The results of the Tallinn Strategic Management Office’s survey “Green City and Circular Economy” show a significant increase in the sorting of waste at home, at the workplace, and in public spaces.

According to Margot Roose, Deputy Mayor for Entrepreneurship in Tallinn, city residents are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of waste sorting and are making choices that support the principles of the circular economy and sustainable development. “It is necessary to create more opportunities for waste sorting in public spaces to support residents' efforts towards a more environmentally friendly lifestyle,” Roose emphasized.

The majority of Tallinn residents now sort waste both at home and at work, with a noticeable increase compared to previous years. The most commonly sorted materials are paper and cardboard—88% of residents do this at home, and 92% at the workplace. In addition, hazardous waste, various types of packaging, electrical and electronic waste, used clothing, and food waste are also being sorted. The main obstacles cited by respondents are the lack of containers or their distance (50%), as well as a lack of awareness about waste sorting.

Similarly, waste sorting in public spaces has also increased, with 88% of residents using bins designed for different types of waste. However, 60% of residents believe that there are too few waste bins in public areas, indicating their readiness to sort more waste if the infrastructure improves.

The growth in the circular economy is also evident from the fact that 86% of Tallinn residents have sold or given away items they no longer need in the past year, and 81% have repaired broken items. Additionally, 69% of residents have reduced their consumption.

In the last 12 months, 47% of respondents have used a waste station, an increase from previous years (43% in 2023, 41% in 2021). The most common items left over in homes in the past three years were furniture (45% of respondents), which was mostly taken to waste stations by private transport or sold/donated. Waste stations were also used for construction waste and car tires.

Moreover, 86% of respondents have reduced food waste in the past year—a significant increase from 79% in 2023.
The survey, conducted in April 2024 by Turu-uuringute AS, included 1,000 Tallinn residents aged 18 and older. You can view the survey results (in Estonian language) here.