Residents in Umeå, Nordmaling, and Vindeln will soon receive new waste bins as part of a major recycling system overhaul, according to local public broadcaster SVT Västerbotten. The current two-bin system will be replaced with four separate bins to facilitate better sorting of packaging materials, particularly paper and plastic.
Per Sundström, waste management chief at Vakin, stated that the standard package will suit most households, but those needing different sizes can easily request adjustments. "Standardpaketet kommer att passa de flesta, men för de som vill ändra storlek ska det vara enkelt att göra det," Sundström said.
Standardpaketet kommer att passa de flesta, men för de som vill ändra storlek ska det vara enkelt att göra det
The rollout begins in autumn 2026 for outer areas of Vindeln, Nordmaling, and Umeå, while central Umeå and seasonal vacation homes will receive the new bins in spring 2027. The change is driven by new Swedish legislation requiring all households to be able to sort all types of packaging at home by January 1, 2027.
Vakin will receive compensation from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency to cover collection costs, and waste management fees may decrease for households that sort effectively. The new fee structure will be decided by respective municipalities before summer.