Starting January 1, 2025, the per-cubic-meter price for biodegradable garden waste and tree branches at Tallinn waste stations will be reduced to a third of its current rate; however, free garden waste drop-off will no longer be available.

Until the end of this year, the collection fee for garden waste is €20.60 per cubic meter, with free disposal available for up to 0.6 m³. Beginning January 1, each cubic meter will cost €6.10, including VAT. For example, handing over a 100-liter bag of biodegradable garden waste will cost €0.61.

“Ending the free disposal service for garden waste aligns with the responsibility of waste treatment – in an environmentally conscious city, landscape waste shouldn’t pile up at waste stations but rather be cycled back into use,” explained Tallinn Deputy Mayor Margot Roose. “The costs of processing, loading, transport, and composting all contribute to compost production from garden waste. Compost made from garden waste is beneficially used in both city landscaping and residents’ gardens. We also encourage people to compost garden waste on-site whenever possible and use it in their own gardens.”

Rein Kalle, Head of the Tallinn Circular Economy Center, noted that the current system for garden waste drop-off has led to frequent, small deliveries, with most being free and thus generating no revenue for waste centers. “Considering the backdrop of overall price increases, this service cannot continue in the same way,” Kalle explained. He added that this approach has also led to long queues at waste stations, which in turn disrupted the collection of other types of waste.

Tallinn Circular Economy Center's waste stations accept 41 different types of waste, with many available for free disposal. Waste station hours and details on all other types of waste collection can be found on the website tallinn.ee/ringmajanduskeskus.