Helsingborg

♻️

Recycling and Waste

Overview of recycling programs and waste disposal practices in Helsingborg.

Sections

1. Waste Categories in Helsingborg

In Helsingborg, waste is sorted into several categories to ensure proper recycling and disposal. The main categories include:

  1. Food Waste (Matavfall):

    • Includes organic waste such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and leftovers.
    • Must be placed in special brown paper bags provided by the municipality.

  2. Residual Waste (Restavfall):

    • Non-recyclable waste such as hygiene products, vacuum cleaner bags, and other items that cannot be sorted into other categories.

  3. Packaging Waste:

    • Plastic (Plastförpackningar): Clean plastic packaging such as bottles, bags, and containers.
    • Paper (Pappersförpackningar): Cardboard boxes, paper bags, and other paper-based packaging.
    • Metal (Metallförpackningar): Aluminum cans, metal lids, and other metal packaging.
    • Glass (Glasförpackningar): Separated into clear and colored glass.

  4. Newspapers and Magazines (Tidningar):

    • Includes newspapers, magazines, and other printed paper.

  5. Hazardous Waste (Farligt Avfall):

    • Batteries, light bulbs, paint, chemicals, and electronic waste (e.g., old phones, computers).

  6. Bulky Waste (Grovsopor):

    • Large items such as furniture, mattresses, and appliances.

  7. Garden Waste (Trädgårdsavfall):

    • Grass clippings, branches, leaves, and other garden debris.

  8. Textiles (Textilavfall):

    • Old clothes, shoes, and textiles that cannot be reused.

2. How the Recycling System Works

Helsingborg uses a combination of curbside collection, recycling stations, and recycling centers to manage waste. Here’s how it works:

Curbside Collection:

  • Most households and apartment buildings are provided with bins for food waste and residual waste.
  • Food waste must be placed in the brown paper bags provided by the municipality and then disposed of in the designated food waste bin.
  • Residual waste goes into a separate bin.
  • Collection schedules vary depending on your location, but typically, bins are emptied every 1-2 weeks.

Recycling Stations (Återvinningsstationer):

  • Located throughout the city, these are drop-off points for packaging waste (plastic, paper, metal, and glass) and newspapers.
  • You are responsible for taking your sorted packaging waste to these stations.

Recycling Centers (Återvinningscentraler):

  • Helsingborg has a major recycling center called NSR Återvinningscentral located in the Filborna area.
  • At the recycling center, you can dispose of bulky waste, hazardous waste, garden waste, and other items that cannot be handled through curbside collection or recycling stations.
  • Staff at the center can assist you in sorting your waste correctly.

3. Costs Associated with Waste Management

  • Household Waste Fees: Residents pay a waste management fee (renhållningsavgift) as part of their utility bill. The fee covers the cost of waste collection, recycling, and disposal services.
    • The cost depends on the size of your bins and the frequency of collection. Smaller bins and less frequent collection result in lower fees.
  • Recycling Centers: Access to recycling centers is included in the waste management fee, so there is no additional cost for dropping off items.
  • Special Waste (e.g., hazardous waste): There is no extra charge for disposing of hazardous waste at designated facilities.

4. Procedures for Sorting and Disposing of Waste

To comply with local regulations, follow these steps:

  1. Sort Your Waste:

    • Use the provided bins and bags to separate food waste, residual waste, and recyclables.
    • Rinse packaging waste (e.g., plastic, metal, and glass) to remove food residue before recycling.

  2. Use Recycling Stations:

    • Take sorted packaging waste and newspapers to the nearest recycling station.
    • Recycling stations are open 24/7 and are conveniently located in residential areas.

  3. Visit the Recycling Center:

    • For bulky waste, hazardous waste, or garden waste, visit NSR Återvinningscentral in Filborna.
    • Bring identification (e.g., a utility bill) to prove you are a resident of Helsingborg.

  4. Dispose of Hazardous Waste Safely:

    • Hazardous waste must never be thrown in regular bins. Use designated drop-off points or the recycling center.

  5. Compost Garden Waste:

    • If you have a garden, you can compost garden waste at home or take it to the recycling center.

5. Local Considerations

  • NSR (Nordvästra Skånes Renhållnings AB): NSR is the regional waste management company responsible for Helsingborg. Their website (www.nsr.se) provides detailed information about waste sorting, collection schedules, and recycling center locations.
  • Recycling App: Download the NSR app for reminders about collection days, sorting guides, and maps of recycling stations.
  • Deposit-Return System (Pant): Sweden has a deposit-return system for beverage containers. Return cans and bottles to designated machines (found in grocery stores) to get a refund (1-2 SEK per container).
  • Community Initiatives: Helsingborg encourages reuse and upcycling. Look for second-hand shops and donation points for items that can be reused.

6. Key Recycling Sites in Helsingborg

  • NSR Återvinningscentral (Filborna):

    • Address: Välavägen 222, 254 68 Helsingborg
    • Services: Bulky waste, hazardous waste, garden waste, electronics, and more.
    • Opening Hours: Check the NSR website for up-to-date hours.

  • Recycling Stations (Återvinningsstationer):

    • Found in neighborhoods across Helsingborg. Use the NSR app or website to locate the nearest one.

7. Tips for Effective Waste Management

  • Plan Ahead: Familiarize yourself with the waste collection schedule and the locations of recycling stations and centers.
  • Minimize Waste: Reduce waste by reusing items, buying in bulk, and avoiding single-use plastics.
  • Ask for Help: If you’re unsure about sorting or disposal, contact NSR’s customer service for guidance.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to manage your waste and recycling effectively while contributing to Helsingborg’s sustainability efforts.