Regulation No. 3 on waste.

This Regulation of the Government of Greenland establishes the legal framework for handling waste in Greenland, covering sorting, recycling, disposal, and reuse not already regulated by other laws. It defines what constitutes waste and clarifies when materials cease to be classified as waste. Municipalities (kommunalbestyrelser) are central actors, empowered to classify waste, determine whether materials qualify as reusable, and implement waste-handling systems. The order also introduces precise definitions of key concepts, such as “household waste,” “hazardous waste,” “construction waste,” and “recyclable waste,” ensuring uniform interpretation across municipalities.
The regulation sets out duties for waste producers, requiring them to handle, sort, and dispose of waste according to municipal guidelines. It places strong emphasis on the waste hierarchy: prevention, preparation for reuse, recycling, other recovery, and disposal. While deviations from this hierarchy are permitted under specific conditions (such as technological or economic reasons), the ultimate goal is to secure the best environmental and socio-economic outcome. Additionally, strict rules are included on pollution responsibility, requiring immediate reporting and remediation in cases of contamination from oil, chemicals, or hazardous waste. Municipalities must draft 12-year waste management plans, updated every four years, which align with national waste strategies and include mapping, objectives, and planning for infrastructure, budgets, and capacity needs.
Municipalities are mandated to establish collection and guidance systems for various types of waste, including household refuse, bulky waste, hazardous waste, recyclable materials, and animal remains. All property-right holders (households, businesses, institutions) are obliged to participate in these systems, unless granted specific exemptions, for instance if a business demonstrates that it can safely handle hazardous waste on its own through a contract with an approved facility. Rules also cover the placement, maintenance, and cleaning of waste containers, as well as broader municipal responsibilities for cleanliness of public areas. Financing is handled through fees, including a base fee for all right-holders, and differentiated charges depending on waste type, collection service, or treatment requirements.
Finally, the regulation provides a clear enforcement framework. Municipalities are responsible for monitoring all waste handling until final disposal or reuse, and they can issue binding instructions and prohibitions. Violations—such as failing to classify or report hazardous waste, improper disposal, non-compliance with municipal orders, or illegal burning—can lead to fines, confiscation of assets, and liability for both individuals and legal persons (including businesses and municipalities). The regulation represents a comprehensive modernization of Greenland’s waste management system, consolidating rules into a coherent legal structure aimed at protecting the environment and human health.