jätehuoltolakiin

The Finnish Waste Management Act, or jätehuoltolaki, is the primary legislation governing waste management in Finland. It establishes the responsibilities of municipalities, producers, and citizens in managing waste effectively and minimizing its environmental impact. The act aims to promote a circular economy by prioritizing waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and energy recovery over landfilling.

Key provisions of the Waste Management Act include requirements for municipalities to organize waste collection and treatment services for households and similar waste streams. This often involves establishing waste management plans and ensuring access to recycling facilities. Producers of goods are also subject to extended producer responsibility, meaning they are responsible for the collection and recycling of their products after consumers are finished with them. This applies to various product groups, such as packaging, electronics, batteries, and vehicles.

The act also sets out regulations for hazardous waste, requiring its separate collection and treatment to prevent environmental pollution. It emphasizes the importance of proper waste sorting and provides frameworks for waste management permits and inspections. Furthermore, the Waste Management Act encourages innovation in waste treatment technologies and promotes research and development in the field of waste management. The goal is to ensure that waste is managed in a way that protects human health and the environment, while also maximizing resource efficiency.