How much mixed waste do households in the Helsinki region throw away?
What is still in the mixed waste bin.
Short answer
HSY studied the composition of household mixed waste in Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen in 2024. The amount was 125.6 kg per resident per year, about 3.3 percent less than in the previous study in 2021. As in earlier years, the largest parts of mixed waste were biowaste and plastics. The study also looked at the effect of extending biowaste collection to small properties.
Why
- HSY gives 125.6 kg per resident in 2024.
- HSY says the amount fell about 3.3 percent from 2021.
- HSY names biowaste and plastics as the largest parts.
Details
Verkkouutiset reported that separate biowaste collection reached 1 to 4 unit properties in the region during 2023 and 2024.
Tip
Sorting biowaste and plastic packaging is the quickest way to shrink your mixed waste.
What may differ
HSY turns biowaste into biogas and organic fertiliser for farming.
Common misconception
Mixed waste is mostly things that cannot be recycled.
What actually happens
Biowaste and plastics are still its largest parts.
People also ask
- How do you sort household waste in Helsinki?
- How many bottles and cans do Finns return?
- Is tap water safe to drink in Finland?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Opening hours, prices and services change, so check the official sources before you go.
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HSY, which runs household waste services in the Helsinki region, defines biowaste as food waste from cooking or serving, such as vegetable peels and leftovers, and inedible fruit, berries and food plants.
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