Viewpoints
Viewpoints is a blog in which different writers express their views and opinions on current topics. A new blog post is published about once every four weeks.
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Juha-Heikki Tanskanen: Help the environment by sorting packaging waste
Recycling waste is beneficial and important for the environment. Unfortunately, the economy does not yet follow this principle. The value of recycled material does not cover the costs of its collection and processing because virgin raw materials are available at lower prices.
Finnish Packaging Recycling RINKI Ltd launched a consumer campaign in the summer to encourage Finns to recycle packaging. It’s always good weather for returning packaging to a Rinki eco take-back point!
In a system based on producer responsibility, retail and industrial companies cover the costs of collecting and recycling packaging. The producers of packaging are responsible for organising recycling when the packaging has served its purpose. This responsibility is managed in good cooperation with waste management companies.
Finns sort their packaging waste diligently. Nevertheless, we have only taken the first steps towards the sustainable use of materials and energy. There is plenty of room for improvement, and improve we must. The less waste we produce, the better. The Ministry of the Environment is currently drafting the new Waste Act, which will come into effect in July 2020. The goal is for Finns to sort nearly all of their household waste. Sorting runs smoothly when you find the routines that suit you best.
Many people living in blocks of flats or terraced houses already have collection bins for packaging waste in their building’s waste collection point. For others, there are collection points near stores across Finland. The network of Rinki eco take-back points covers all cities, towns and urban areas in Finland, from Hanko in the south to Utsjoki in the north. It’s convenient to return packaging to a Rinki eco take-back point when visiting a store. This also minimises emissions from transport. There are currently 413 Rinki eco take-back points located at Kesko store sites, and more than half of these also include collection points for plastic packaging.
Sorting waste is easy if you keep this rule of thumb in mind: if you have packaging and it is paperboard, glass, metal or plastic, you can return it to a Rinki eco take-back point or the collection bin in your building. Sorting packaging waste is an easy way to help the environment.
rinkiin.fi
Juha-Heikki Tanskanen
CEO
Finnish Packaging Recycling RINKI Ltd
