Viherjäte

Viherjäte refers to organic waste material originating from gardens and parks. It primarily includes grass clippings, leaves, branches, twigs, and other plant matter. Proper management of viherjäte is important for environmental sustainability and resource recovery.

In many municipalities, viherjäte is collected separately from other household waste. This separated collection allows for specialized processing methods that are distinct from general waste management. The collected material is often transported to composting facilities or other organic waste treatment centers.

At these facilities, viherjäte is typically composted. Composting is a biological process where microorganisms break down organic matter into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. This compost can then be used in agriculture, horticulture, and landscaping, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and improving soil health. Alternatively, viherjäte can be processed through anaerobic digestion to produce biogas, a renewable energy source, and digestate, which can also be used as fertilizer.

The reduction of viherjäte going to landfills is a key environmental objective. Landfilling organic waste contributes to methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, and takes up valuable landfill space. Therefore, promoting and facilitating the separate collection and processing of viherjäte is a common practice in waste management strategies aimed at increasing recycling rates and promoting a circular economy. Home composting is also a popular method for managing garden waste, allowing individuals to create their own compost.