sekajäte

Sekajäte, or mixed waste, refers to the residual fraction of municipal solid waste that remains after source-separated recyclables, organics, and hazardous waste have been removed. It comprises items that cannot be readily recycled or composted through existing collection streams and may include non-recyclable plastics, textiles, contaminated paper and cardboard, small household items, glass fragments, ceramics, and other non-hazardous residuals. Hazardous components are usually diverted to separate collection channels, but small amounts may end up in sekajäte if not properly sorted.

Collection and processing systems typically categorize sekajäte as the waste remaining after more easily recoverable materials have been sorted. It is commonly sent to facilities for energy recovery, such as waste-to-energy plants where the waste is incinerated to generate electricity and heat. Depending on local infrastructure and regulations, some portion may also be directed to landfills, although many regions aim to minimize disposal in landfills in favor of recycling and energy recovery. Mechanical and biological treatment options may be used in some areas to extract additional recyclables or to stabilize the waste before processing.

Environmental and regulatory context centers on waste hierarchy principles, prioritizing prevention, reuse, and recycling over disposal. Sekajäte represents the remaining material after substantial source separation and recycling efforts. Reducing the volume and improving the purity of streams intended for recycling or composting can lower the environmental footprint of a waste system, while efficient energy recovery from sekajäte reduces the need for fossil fuels.