Reuse, Recycle, Rethink! 

We have put together a list of organisations that are happy to receive leftover food, reusable event material, and who offer volunteering opportunities. It is your way to reuse, recycle and rethink the impact of your event and to contribute to the society in a positive way. 

Food donation: 

Samhjálp kitchen 

One of the outreach programs at Samhjálp is their “Kaffistofa” or food program which is located close to the city centre in Reykjavík.  Samhjálp caters to those in need, offering food service to adults over 18 who are struggling with mental and physical illnesses, including alcohol and/or drugs addition. The Kaffistofa provides morning coffee and breakfast upon opening, a hot meal around noon, and hot food until closing in late afternoon. On festive occasions, special meals are available. Samhjálp Kaffistofa relies on donations from companies, organisations and the public and welcome left-over food from e.g.  conferences or other events.  

More information about Samhjálp: https://www.samhjalp.is/  (Icelandic only). Please contact Meet in Reykjavík-Iceland Convention Bureau for further information. 

Konukot women´s shelter 

Konukot provides homeless women with a safe place to stay. The shelter is open every day from 5 pm to 10 am the next day. Konukot´s goal and mission are to provide homeless women with access to basic needs in terms of housing, hygiene and food. The service at Konukot is guided by a harm-reduction approach focusing on providing a trauma-women-centred services. Women using the service are seen as partners, and their needs and attitudes guide the service provided. Employees provide non-judgmental, individualized, and empowering support, and assist the women to access other services as needed. Konukot welcomes food donations, clothing and hygiene products. They also welcome left over flowers to brighten the day at Konukot. 

More information about Konukot: https://www.rotin.is/konukot/.  Please contact Meet in Reykjavík-Iceland Convention Bureau for further information. 

Lindargata Emergency Shelter and Grandagarður Emergency Shelter 

Both shelters provide emergency housing for homeless men and are open every day from 5 pm to 10 am the next day. Dinner and breakfast are provided, as is access to an onsite consultation team who assist the men with various issues relating to their health and wellbeing.  Both shelters welcome food donations, clothing and hygiene products. They also welcome left over flowers to brighten the day at the shelters. 

Please contact Meet in Reykjavík-Iceland Convention Bureau for further information. 

Event material 

Góði hirðirinn - The Good Shepherd Second Hand Store 

The Good Shepherd is SORPU's second hand utility market which aims to reuse and reduce waste. Things that go into the special recycling containers at SORPU's recycling centres end up at the Good Shepeherd Store, ready for a second life. The Good Shepherd is not a profit-driven activity and all proceeds go to charities. 

The Good Shepherd Second Hand Store welcomes event materials that are ready for a second life. 

More information: https://godihirdirinn.is/ 

Please contact Meet in Reykjavík-Iceland Convention Bureau for further information. 

Hertex 

Hertex is second hand utility store of the Salvation Army in Iceland. Their stores are located in Reykjavík and Akureyri. Hertex welcomes reusable event material such as tables, chairs, sofas, stands, building material and more. Conditions apply. 

More information: https://www.hertex.is/ 

Please contact Meet in Reykjavík-Iceland Convention Bureau for further information. 

In Iceland some kindergartens are happy to receive leftover material from events, which are usable in their work. Information about kindergartens is not shared with our clients but should you wish for your left-over material to be donated to a kindergarten, we are happy to facilitate this. 

Volunteering opportunities 

Several Icelandic organisations and NGOs offer volunteering opportunities, everything from tree planting and gardening, to hiking trail maintenances, to food preparations, baking – all depending on what kind of activities are of interest. 

Iceland is a small country, with very short communication channels. Depending on the client’s needs, we connect you with the appropriate organisation or NGO such as 

• Sólheimar Sustainable Village and Ölur Forest 
• Landvernd - Icelandic Environment Association 
• Forest Association of Reykjavík or Forest Association in other regions as fit the program 
• Icelandic Scouts 
• The Blue Army   
• Kraftur -support for young adults diagnosed with cancer 
• Geðhjálp – Mental Health Association 
• Samhjálp Kitchen 
• Góði hirðirinn 
• Local sports organisations and many more. 

Have you checked out our Green Meetings Checklist?

Please contact Meet in Reykjavík-Iceland Convention Bureau for further information. 

Updated May 2025