Linkoping

♻️

Waste Management

Details on recycling, waste disposal, and sustainable living practices promoted within Linköping.

Sections

1. Overview of Waste Management in Linköping

Linköping has a well-developed waste management system that prioritizes recycling, composting, and energy recovery. The city is part of the Tekniska Verken group, which manages waste collection and treatment. Tekniska Verken operates one of the most advanced waste-to-energy plants in Sweden, converting non-recyclable waste into district heating and electricity.

The system is designed to encourage waste sorting at the source, with clear guidelines for separating different types of waste. Residents are expected to actively participate in sorting and disposing of waste correctly.

2. Categories of Waste

Waste in Linköping is divided into several categories to facilitate recycling and proper disposal. These categories include:

a. Household Waste (Restavfall)

  • Non-recyclable waste that cannot be sorted into other categories.
  • Examples: Dirty packaging, hygiene products, and other residual waste.
  • This waste is sent to the waste-to-energy plant.

b. Food Waste (Matavfall)

  • Organic waste, such as food scraps, coffee grounds, and tea bags.
  • Residents are provided with special brown paper bags for food waste, which is composted or used to produce biogas.

c. Packaging Waste

  • Plastic Packaging: Clean plastic containers, bags, and packaging.
  • Metal Packaging: Aluminum cans, tins, and other metal packaging.
  • Paper Packaging: Cardboard boxes, milk cartons, and other paper-based packaging.
  • Glass Packaging: Clear and colored glass bottles and jars (sorted separately).

d. Paper (Tidningar och Papper)

  • Newspapers, magazines, office paper, and other clean paper products.

e. Hazardous Waste (Farligt Avfall)

  • Batteries, electronics, chemicals, paint, and other hazardous materials.
  • Must be taken to designated recycling centers or collection points.

f. Bulky Waste (Grovsopor)

  • Large items such as furniture, mattresses, and appliances.
  • Requires special disposal at recycling centers.

g. Garden Waste (Trädgårdsavfall)

  • Leaves, branches, grass clippings, and other garden debris.
  • Can be composted or taken to recycling centers.

h. Electronic Waste (Elavfall)

  • Old electronics, such as computers, phones, and household appliances.
  • Must be taken to recycling centers or collection points.

3. Recycling Practices

Recycling is a cornerstone of waste management in Linköping. Here’s how it works:

a. Sorting at Home

  • Residents are expected to sort waste into the appropriate categories before disposal.
  • Most apartment buildings and residential areas have designated waste collection points (soprum) with separate bins for each type of waste.

b. Recycling Stations (Återvinningsstationer)

  • Public recycling stations are located throughout the city for packaging waste, paper, and glass.
  • These are free to use and accessible to all residents.

c. Recycling Centers (Återvinningscentraler)

  • Larger facilities where residents can dispose of bulky waste, hazardous waste, and garden waste.
  • The main recycling center in Linköping is Gärstadverken, located near the waste-to-energy plant.

d. Food Waste Collection

  • Food waste is collected separately in brown paper bags provided by Tekniska Verken.
  • Bags are available for free at grocery stores and municipal offices.

e. Deposit-Return System (Pant)

  • Beverage containers (plastic bottles and aluminum cans) are part of a deposit-return system.
  • Containers can be returned to machines at grocery stores for a refund (1–2 SEK per item).

4. Associated Costs

Waste management in Linköping is funded through municipal taxes and user fees. Here’s a breakdown of costs:

a. Household Waste Collection

  • Residents pay a monthly or annual fee for waste collection, which varies depending on the size of the waste bin and frequency of collection.
  • Fees are typically included in rent for apartment dwellers.

b. Recycling

  • Recycling stations and centers are free to use for most types of waste.
  • Some fees may apply for disposing of large or hazardous items at recycling centers.

c. Garden Waste Collection

  • An optional subscription service is available for curbside collection of garden waste. Fees depend on the size of the bin.

d. Deposit-Return System

  • The deposit fee for beverage containers is added at the time of purchase and refunded when the container is returned.

5. Procedures for Waste Disposal

Here’s how to properly dispose of waste in Linköping:

a. For Residents

  1. Sort Waste at Home: Use separate bins or bags for each category of waste.
  2. Use Designated Collection Points: Take sorted waste to the appropriate bins in your building or neighborhood.
  3. Dispose of Special Waste: Take hazardous, bulky, or electronic waste to a recycling center.

b. For Newcomers

  1. Learn the System: Familiarize yourself with the waste categories and sorting rules. Information is often provided by landlords or housing associations.
  2. Obtain Necessary Supplies: Pick up food waste bags and other sorting materials from your local grocery store or municipal office.
  3. Locate Recycling Facilities: Use the Tekniska Verken website or app to find the nearest recycling station or center.

6. Local Regulations and Considerations

  • Mandatory Sorting: Sorting waste is mandatory, and failure to comply can result in fines or additional fees.
  • Waste-to-Energy: Non-recyclable waste is incinerated to produce district heating and electricity, reducing landfill use.
  • Community Responsibility: Residents are encouraged to minimize waste and recycle as much as possible.
  • Language Support: Information on waste management is available in multiple languages, including English, on the Tekniska Verken website.

7. Practical Tips

  • Download the Tekniska Verken App: The app provides information on waste sorting, collection schedules, and recycling center locations.
  • Ask Your Landlord: If you’re renting, ask your landlord or housing association about waste disposal procedures specific to your building.
  • Participate in the Pant System: Returning beverage containers is an easy way to recycle and earn a small refund.
  • Visit Recycling Centers: If you have bulky or hazardous waste, plan a trip to Gärstadverken or another recycling center.

8. Key Contacts and Resources

  • Tekniska Verken Customer Service: +46 (0)13 20 80 00
  • Website: www.tekniskaverken.se
  • Recycling Center Locations: Check the website or app for addresses and opening hours.

By following these guidelines, you can easily navigate Linköping’s waste management system and contribute to the city’s sustainability efforts. Let me know if you need further assistance!