In a year, it will be mandatory for all properties to have sorting for food waste. Several municipalities have already introduced it, but for some it takes longer. In the city of Stockholm, where it will be a requirement from now in January, many property owners encounter obstacles, especially those with houses in the inner city.
“Must find space”
The city of Stockholm is now doing what 256 of the country’s 290 municipalities have already done and is introducing mandatory sorting of food waste, even though it will only become law in December a year from now. But there are several properties that have not received the collection in place.
– We have to find a space that suits us, that suits the staff. But also a space that is good for those who pick up the food waste. We have a few problem properties left, which have been a bigger challenge, says Joanna Heikkilä, property manager housing at Olof Lindgren.
However, for property owners who have encountered obstacles, there is an opportunity to apply for an exemption. In Stockholm, around 500 have done so, according to figures from the environmental office. And it is particularly difficult in the country’s urban areas, but also in municipalities with a lot of tourism.
– In the past, food waste sorting has been based on voluntariness. But in order to step this up and get more sorted food waste, they are moving to making it compulsory to sort food waste, says Johan Dahlgren, head of unit Stockholm Water and Waste.
But what do the residents think about it becoming mandatory?
– I think that’s good, anything for the environment that can help is only positive. It will probably be that some people think it’s a little more difficult, but I think it’s a small sacrifice, says Saga Borg.
– It’s a good development, but it would have been even better if it was possible to sort all types of waste in the property, says Elie Kellermann.
In the player above: See more about the mandatory sorting.