On October 16, the Lilleküla Circular Economy Center (located at Mustjõe 40) was officially opened, marking the first of its kind in both Tallinn and Estonia. The center offers residents the opportunity to sort their waste and repair items.

The center was inaugurated by Tallinn Mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski, Deputy Mayor Margot Roose, Kristiine District Governor Renata Lukk, Head of the Tallinn Circular Economy Center Rein Kalle, and Kristjan Mark, a member of the management board of AS Megaron E.

According to Tallinn Mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski, the opening of the Lilleküla Circular Economy Center marks the next step toward a more sustainable Tallinn. “Human activity has disrupted the natural balance. We need to bring our actions back within nature’s limits, and the circular economy plays a key role in this process,” said Ossinovski. “We must consume fewer natural resources, which requires better product design, reducing waste, and extending product life cycles. Of course, we also need to significantly improve recycling. The Lilleküla center is a leader in this effort, both in Tallinn and across the region.”

“The new circular economy center not only receives sorted waste but also sends a broader message to residents—reuse and repair whenever possible. By promoting a repair culture, we can reduce waste generation and conserve resources and the environment. In the coming years, another circular economy center will open in Lasnamäe,” said Deputy Mayor Margot Roose, adding, “Why not hope that, step by step, the example of circular economy will extend beyond Tallinn, just as the local ‘Let’s Do It’ campaign grew into a global World Cleanup Day.”

“We are creating beautiful, smart, and environmentally friendly circular economy centers in the city, and we are pleased that the first of them is now open to the residents. We opened it ahead of the original schedule, and we will continue with the same momentum on our other developments,” added Rein Kalle, Head of the Tallinn Circular Economy Center.

The Lilleküla Circular Economy Center is located in the heart of the community, offering residents an easy and convenient way to sort waste. The complex is bordered on two sides by a noise barrier, and the surrounding area is richly landscaped. In November, a smart access system will be launched, allowing visitors to book a time online for waste drop-off, select the types and quantities of waste, enter their vehicle number, and, if necessary, pay for the service. The barrier opens automatically when the vehicle’s number is recognized, making entry quick and convenient. LED-lit signage ensures visibility even in the dark, making it easy to sort waste properly.

In the center’s sewing repair workshop, anyone can repair their broken clothes or household textiles. The workshop is equipped with machines and tools, including sewing machines, an ironing center, scissors, measuring tapes, and needles. Both beginners and experienced sewers can receive guidance from a professional tailor. In the soft furniture repair workshop, residents can fix their broken furniture, with tips provided by a skilled upholsterer. The workshop is equipped with all the necessary tools, including sewing machines, foam saws, staple guns, and compressors. Visitors only need to bring their own materials to both workshops.

Another noteworthy feature is the free reuse room, where visitors can bring items that are no longer needed but still in good condition, giving them a second life where they are needed. The circular economy center also includes a free bicycle repair station and an environmentally-friendly toilet, which uses handwashing water for flushing.

The center also organizes environmental education group tours for educational institutions and companies. The inspiring repair workshop spaces are available for rent for various events.

The Lilleküla Circular Economy Center was designed by Entec OÜ, built by AS Megaron E, with construction supervision provided by AS Infragate Eesti. The project was commissioned by the Tallinn Property Department and the Tallinn Circular Economy Center, with a total cost of 2.3 million euros.

More information about the services provided by the Tallinn Circular Economy Center can be found on the website: tallinn.ee/ringmajanduskeskus.

Event gallery from the opening of Lilleküla ringmajanduskeskus. Photo credit: Ellen Rudi, Tallinn Strategic Management Office