Today, the cornerstone will be laid for the Lasnamäe Circular Economy Center, which will provide residents with convenient opportunities to dispose of waste, repair items, and reuse them. The center supports the city's commitment to more efficient waste management and the broader goal of reducing waste and promoting the sustainable use of resources. The center is scheduled to open in 2026.

The development of the center contributes to the city's broader ambition of creating an environmentally conscious urban environment and making sustainable choices more accessible in everyday life. At the same time, it is an important addition to the Lasnamäe urban space – the center will introduce new community services, diversify public space, and enhance the overall quality of the living environment.

According to Mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski, Tallinn aims to become a city where sustainable choices are a natural part of daily life. “Circular economy centers are a significant step in this direction – they make waste sorting, repair, and reuse easier and more accessible to people. The Lasnamäe center is more than just a waste station – it’s a community-oriented service that enriches the area and supports the city’s green transition.”

“Establishing a circular economy center in Lasnamäe is an important step in Tallinn’s journey towards sustainability,” said Deputy Mayor Margot Roose. “The new center will make it easier and more practical for residents to make environmentally conscious choices, while also supporting the development of circular business models and the broader sector. It will bring together the local community, innovative companies, and attract international delegations, creating a unique cooperation platform that supports sustainable regional development.”

The building itself is a good example of sustainable construction principles. The facade will be built using reclaimed wood, the interior will use recycled materials, such as repurposed wood for shelving and lighting fixtures made from used tires. A small solar power plant will be installed on the roof, which will also feature a green roof to help mitigate the urban heat island effect. Rainwater will be used for flushing toilets and watering landscaping around the building. A smart management system will adjust lighting and energy use automatically based on room occupancy.

The center’s waste station will enable separate collection of different waste types. The circular hub will allow residents to donate usable household items and repair broken items with the help of professionals. The building will also include classrooms for environmental and circular economy training sessions, practical workshops, and conferences.
“We’ve learned a lot from our colleagues in Norway, Sweden, and Finland, and have had excellent collaboration with the architect to design a building that is both functional and architecturally outstanding. As a nature conservationist, I’m especially proud that the area behind the building will be transformed into a public park with minimal interference, preserving as much of the natural landscape as possible,” said Rein Kalle, Director of Tallinn’s Circular Economy Center.

Tallinn’s Waste Management Plan 2022–2026 foresees the development of a modern circular economy center in each district. The Lasnamäe center is the second of its kind in both Tallinn and Estonia, combining the functions of a waste station with circular economy services. Lasnamäe is Tallinn’s largest district, with nearly 120,000 residents in its area of influence.

The architect of the Lasnamäe Circular Economy Center is Urmo Mets from the architecture bureau Kolm Koma, and the design was completed by RTG Projektibüroo AS. The building will be constructed by OÜ Fund Ehitus at a cost of approximately €7.9 million.