New waste management regulations for 2026 – what you need to know

From 1 July 2026, new regulations on waste management will come into force. Among other things, the reform entails an increased responsibility for organisations to manage and sort certain types of waste correctly.

As your organisation takes on greater responsibility, clear procedures for waste sorting become even more important. With the right waste labelling, it is easy for everyone in the workplace to see what should be sorted where. This reduces the risk of incorrect sorting and contributes to clear and consistent waste management.

From 1 July, commercial organisations will be responsible for managing the following:

  • Used office paper
  • Recycled paper
  • Used cooking fat

Changes to responsibilities for retail businesses

The regulations, which came into force on 1 July, mean that retail businesses are themselves responsible for managing the municipal waste generated by their operations, with the exception of waste covered by producer responsibility. Depending on the nature of the business*, this may include:

  • Residual waste
  • Food waste
  • Animal by-products, such as meat, fish, dairy products and eggs, which can no longer be sold or used as food
  • Fat from grease traps

*The rules apply to high-street shops and online retailers, with the exception of market trading. Wholesale and commission-based trading are not considered retail trade under these provisions. For more information on what applies to your specific business, Visit the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s website.

 

Order waste labelling from Collinder

Waste labelling in Sweden is based on the national signage system for waste sorting, developed by Avfall Sverige. Clear and standardised symbols make it easy to see what should be sorted where.

At Collinder, we manufacture self-adhesive waste stickers which are attached directly to rubbish bins, and waste signs for clear signage in areas such as environmental and recycling rooms. Our signs and stickers are durable and weather-resistant, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.