News

Maarintie 8 as a pilot for the recycling campaign

Published: 8.4.2025

Sorting and recycling campaign in Aalto University started in autumn 2024. Based on the feedback and ideas received, Maarintie 8 was chosen as the pilot building for the campaign. The building's recycling points have now been improved to meet the wishes of Aaltonians. The campaign will continue until October 2025.

Uusi lajittelupiste Maarintie 8 — One of the new sorting points in the lobby of Maarintie 8. Photo: Milla Uusitalo / ACRE

A recycling and sorting campaign was launched in Aalto community in October 2024, to increase the recycling rate on campus. Maarintie 8 was chosen as the pilot building for the sorting campaign in early spring 2025. The sorting points in the building were improved, when more extensive sorting options were introduced to the lobbies on each floor, and individual mixed waste bins were removed from the halls and offices. This solution was decided on because paper is used less often in office work. In addition, plastic and cardboard collection has been requested in the campus survey and the feedback received from the sorting campaign.

Maarintie 8 was selected as the pilot building for the campaign based on its suitable size and the number of people working and studying in the building. We also received enthusiastic suggestions from the building's users on how recycling rates could be easily improved by adjusting the sorting points in the lobbies and other shared areas. The aim is to collect information and experiences, and to continue with the changes to the sorting points elsewhere on campus.

Kestävä kampus — Recycling cubes remind us of responsible consumption.

Have you noticed the recycling cubes yet?

Sorting and recycling is still encouraged for every campus user across the campus, and the goal is to increase the waste recycling rate on campus from the current 64 percent to 70 percent by October 2025. Currently, 1,400 tons of waste are generated on campus per year.

At the heart of the recycling campaign is the idea that everyone can do their part to reduce waste by consuming critically. On the other hand, properly sorted waste does not go to waste, but can be utilized as new raw materials. This is a step towards a more sustainable future.

Do you already have a good idea or tip to improve waste recycling on campus? Leave it below this article (logged in users) or write to us at info-acre@aalto.fi. If necessary, tips can be used to make a very quick impact on recycling on campus.

Recycling campaign starts on Otaniemi campus

We will launch a waste recycling campaign on the Otaniemi campus in early October. The aim is to increase the recycling rate and reduce the amount of mixed waste.