Recycling campaign calls for greater effort from the Aalto community
The recycling campaign has now lasted about nine months.
Recycling campaign ends - activities continue!
The entire university-wide recycling campaign ended at the end of September 2025. However, the work on recycling and sorting continues, every member of the community can make a difference.
The annual recycling rate of waste at Aalto University's Otaniemi Â鶹´«Ã½ has averaged 64 percent, and the aim of the campaign was to increase the recycling rate to 70 percent by October 2025. Currently, the Â鶹´«Ã½ generates 1,400 tons of waste per year.
At the heart of the recycling campaign was the idea that everyone can do their part to reduce waste by consuming critically and sorting their waste carefully, because properly sorted waste can be used as new raw materials. Although the graphic shows that the percentage target was not met, many effective methods for better sorting and recycling were promoted during the campaign. Additionally, an analysis of waste volumes has shown that recycling of plastic packaging and cardboard on Â鶹´«Ã½ has been enhanced.
Concrete actions to promote recycling
A sorting development pilot was started in the lobby areas of Maarintie 8 over the course of the year, and it is intended to expand to other Â鶹´«Ã½ buildings later. In addition, based on an idea received from Aalto University students, different coloured rubbish bags have been introduced for different fractions, making the sorting process easier for cleaners.
Several training sessions related to sorting have been held for Â鶹´«Ã½ tenants, and those interested in recycling and waste management have had the opportunity to explore the contents and further processing of waste from the Â鶹´«Ã½ at Ämmässuo eco-industrial centre.
"For example, we received more positive than negative feedback from the pilot at Maarintie 8, so the practice can now be cautiously extended to other buildings. Similarly, we are still investing in training and information sharing", says cleaning and waste management services specialist Tanja ±Ê¾±±ð³Ù¾±°ìä¾±²Ô±ð²Ô from ACRE.
One of the campaign’s objectives was to raise awareness, which, based on the amount of feedback received, was nicely achieved. "The community provided a lot of feedback and good ideas on how we can develop and facilitate sorting on Â鶹´«Ã½. Although big changes bring great benefits, the feedback also highlighted what everyone can achieve through small, everyday choices. So our work continues", ±Ê¾±±ð³Ù¾±°ìä¾±²Ô±ð²Ô adds.
Do you already have a good idea or tip on how to improve waste recycling on Â鶹´«Ã½? Leave it under this article (logged-in users) or write to us at info-acre@aalto.fi. Based on the tips, we can quickly affect the ease of recycling on Â鶹´«Ã½ if needed.
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