Tomorrow, April 15, the annual Urban Maintenance Month will be kicked off in Tallinn, which will be held for the 30th time. The motto of this year's campaign is "Responsibility for the Future" and the aim is to encourage people to think along on the issues of the circular economy and environmental education. During the Urban Maintenance Month, recycling of used items is made easy and hazardous waste can be disposed of free of charge.

Deputy Mayor Kalle Klandorf noted that spring maintenance has already begun in the city's public space and also called on all residents to clean their homes and surroundings from winter debris. "But the Urban Maintenance Month has a broader objective this year - we pay special attention to circular economy, especially reuse, because sustainable consumption is one of the keywords for a sustainable future," said Klandorf. “Both traditional activities and new initiatives will be carried out during this year’s campaign, which is hoped to contribute to the increase of environmental awareness and the achievement of a cleaner urban environment, while supporting Tallinn's journey to become a Green Capital. For example, city dwellers are welcome to take part in the first ever garbage run and, as in previous Urban Maintenance Months, hazardous waste can be given away free of charge.”

As a new initiative, a Tallinn garbage run or plogging event will be organized from 26 April to 14 May. This is an environmentally conscious movement trend initiated by ultra-runners in Sweden in 2016, which combines jogging and environmental protection: the runner's goal is to pick up litter on the way and dispose of it later. Everyone can participate in a place convenient for them all over Tallinn. It is not a competition, but prizes will be drawn between the participants. The terms and conditions of plogging can be found on the website of the Urban Maintenance Month (in Estonian).

In order to make it more convenient for home cleaners to send things to a new circle and prevent good items from ending up in the trash, Uuskasutuskeskus offers an opportunity to call a donation taxi this spring.

The traditional kick-off for spring street cleaning will this year be given on April 19 at 12.00 on Mere puiestee. This is the start of large-scale washing on streets to clear them of winter dirt. As usual, International Earth Day (April 22) is also celebrated during the Urban Maintenance Month, the aim of which is to draw people's attention to environmental issues. E-seminars will be held on three consecutive Thursdays, where there will be discussions about climate change, the Tallinn Green Revolution and practical examples of how everyone can act more environmentally conscious on a daily basis.

At the beginning of May, the international sea garbage collector Seabin will start its second season in the Tallinn Old City Harbour. The device will continue to collect marine trash and draw attention to the litter problem until October, and is open for exploration by both children and adults.

As part of the Urban Maintenance Month, the residents of Tallinn can once again give away hazardous waste free of charge. Pick-ups will take place on May 15-16 and May 22–23. More information on more specific times and stops can be found in the district's newspapers. A handbook “The ABCs of Urban Maintenance” is traditionally published, which combines information on the urban environment, birds and animals, waste, playgrounds and cemeteries. This year, the information bulletin is only electronic and will be published on the Tallinn website.

The Urban Maintenance Month, beginning in mid-April each year, is the oldest environmental campaign in Tallinn, which has been organized since 1991. During the month, cleaning works and collective clean-up days are carried out, hazardous waste is collected and residents are informed about environmental measures. The month of maintenance usually ends on Tallinn Day on May 15.

More information:

Stella Shaumyan
Project manager
Tallinn Environmental and Public Utilities Board
[email protected]