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Tallinn kindergartens receive waste sorting stations for better recycling practices

Tallinn kindergartens receive waste sorting stations for better recycling practices

The city has provided waste sorting stations to its kindergartens to promote environmental awareness among children and teach proper waste separation. During November and December, a total of 349 sorting stations were distributed to 52 kindergartens.

Deputy Mayor Margot Roose emphasized that this initiative is an important step in achieving the goals of Tallinn's Waste Plan 2022–2026. "The earlier we instill environmentally conscious attitudes and sustainable habits in children, the more likely they are to adopt them for life. Continuous awareness-raising and initiatives like this contribute to making our city greener and more sustainable," said Roose.

The sorting stations were procured by the Circular Economy Department of the Tallinn Strategic Management Office through an environmentally conscious public procurement process. Based on the needs and preferences of kindergartens, both four- and three-section stations were acquired, enabling separate collection of packaging, paper and cardboard, bio-waste, and mixed waste. The stations are made from water-resistant and durable plywood, which is easy to maintain. They are designed to be child-friendly in size and feature colors and pictograms representing different waste types, making sorting easy and accessible for children.

The sorting stations were produced by the Estonian company Easy Star OÜ, following circular economy principles. The collection boxes can be disassembled using hand tools, individual parts can be replaced, and the stations can be repaired without damage. The stations come with a two-year warranty, covering repairs and replacement products if needed.

Since 2021, Tallinn has carried out several projects to promote waste sorting. In 2023, the city distributed 198 sorting stations to 29 kindergartens. To date, 81 institutions have received a total of 547 sorting stations. Additionally, Tallinn supports kindergartens in acquiring outdoor waste containers to ensure that sorted waste reaches recycling facilities.

The sorting stations also help reinforce knowledge gained from the educational program "Preventing and Reducing Waste, Reuse and Recycling, and Establishing Waste Sorting Habits."

Tallinn aims to continue increasing environmental awareness among children and institutions while providing practical solutions for effective waste sorting. The Tallinn Waste Plan 2022–2026 highlights the importance of consistent awareness campaigns to foster sustainable behaviors and environmental responsibility.