Today, the Tallinn City Government sent a draft decision to the City Council to rename the Tallinna Jäätmekeskus (Tallinn Waste Center) as the Tallinna Ringmajanduskeskus (Tallinn Circular Economy Center). The name change reflects the shift in focus from waste management to circular economy activities.

According to Deputy Mayor Margot Roose, responsible for entrepreneurship in Tallinn, the name change symbolizes a significant shift in waste management principles. "Previously, the Tallinn Waste Center primarily focused on waste collection and processing, but over time, the center's activities have expanded to include promoting the circular economy. With the new name and new responsibilities, we aim to offer a broader range of services, including waste sorting, reuse, and repair work," Roose explained. "With the new name and approach, we want to provide Tallinn residents with opportunities to adopt more sustainable consumption habits and contribute to a greener future for the city."

The transformation of the Waste Center is part of the implementation of the priority areas of Tallinn's Waste Plan 2022-2026, which includes the promotion of the circular economy.

The Circular Economy Centers will include reuse rooms where people can bring their usable but unwanted items, such as children's clothes or sports equipment, to be given a new life.

The new centers will also feature repair workshops where residents can repair their furniture or clothing either on their own or with the guidance of a master, thus giving these items a new lease on life.

The first Circular Economy Center will open in October in Lilleküla at Mustjõe Street 40. In the future, there are plans to establish additional centers in Lasnamäe and Haabersti, as well as to convert existing waste stations in Paljassaare, Pääsküla, Rahumäe, and Pärnamäe into Circular Economy Centers.

The transition to the new name will occur gradually in the waste centers, using up existing materials with the old name in accordance with circular economy principles, while new signage and materials will already reflect the new name.