The Waste Management Act is complemented by various decrees and regulations that provide detailed guidelines for waste management practices. These include the Waste Management Decree, which specifies the responsibilities of waste producers, collectors, and disposal facilities. The decree also sets standards for waste classification, collection, transport, and disposal.
The waste management hierarchy, as outlined in the Waste Management Act, prioritizes waste prevention, followed by preparation for reuse, recycling, and other recovery operations, with disposal as the least preferred option. This hierarchy guides waste management practices and policies in Finland.
Waste producers, including households, businesses, and industries, are responsible for the proper handling and disposal of their waste. They must separate waste according to its type and ensure that it is collected by authorized waste management services. Waste collectors are required to transport waste to authorized disposal facilities or recycling plants.
The Waste Management Act also addresses the environmental impact of waste management. It requires waste management activities to be carried out in an environmentally sound manner, minimizing pollution and resource depletion. The act promotes the use of renewable and recyclable materials and encourages the development of waste management technologies that reduce environmental impacts.
In addition to the Waste Management Act, Finland has implemented the European Union Waste Framework Directive, which sets minimum standards for waste management in the EU. The directive requires member states to achieve a recycling rate of at least 50% by 2020 and 55% by 2025. Finland has exceeded these targets, with a recycling rate of over 60% in 2020.
The waste management system in Finland is characterized by a high level of recycling and a low landfill rate. This is achieved through a combination of strong regulatory frameworks, public awareness campaigns, and the involvement of various stakeholders, including waste producers, collectors, and disposal facilities. The waste management system in Finland serves as a model for other countries seeking to improve their waste management practices and reduce their environmental impact.