A new wood repair workshop will be built at Paljassaare waste station in Tallinn (Paljassaare põik 5) alongside existing reuse rooms. This initiative follows circular economy principles, making the waste station more environmentally friendly and user-oriented.

According to Deputy Mayor Margot Roose, Tallinn is moving from waste management to a circular economy. "At the new wood repair workshop in Paljassaare waste station, residents will have the opportunity to restore wooden items themselves instead of discarding them. Circular economy principles will also be applied in the workshop’s design, meaning that as much as possible of the existing structure will be preserved, and sustainable materials will be prioritized in construction," said Roose. She also noted that a similar wood repair workshop is already operating at Tallinn Circular Economy Center at Kopli 93.

The project follows a house within a house concept, where the existing building is fully retained, and a new insulated structure is built inside. The architectural solution highlights the original building while creating a contrast between old and new. Reclaimed bricks will be used for the new façade and sidewalk paving. The old evacuation staircase will also be reinstalled. Reused wooden beams, roofing materials, wooden panels, ceramic tiles, doors, and windows will be used wherever possible. Only the roof covering will be entirely replaced due to its condition.

According to Rein Kalle, head of the Tallinn Circular Economy Center, about two-thirds of the old building will still be used as a storage space for reclaimed materials. "The newly built section will be a stable, insulated space housing a woodworking room, a workshop, a technical room, a classroom, a kitchenette, and toilet and shower facilities. The building will also feature a small solar power plant with 75 panels and a wood waste-burning heater," explained Kalle.

The wood repair workshop was designed by Teisik OÜ (architects Keiti Lige, Helena Rummo, Elina Liiva, and Indrek Saarepera) under the commission of the Tallinn Circular Economy Center and the Tallinn Property Department. The construction work will be carried out by Triami OÜ, with OÜ Keskkonnaprojekt overseeing the project. The total cost of the project is approximately 548,000 euros. The Environmental Investment Centre (KIK) is providing funding for workshop equipment through the European economic area (EEA) grants.

The workshop is expected to be completed by September 2025.

The Tallinn waste plan 2022-2026 serves as the foundation for circular economy developments in the city, outlining the transformation of waste stations into circular economy centres.