úrgangur

Úrgangur is the Icelandic term for materials that are discarded or no longer of use after production or consumption. It is used to refer to waste generated by households, businesses, and public institutions. The term covers a range of waste types, including municipal solid waste, industrial waste, hazardous waste, construction and demolition waste, and electronic waste.

Sources and streams of úrgangur are typically separated into organics (food and garden waste), recyclables (paper, cardboard, metal, plastic, glass), and residual waste. Hazardous waste such as solvents or batteries requires special handling. Electronic waste contains discarded electronics. Many systems promote sorting at the point of generation, with composting or anaerobic digestion for organics and recycling facilities for materials.

Management of úrgangur often follows a waste hierarchy: reduce, reuse, recycle, energy recovery, and disposal as a last resort. Separate collection, technological treatment, and export controls may be used. Policies frequently include extended producer responsibility, public information campaigns, and incentives to minimize waste generation and improve recycling rates.

Environmental impacts of waste include land use, resource depletion, soil and water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions from decomposition or improper handling. Reducing waste and increasing material recovery support circular economy goals and help conserve resources for future generations. In Iceland and many other countries, waste regulation aligns with international and regional directives aimed at improving waste management and pollution prevention.