jätteenhallintalain

Jätteenhallintalaki is the Finnish Waste Act, a comprehensive piece of legislation that governs waste management in Finland. Its primary objective is to prevent waste generation, promote the reuse and recycling of waste, and ensure that any remaining waste is managed in an environmentally sound manner. The law applies to all types of waste, including household waste, industrial waste, and hazardous waste.

The act establishes a hierarchical approach to waste management, prioritizing prevention, followed by preparation for reuse, recycling, other recovery operations (such as energy recovery), and finally, disposal as a last resort. It places responsibilities on various actors, including waste producers, waste handlers, municipalities, and the government. Waste producers are generally responsible for their waste, while municipalities are tasked with organizing waste collection and management services for households.

Key provisions of the Jätteenhallintalaki include requirements for waste separation at the source, the development of waste management plans, and permits for waste management operations. It also addresses the management of specific waste streams, such as packaging waste, electronic waste, and batteries, often in line with EU directives. The law aims to foster a circular economy by encouraging resource efficiency and minimizing the environmental impact of waste. Enforcement and supervision of the act are carried out by environmental authorities at various levels.