New waste management regulations come into force on 1 June.
The new waste management regulations were approved at the waste board’s meeting on 7 May. The biggest changes concern, among other things, the longest possible emptying intervals for mixed waste bins.
From now on a resident can arrange a maximum 12-week emptying interval for a mixed waste bin directly with Kiertokapula’s customer service, whereas previously a 12-week interval had to be applied for from waste management authority services.
To be allowed to arrange a 12-week emptying interval, waste must be recycled actively, bio-waste must be sorted separately, and the mixed waste bin may be at most 240 litres in capacity.
If bio-waste is not composted on the property or sorted into a bio-waste container emptied by a refuse truck, the mixed waste bin’s emptying interval may be at most four weeks.
Regulations are updated regularly
The regulations enter into force on 1 June 2026. Waste management regulations are regional provisions that complement the Waste Act. The previous waste management regulations have been in force since 1 May 2022.
“Major changes were made to the previous regulations. We have gained practical experience of how the regulations function and have mainly made clarifications now,” says waste planning officer Pinja Lehti.
A commendable number of statements and opinions were received from municipalities and residents.
No tightening of sorting obligations
The previous regulations obliged many residents to sort their waste more thoroughly. There are no changes to sorting obligations now, but stricter measures can be expected in the future.
“The recycling targets set by the EU will not be met in Finland with current measures, so new sorting obligations are likely to come,” Lehti notes.
The basic question of waste management has not changed either: waste management must be arranged for all properties used as permanent and holiday homes.