The city transformation in Kiruna presents a significant opportunity for recycling construction materials; however, reports indicate that most of this material has been used as landfill or fuel instead. Local newspapers Dagens industri and Byggindustrin have contacted several construction companies involved in the process, revealing that none have systematically reused materials from the old city. Exceptions exist, such as stone materials repurposed for a new park and toilets sold to the public, but these instances are limited and raise questions about the overall management of the city's assets during the transformation.

Erik Stenberg, a reuse expert from KTH's School of Architecture, emphasizes that Kiruna is a unique case and suggests that the municipality could do much more in terms of recycling. According to him, a more systematic approach could salvage valuable materials that otherwise end up wasted. The project has been under scrutiny as it seems to lack a formal documented inventory of reusable materials, which is reportedly required by law before demolition. The discussions surrounding reuse practices are said to typically occur verbally between the construction authority and LKAB, the mining company overseeing the project.

Despite LKAB's assertion that recycling and waste laws are being adhered to, critics point out the absence of a comprehensive reuse inventory raises serious concerns about the sustainability of the project. This situation not only reveals potential environmental oversights but also highlights the missed opportunities for the municipality to lead by example in eco-friendly urban redevelopment. The debate continues as the community seeks answers on how the transformation could have better preserved its architectural heritage and reduced waste.