location
Please note that according to the resolution on waste management in Reykjavík, all the bins at each building should be stored in the same place.
Substrate
It is much easier to drag bins on asphalt or stone slabs than on grass and gravel.
Ceiling height
Too low ceiling height in access routes makes it difficult for workers and increases strain.
Locked storage
Residents who want to lock waste storage rooms or enclosures must use the municipality's key system.
For further information, please contact the waste collection department.
Locked bins
Reykjavík Waste Collection Department does not offer locked bins. For the cleanest and safest results, store your bins in a locked shelter or enclosure. Bins remain the property of Reykjavík City and must not be modified or fitted with extra equipment.
Residents who add locks or other attachments to their bins do so entirely at their own risk. The Reykjavík Waste Collection Department assumes no liability for attachments that get damaged, lost during collection, or removed when bins are replaced.
Contact us
Suggestions related to Reykjavík Waste Collection Department services can be submitted through Reykjavík City's Suggestion Portal.
Reykjavík City's service center can be reached at 411-1111.
Email: info@reykjavik.is
