Keräilyjäte

Keräilyjäte, often translated as sorted waste or recyclable waste, refers to materials that have been separated from mixed household waste for the purpose of recycling. The concept is central to modern waste management strategies aimed at reducing the volume of landfill waste and conserving natural resources. In Finland and many other countries, keräilyjäte is collected separately in designated bins or at collection points.

Common categories of keräilyjäte include paperi ja kartonki (paper and cardboard), muovi (plastic), lasi (glass), metalli (metal), ja biojäte (bio-waste). Each category requires specific processing to be effectively recycled. For instance, paper and cardboard are pulped to create new paper products, while plastics are sorted by type, melted down, and reformed into new items. Glass is crushed and remelted, and metals are smelted for reuse. Bio-waste, such as food scraps, is often composted or used in biogas production.

Effective keräilyjäte practices rely on public participation and clear guidelines on what materials are accepted in each stream. Contamination, where incorrect items are placed in a recycling bin, can hinder the recycling process and increase costs. Municipalities and waste management companies typically provide information and collection services to facilitate keräilyjäte. The goal of keräilyjäte is to promote a circular economy, where materials are reused and repurposed as much as possible, thereby minimizing environmental impact.