pullokoja

Pullokoja is a Finnish term that translates to "bottle haul" or "bottle collecting." It refers to the practice of collecting empty bottles, primarily for recycling and the associated deposit refunds. This activity is common in Finland and other countries with deposit return schemes for beverage containers.

The motivation for pullokoja can vary. For some, it is a way to earn a small amount of extra money, especially as bottle deposits in Finland are relatively substantial. For others, it is a conscious effort to contribute to environmental sustainability by ensuring that bottles are recycled and not discarded as waste. Children sometimes engage in pullokoja as a simple way to understand the value of recycling and to save for small purchases.

The practice is often associated with public spaces like parks, streets, and beaches, where discarded bottles are more likely to be found. While some individuals dedicate significant time to collecting bottles, for many, it's a casual endeavor. The collected bottles are typically returned to designated recycling points or grocery stores that accept them for deposit refunds. The availability of deposit systems has made pullokoja a recognized and somewhat ingrained part of Finnish culture, highlighting a practical approach to both earning and environmental responsibility.