Towards Ecological Living

Waste Sorting

Ecological living includes waste sorting, recycling, and saving energy. Hazardous waste (batteries, bulbs, solvents, gasoline, glue, paint, etc.) must not be thrown in with other waste. These must be taken to proper collection points. Find out where the nearest hazardous waste collection points are located near your housing location. Expired medications can be taken to a pharmacy for disposal. Waste shelters have instructions for waste sorting.

You can find Jätekukko’s sorting stations via this link: Sorting Centres

Recycling Instructions:

Paper: newspapers and magazines, advertisements, envelopes, copy paper, books
Cardboard: milk and juice cartons, cookie packages, pizza boxes, cardboard boxes (NOTE! Flatten! Dirty ones go to mixed waste)
Glass: glass jars, non-deposit glass bottles
Metal: metal cans, lids and caps, aluminum foil, other small household metals
Plastic: plastic food packaging, detergent and shampoo bottles, plastic bags, pouches and wraps
Biowaste: fruit and vegetable peels, food leftovers, coffee grounds with filters and tea bags, paper towels, napkins
Mixed Waste: anything that does not fit the above categories or cannot be classified as hazardous waste
Hazardous Waste: e.g. paint, glue and varnish waste, aerosol cans, solvents, solder, machine batteries, oils, plant protection and pest control products, wood preservatives and impregnating agents, poisons and disinfectants

Always sort waste into the correct collection bins and keep lids closed. Do not leave trash in hallways or yards of residential areas. Overfilled bins or garbage left outside the designated areas are a health risk and attract mice, rats, or birds, which can spread waste and diseases.

  • Waste must be sorted into the designated collection bins. All Kuopas housing locations have a waste shelter and collection bins.
  • The recycling of non-household waste is the tenant’s responsibility. Do not leave furniture or other large items in or near the waste shelters.
  • Environmentally hazardous waste (batteries etc.) must be taken to the appropriate collection points. Do not leave environmentally hazardous waste in Kuopas bins.

Read Jätekukko Recycling Guide

Separate Waste Collection Points in Kuopio

Kuopio sorting station accepts, among other things, hazardous waste, wood waste, metals, broken furniture, and construction waste.

Address: Kaatopaikantie 316, 71520 Kaislastenlahti
Open: every day from 7 am to 8 pm. (Jätekukko staff assist with sorting Mon–Fri)

Recycling Points (Kierrätys.info)

  • Recycling point, Niirala (Keihäskatu 3, 70620 Kuopio)
  • Rinki recycling point (Kiekkotie 3, 70200 Kuopio)
  • Rinki recycling point, Prisma (Savilahdentie 10, 70210 Kuopio)
    • Cardboard packaging
    • Glass packaging
    • Plastic packaging
    • Paper
    • Small metal items
    • Textiles (reusable)
  • Gigantti Kuopio (Volttikatu 4, 70700 Kuopio)
    • Bulbs
    • Electrical devices
  • Rinki recycling point (Vesurikuja 1, 70150 Kuopio)
  • Rinki recycling point (Neulamäentie 28, 70150 Kuopio)
    • Cardboard packaging
    • Glass packaging
    • Paper
    • Small metal items
    • Textiles (reusable)
  • Discarded textiles: Shopping Center Herman (Leväsentie 2, 70700 Kuopio) and Carlson City Center (Kauppakatu 36, 70110 Kuopio)

 

Saving Energy

Almost everything in your apartment consumes energy. The most important is heating. Heating energy is needed to warm the indoor air and water. Hot water accounts for about 30–40 percent, and the rest is used to maintain a healthy indoor temperature of 20–22°C. Most of the room heat escapes through ventilation, which is why it’s important that ventilation and radiator thermostats work properly. For your health, functioning ventilation is essential, but unnecessary airing wastes heat.

If you feel your apartment is cold, submit a fault report. Personal electric heaters are not allowed, and installing air conditioning units is prohibited.

Electricity is used in all property and apartment devices. The largest individual electricity consumer is the building’s sauna heater, so sauna slots should be scheduled appropriately. Heating an empty sauna only causes extra costs. The biggest electricity consumers in your apartment are naturally the stove and refrigerator, especially if the freezer is heavily frosted. Lighting and other devices can also consume a lot of energy unnoticed if all lamps and devices are constantly on. Only use lights and devices that are truly needed.

Water costs include both heating and the water itself. Even a small leak can result in thousands of euros in extra costs if it continues for a long time. Neglect can be expensive. Ultimately, all costs are covered by the rent. Energy is also consumed in shared areas, so the same care should be taken there as in your own apartment to avoid unnecessary energy use.

The apartment community’s consumption monitoring is based on monthly budgeting and tracking, which quickly reveals at least major leaks. Minor consumption leaks only show after several monitoring periods, so all reports of device or other malfunctions help us keep consumption under control together.

Tips for Saving Energy:

  • Turn off lights and other electric devices when not in use.
  • Get used to shorter and cooler showers.
  • Make sure furniture or curtains are not blocking the radiator. Note that the radiator regulates room temperature, which is why it might feel cool at times.
  • Defrost your fridge regularly.
  • Avoid unnecessary water usage.
  • Air out your apartment only when necessary.
  • Only run full loads in washing machines and dishwashers.
  • Use appliances according to their instructions and in an energy-efficient way.
  • Report any faults immediately by submitting a fault report.
  • Keep electricity usage minimal during national peak hours: 8–10 am and 4–6 pm.

More Information on Saving Energy and Power Shortages:

  • Kuopion Energia’s page on power shortages, with comprehensive information for power outage preparedness. As a Kuopion Energia customer, you are automatically included in their disturbance notification service. Please ensure your contact details are up to date with them.
  • National grid company Fingrid’s website. Fingrid is responsible for balancing Finland’s electricity system.
  • Sustainable Development Company Motiva’s website about saving energy at home.