This November, Tallinn commenced the construction of its first circular economy center in the Kristiine district, with plans underway for another center on the property at Punane 68a in Lasnamäe.

Deputy Mayor Joosep Vimm shares that the new center in Lasnamäe will set the standard for future developments. "We are transforming our existing waste treatment plants, but there's a clear need to make these services more accessible to the public. That’s why we are developing new circular economy centers. The one in Lasnamäe will be the first of a new generation, inspired by models from the Nordic countries, where circular economy principles are applied in construction. This includes extensive use of wooden structures and recycled materials," explains Vimm.

A circular economy center means more than just waste collection; the same site will house repair workshops, classrooms, and reuse spaces. Here, residents can refurbish or repurpose their old items with guidance from experts, using materials sourced from the waste treatment plants.

The Lasnamäe circular economy center is designed with eco-friendly solutions. The construction will extensively use recycled materials. Plans include using reclaimed wood for the building's exterior and recycled bricks for the interior finishes. A green roof is projected for the circular economy center, and rainwater will be directed to a pond on the property. Additionally, solar panels are planned for the waste treatment section of the building.

The first circular economy center, in Lilleküla, is set to open in 2024 at Mustjõe Street 40 in the Kristiine district. Additionally, a center is planned for Haabersti, with the location yet to be confirmed. The design of the Haabersti center will be determined through an architectural competition. The completion of the Lasnamäe center is slated for 2025.

One of the goals of Tallinn's Waste Plan 2022-2026 is to transform existing waste treatment plants into circular economy centers. In districts currently without waste treatment plants, the plan is to establish combined facilities offering waste disposal, reuse spaces, repair workshops, and educational classrooms.