Erikoisjätteet

Erikoisjätteet, a Finnish term, translates to "special waste" and refers to household waste that cannot be disposed of with regular municipal waste due to its hazardous properties or the need for specialized treatment. This category encompasses a variety of materials that pose risks to human health or the environment if improperly managed. Common examples of erikoisjätteet include batteries, fluorescent lamps, electronic devices, chemicals, paints, solvents, medicines, and automotive fluids.

The collection and disposal of erikoisjätteet are managed by municipalities and specialized waste management companies in Finland. Residents are typically encouraged to separate these items from their household trash and deliver them to designated collection points, such as recycling centers, local authority waste stations, or sometimes through mobile collection events. Proper handling is crucial to prevent the release of harmful substances into the environment, such as heavy metals from batteries or persistent organic pollutants from electronics.

Recycling and safe disposal methods are employed for erikoisjätteet. For instance, batteries are often collected for metal recovery, while electronic waste is dismantled and its valuable components are recycled, with hazardous materials being treated or securely disposed of. Medicines are usually incinerated at high temperatures. The aim is to minimize the environmental impact of these materials and to recover valuable resources where possible, thereby promoting a circular economy. Information on local collection points and accepted materials is usually available from municipal websites or waste management service providers.