The recycling center conducted a customer survey in the summer, which was answered by nearly 1 residents of the area. The aim of the survey was to determine customer satisfaction and residents' enthusiasm for recycling.

The results show that sorting is generally viewed positively, but practical challenges are hindering activity. The most common obstacle is lack of storage space – cited as the biggest reason by 45% of respondents, regardless of housing type.

– Sorting becomes easier when you have your own container for each type of waste at home. A good way is to start gradually, for example by first adding sorting for plastic packaging. The amount of waste is the same whether it is sorted or not. Even a big dot won't help if the garbage isn't taken out of the house. This requires a bit of personal reprogramming. For example, make it a habit to take out the garbage on a certain day so it doesn't sit idle at home," says Keräämö's circular economy planner. Maija Nuotio.

Plastic packaging is challenging

Residents find hazardous waste, paper and cardboard packaging to be the easiest to sort. The sorting of plastic packaging raises the most questions: how clean the packaging should be and which plastics are eligible for collection.

– Plastic packaging that is clean to eat is suitable for recycling, there is no need to wash it. If the packaging is plastic and has protected the product, it belongs in the plastic packaging collection. Instead, plastic items for use, such as plastic lunch boxes, are put in mixed waste, Nuotio specifies.

Customer service gets praise

The customer service at the collection point received high marks in the survey for advice, sorting stations and the waste center. Dealing with the sorting stations and the Hangassuo waste center was considered easy. Handling the emptying of bio-waste and packaging waste was also assessed as smooth.

The most sought-after information was about emptying schedules. This is facilitated by the tool launched in the spring. MyCollection, an electronic service through which single-family home residents and housing company managers can see, for example, dishwashing and invoices around the clock.

For more information:
Maija Nuotio
Circular economy planner
phone: 044 701 2898
e-mail: maija.nuotio@keraamo.fi
www.keraamo.fi