Recycling and sorting
Efficient recycling and sorting of waste is part of Aalto University's sustainable development strategy. We strive to reduce waste and reuse raw materials for either new products or energy.
Plastic and carton collection to every building on the campus
Waste sorting is changing on the campus at the beginning of the year 2022. Plastic and carton collection points will be added to break rooms.
Starting as a pilot project, consumer plastic and carton collecting are now expanding to every building on the campus. The aim is to raise the recycling level and reduce waste management carbon footprint and costs. Raising the recycling level of the waste that is generated on the campus is also a part of the University's campus sustainability strategy.
With the collection of new waste sorts, fewer and fewer products belong to energy waste. “Most of the plastic waste is generated from micro-food and another snack packaging. There is also a demand for cardboard recycling, so it is nice to bring new sorting bins to break rooms to facilitate sorting", says Tanja Pietikäinen, Aalto CRE's Property Coordinator. In the future, therefore, used plastic consumer packaging must be sorted into a waste container belonging to plastic packaging, and cartons into a container intended for cartons. Plastic packages should be rinsed with cool water and the cartons flattened. “All users of the campus facilities play an important role in the success of the sorting. We guide you and want to make sorting an easy part of everyone's everyday life”, Pietikäinen continues.
Recycled plastic is used for example to make flower pots, mailboxes, sledges and cleaning supplies. Recycled cardboard, on the other hand, is used to make cases for household and toilet paper, among other things.
More information:
Tanja Pietikäinen / Aalto CRE, tanja.pietikainen@aalto.fi
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