Advancing Bio-Circular Economy in Schools

In this pilot action, Lahti is testing different methods to enhance sorting in schools. During the pilot, the functionality of different types of sorting bins, as well as the effectiveness of circular economy education and communication campaigns, will be tested. The goal of the pilot is to find the most effective way to implement waste sorting in school and create a model and plan how the solution can be replicated in other schools during the coming years.

In Finland, waste sorting in schools is an essential part of environmental education. Schools are required to follow national waste management regulations, which promote circular economy principles. However, in practice, many schools have only limited waste collection points, which makes it difficult to properly separate waste.

There are 21 comprehensive schools in Lahti, operated by the municipality. Schools are responsible for organizing their own waste management, and the conditions vary between schools. Currently, a large amount of biowaste goes to mixed waste because lack of appropriate sorting bins. This reduces the effectiveness of the sorting system. The problem has been identified, but the complexity of responsibilities in schools’ waste management has made its development challenging.

Two different schools (Lotila and Kukkanen) will be selected for the pilot to test the functionality of waste sorting with pupils of different ages and in different environments. One of the schools is primary school and the other one is a secondary school; one is in the city center, and the other in a rural area.

Collaboration will take place with the pilot schools throughout the pilot. Various sorting bins and composters will be provided for the schools, and user feedback will be collected on their functionality. Additionally, circular economy education and a communication campaign will be implemented for pupils, teachers and school staff, and its effectiveness will be assessed.