Waste management and recycling

The city’s waste management is handled by Kiertokapula Oy. The waste management authority is Kolmenkierto, the joint waste management board of 13 municipalities. Kerava is also a shareholder of Kiertokapula Oy together with 12 other municipalities.

Waste management regulations and exceptions to them, waste tariffs and fees and the level of waste management services offered to residents of the municipality are decided by the waste management board based in the City of Hämeenlinna. The amount of the waste management fees and the grounds for charging them are defined in the waste tariff approved by the waste management board.

Waste collection

The transport of waste from residential properties is handled by Kiertokapula Oy. The emptying of bins is handled by Jätehuolto Laine Oy.

The law prohibits the collection of waste on public holidays, and emptying of bins is carried out either on the day before or on the day after a holiday. On holidays that fall on weekdays, the normal garbage day may change by several days. This happens, for example, at Easter and Christmas when Christmas falls on a weekday. In such cases, collection is handled on the next two days following the holiday.

Composting

According to the waste management regulations by Kolmenkierto in force in Kerava, biowaste may only be composted in a heat-insulated, closed and ventilated composter designed for this specific purpose and protected from harmful animals. Outside built-up areas, biowaste may also be composted in an uninsulated composter that is protected from harmful animals.

As a result of the updates in waste legislation, the municipal waste management authority must maintain a register of small-scale biowaste treatment on residential properties from 1 January 2023 onwards. Composts must be reported to the waste management authority with the electronic composting notice.

A composting notice does not need to be given for the composting of garden waste or the use of the bokashi method. Waste treated with the bokashi method must be post-treated by composting in a closed and ventilated composter before reuse.

Garden waste and scrap wood

The City of Kerava’s environmental protection regulations prohibit the burning of branches, twigs, leaves and logging residue in densely populated areas, as burning can cause smoke and nuisance to neighbours.

It is also prohibited to dispose of garden waste on others’ property. Common areas, parks and forests are intended for the recreation of residents, not as a dumping ground for garden waste. Messy piles of garden waste attract other garbage. Invasive alien species also spread into nature with garden waste.

Garden waste can be composted in an outdoor compost bin or composter. Leaves can be shredded with a lawn mower before composting. Branches and twigs should be chopped up and chipped and used as mulch for plants.

Garden waste and scrap wood can also be taken to the Puolmatka waste treatment site.

Recycling

Recycling in Kerava is handled by Rinki Oy. Cardboard, glass and metal packaging is recycled at Rinki eco collection points. Other household items can be recycled at other recycling points. By sorting your waste already at home, you help make sure it is reused correctly and safely.

Waste electrical and electronic equipment and hazardous waste

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is discarded equipment that requires electric current, a battery or solar energy to function. All lamps, with the exception of incandescent light bulbs and halogen lamps, are also electrical equipment.

Hazardous waste includes discarded substances and items that may pose a particular risk or harm to people or the environment.

In Kerava, waste electrical and electronic equipment and hazardous waste can be taken to the Alikerava waste station and Puolmatka waste treatment area.