Uppsala

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Recycling and Waste Management

How to properly dispose of waste and recycle in Uppsala’s eco-friendly system.

Sections

1. Overview of Recycling and Waste Management in Uppsala

Uppsala follows Sweden's national waste management policies, which emphasize waste reduction, recycling, and energy recovery. The city has a well-structured system for sorting and disposing of waste, with clear guidelines for residents and businesses. The goal is to minimize landfill use and maximize recycling and reuse.

The waste management system in Uppsala is managed by Uppsala Vatten och Avfall AB, the municipal company responsible for water and waste services.

2. Categories of Waste

Waste in Uppsala is divided into several categories, each with specific sorting and disposal requirements:

a. Household Waste (Restavfall)

  • Non-recyclable waste that cannot be sorted into other categories.
  • Examples: Dirty packaging, hygiene products, and other non-recyclable items.
  • Disposed of in black or gray bins.

b. Food Waste (Matavfall)

  • Organic waste that can be composted.
  • Examples: Food scraps, coffee grounds, and tea bags.
  • Disposed of in special brown bins using biodegradable bags provided by the municipality.

c. Packaging Waste

  • Plastic Packaging: Clean plastic containers, bags, and wrapping.
  • Metal Packaging: Aluminum cans, tins, and other metal packaging.
  • Paper Packaging: Cardboard boxes, paper bags, and cartons.
  • Glass Packaging: Clear and colored glass bottles and jars (sorted separately).
  • These are disposed of at designated recycling stations (Återvinningsstationer).

d. Paper (Tidningar och Pappersförpackningar)

  • Newspapers, magazines, and office paper.
  • Disposed of at recycling stations.

e. Hazardous Waste (Farligt Avfall)

  • Items that are harmful to the environment or health.
  • Examples: Batteries, electronics, light bulbs, paint, and chemicals.
  • Disposed of at specific collection points or recycling centers.

f. Bulky Waste (Grovsopor)

  • Large items that do not fit in regular bins.
  • Examples: Furniture, mattresses, and large appliances.
  • Disposed of at recycling centers (Återvinningscentraler).

g. Garden Waste (Trädgårdsavfall)

  • Leaves, branches, and grass clippings.
  • Can be composted at home or taken to recycling centers.

h. Electrical and Electronic Waste (Elavfall)

  • Examples: TVs, computers, and small household appliances.
  • Disposed of at recycling centers or through designated collection services.

3. Costs Associated with Waste Management

The costs for waste management in Uppsala are included in the municipal waste collection fees, which vary depending on the type of service and the size of the waste bin. Here’s a breakdown:

a. Household Waste Fees

  • Fees are based on the size of the bin (e.g., 140L, 190L, or 240L) and the frequency of collection (weekly or bi-weekly).
  • Approximate cost: SEK 1,500–3,000 per year for standard household waste services.

b. Food Waste Collection

  • Food waste collection is often included in the basic fee, but discounts may apply if you actively sort food waste.

c. Recycling Centers

  • Access to recycling centers is free for residents, but businesses may incur fees for disposing of large quantities of waste.

d. Bulky Waste Collection

  • If you cannot transport bulky waste to a recycling center, you can request a pickup service for an additional fee (approximately SEK 300–500 per item).

e. Hazardous Waste

  • Disposal of hazardous waste is free for households at designated collection points.

4. Procedures for Sorting and Disposing of Waste

To ensure proper waste management, follow these steps:

a. Sorting Waste at Home

  • Use separate bins or bags for each waste category.
  • Ensure that recyclable materials are clean and dry before disposal.
  • Use the biodegradable bags provided by the municipality for food waste.

b. Using Recycling Stations (Återvinningsstationer)

  • Located throughout Uppsala, these stations are for packaging waste and paper.
  • Look for color-coded bins:
    • Green: Glass
    • Yellow: Plastic
    • Blue: Paper
    • Red: Metal

c. Visiting Recycling Centers (Återvinningscentraler)

  • Uppsala has several recycling centers, such as Boländerna Återvinningscentral and Lövsta Återvinningscentral.
  • These centers accept bulky waste, hazardous waste, and garden waste.
  • Bring your ID or proof of residence if required.

d. Hazardous Waste Collection

  • Drop off hazardous waste at designated collection points or mobile collection units.
  • Check the schedule for mobile units on the Uppsala Vatten website.

e. Food Waste Collection

  • Place food waste in the brown bin using the biodegradable bags provided.
  • Replace the bag regularly to avoid odors.

5. Local Considerations and Guidelines

  • Recycling is Mandatory: Residents are required to sort their waste into the appropriate categories. Failure to do so may result in fines or additional fees.
  • Biodegradable Bags for Food Waste: These are provided free of charge by the municipality and can be picked up at local distribution points or ordered online.
  • Seasonal Garden Waste Collection: During spring and autumn, the municipality may offer free garden waste collection services.
  • Mobile Recycling Units: These units visit neighborhoods on a rotating schedule to collect hazardous and bulky waste. Check the schedule online.
  • Language Support: Information about waste management is available in Swedish and English on the Uppsala Vatten website.

6. Tips for New Residents

  • Download the Uppsala Vatten App: This app provides information on waste sorting, collection schedules, and recycling station locations.
  • Labeling on Packaging: Look for recycling symbols on packaging to determine the correct disposal method.
  • Join Local Facebook Groups: Many neighborhoods have community groups where residents share tips and updates about waste management.
  • Compost at Home: If you have a garden, consider composting food and garden waste to reduce the amount of waste you produce.

7. Contact Information

For more information or assistance, contact Uppsala Vatten och Avfall AB:

By following these guidelines, you can contribute to Uppsala’s sustainability efforts while ensuring compliance with local waste management regulations. Let me know if you need further assistance!