Recycling campaign calls for greater effort from the Aalto community

The campus-wide recycling campaign that began in October 2024 will continue for a few more months. New actions to increase the recycling rate are still needed.
Sekäjätekasa

The annual recycling rate of waste at Aalto University's Otaniemi campus has averaged 64 percent, and the campaign aims to raise the recycling rate to 70 percent by October 2025.

Graafi kierrätysasteesta

The latest results from the past nine months show that the desired outcome has not been achieved. New measures are needed, as well as greater attention from all campus users in waste recycling. We also continue to welcome new ideas to make sorting easier.

At present, the recycling rate has varied from month to month at roughly the same percentages as in previous years.

Uusi lajittelupiste Maarintie 8
Sorting bins in the lobby of Maarintie 8.

Next steps

In the spring, Maarintie 8 was selected as the pilot site for the recycling campaign, and the recycling stations in the lobbies and office spaces were renewed. There have been requests for separate bins for plastic and cardboard recycling in the lobbies, and as the project progresses, these will gradually replace or complement mixed waste bins in other campus buildings as well.

As the latest measure, and based on received feedback, waste bags will be color-coded according to the waste type. This will also make sorting work easier for cleaners in the waste rooms. The color-coding will be introduced during September.

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 during autumn, while the campaign ends. 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.

Share
URL copied!

Read more news

Oppimiskeskus
Campus, University Published:

Sensory-friendly relaxation room voted students’ top idea

The winner of the 2022 participatory budgeting vote was announced at the end of November.
Aalto Alumni Weekend Dipolin Kaleva-salissa
Campus Published:

Aalto Alumni Weekend – a versatile event for 1,400 participants at Dipoli

Aalto University’s largest alumni event, Aalto Alumni Weekend, brought together alumni from all three of the university’s fields in October 2025 at Dipoli on the Aalto University campus.
Poikkeustilanne-kuvitus
Campus, University Published:

Temporary traffic arrangements on Lämpömiehenkuja and Metallimiehenkuja

The new arrangements will be implemented starting Monday, November 24, 2025.
Aalto Space student
Campus, University Published:

Accessible routes in Aalto Space application

You can also choose an accessible route for navigation on campus.