Recycling campaign starts on Otaniemi campus
We will launch a waste recycling campaign on the Otaniemi campus in early October. The aim is to increase the recycling rate and reduce the amount of mixed waste.
Sustainability in action: recycling campaign at Aalto University continues
The latest results from the recycling campaign, which has now been running for six months, are available. There is still a distance to go to reach the set target of a 70% recycling rate.
The annual recycling rate of waste on Aalto University's Otaniemi campus has averaged 64%, and the aim of the campaign is to increase this rate to 70% by October 2025.
The recycling rate has fluctuated over the first six months (October 2024–March 2025). On the whole, it can be stated that the rate has been around 65%.
Based on feedback from the campaign, efforts have been made to improve the sorting options in shared campus spaces, such as hallways. The Maarintie 8 building was selected as a pilot site for the changes, and new sorting stations have already been implemented there.
Moreover, more effort is being made in the ARTS workshops to use materials more carefully, sort waste properly, and recycle effectively.
Precision in sorting
As part of the campaign, several groups from Aalto have already visited the Ämmässuo waste treatment facility to inspect the mixed waste loads brought from the university. The most recent inspection in April 2025 revealed that there was still a significant amount of recyclable waste in the load, which should not be part of mixed waste.
The main areas requiring attention are the proper sorting of plastics, cardboard, and paper – there is plenty of space for these materials at the campus recycling points. The most recent mixed waste load contained less metal, glass, and organic waste than before, indicating that the sorting process in these areas is moving in the right direction.
The recycling campaign continues!
The impact of the campaign and the development of the recycling rate will be monitored and reported every three months, i.e. next time in April. Tips for better sorting, information sessions and guidance will also be provided as part of the campaign.
The next Take it or leave it recycling event will take place in March in the lobby of Otakaari 1. There will also be concrete changes to the campus recycling points later in the spring/summer.
Do you already have a good idea or tip to improve waste recycling on campus? Log in to comment below this article or email us at info-acre@aalto.fi. If necessary, tips can be used to make a very quick impact on recycling on campus.
First results of the campus wide recycling campaign
The Aalto community-wide recycling campaign was launched in October 2024.
Maarintie 8 as a pilot for the recycling campaign
Maarintie 8 has been selected as a pilot site for Aalto's sorting campaign.
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