skräp

Skräp is a Swedish term that denotes waste, junk, or litter. It is commonly used to refer to discarded materials from households, workplaces, and urban environments. As a general, uncountable category, skräp can include packaging, spoiled food, broken items, clothing, and other items no longer needed. The verb phrase skräpa ner means to litter or dirty public spaces.

In contemporary waste management in Sweden, skräp overlaps with the broader concept of avfall (waste). Municipal systems require residents to separate waste into categories such as paper and cardboard, glass, metal and plastic, and food or bio-waste; restavfall comprises items that cannot be recycled. Skräp that is not reusable or recyclable may be incinerated for energy recovery, depending on local facilities. Bulky waste and electronics are typically taken to återvinningscentraler (recycling centers) where skräp can be disposed of properly or recycled.

Legislation prohibits littering, and individuals found dumping skräp in public spaces can face fines. Proper handling of skräp reduces environmental impact, supports recycling, and helps prevent pollution and harm to wildlife. The term remains common in media, policy discussions, and everyday language when discussing discarded materials.