Sekajätekeräys

Sekajätekeräys refers to the collection of mixed waste in Finland. This type of waste encompasses all household refuse that cannot be sorted into separate collection streams such as paper, cardboard, glass, metal, or organic waste. Essentially, it is the residual waste that remains after all recyclable and separately collected materials have been removed.

The purpose of sekajätekeräys is to manage the final disposal of non-recyclable items. Historically, mixed waste was primarily sent to landfills. However, current waste management practices in Finland increasingly focus on energy recovery. This means that mixed waste collected through sekajätekeräys is often transported to waste-to-energy plants where it is incinerated under controlled conditions to generate heat and electricity. This process reduces the volume of waste significantly and allows for the recovery of energy that would otherwise be lost.

Residents are typically provided with specific bins for mixed waste. The frequency of collection varies depending on the municipality and the type of housing. It is important for households to minimize the amount of sekajäte they produce by diligently sorting other recyclable materials. The contents of sekajäte bins should not include hazardous waste, electronics, batteries, or construction debris, as these require specialized collection and disposal methods. Proper sekajätekeräys contributes to efficient waste management and supports the circular economy by prioritizing energy recovery over landfilling.