Copenhagen proposes ending weekly summer waste collection for villas

Members of the Environment, Climate, and Technical Committee in Copenhagen have proposed removing weekly waste collection for villas during the summer months. Currently, residual and food waste are collected weekly in June, July, and August, but every 14 days for the rest of the year. The proposed change aims to save approximately 8.5 million DKK annually.

The proposal, supported by parties including Enhedslisten, Socialistisk Folkeparti, Radikale Venstre, Alternativet, and Liberal Alliance, has met opposition from the Conservative People's Party. Morten Melchiors, group leader for the Conservatives in Copenhagen, argued that the change would force villa owners to accept more odor and hygiene issues for a negligible saving of roughly 24 DKK per household per year.

City administration evaluations noted that previous 14-day collection trials resulted in citizen complaints regarding hygiene, odors, and pests. While the municipality has suggested a voluntary option where residents can pay for weekly collection, the Conservative Party is advocating for maintaining the current summer schedule or ensuring a fixed alternative for those wishing to avoid the increased frequency of waste storage.