Tallinn's waste stations and circular economy center are inviting visitors for educational tours, welcoming kindergarten and primary school groups as well as businesses and institutions. These environmental education tours provide practical advice on sorting waste and demonstrate how old items can be repurposed.

According to Deputy Mayor Margot Roose, sustainable habits should be an integral part of our daily lives. “ Sorting waste is crucial so it can be recycled into useful resources. On these tours, participants can see firsthand what happens to sorted waste, and I believe this personal experience will motivate them to contribute more," Roose said. "The city plans to establish circular economy centers in each district, offering services such as repair workshops and a free reuse room for items in good condition.”

"Our vision is for Tallinn to have the most beautiful, innovative, and eco-friendly circular economy centers. In addition to accepting sorted waste and reusable items, the circular economy centers will offer opportunities to repair items and learn repair skills," added Rein Kalle, head of Tallinn Waste Centre. "Our journey towards circular economy centers has garnered interest both in Estonia and internationally. This is why we have started organizing educational tours of waste stations and repair workshops."

In October, the first circular economy center will open in Lilleküla, the first of its kind in Tallinn and Estonia. The circular economy center is located where waste is generated, making it convenient for the community to visit. The building is surrounded by a noise barrier and greenry. A smart access system allows visitors to book waste drop-off times, and the illuminated signage makes sorting easier, even at night. The center will also feature a bike repair station, a free reuse room, and even a humorous “ring-pot” restroom.

Kalle encouraged visits to the older waste stations as well, which have been significantly upgraded with reuse rooms and repair workshops.

Year-round, Paljassaare, Pärnamäe, Pääsküla waste stations (with reuse rooms and repair workshops) and the Kopli 93 community center and workshop are open to visitors. Tours at the Lilleküla center will begin in November, but bookings are open now. The Tallinn Waste Center requests visitors to book tours at least one week in advance.
Last year, approximately 630 people took part in tours at waste stations, with visitors from Estonia as well as Finland, Romania, Turkey, Norway, and Kyrgyzstan. This year, visitors from Greece, Croatia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, and Latvia have attended.

More information on the tours: www.tallinn.ee/et/ringmajanduskeskus/ekskursioonid (in Estonian language).

Tours are available in Estonian, English, and Russian.