Policy situation in the city of Lahti, Finland
In Lahti area, the Regional Waste Management regulations were updated in June 2023 and the implementation is continuing. The first inspection rounds of composting have started to check that households are using suitable equipment. Checks are carried out for random properties according to their announcement of having a compost. Any deficiencies discovered during the inspection will be primarily corrected with instructions and advice. In addition, obligatory waste collection of biowaste in all properties in densely populated areas starts on 1st of July 2024.
As found out in the city-organized stakeholder meeting in semester 2 considering utilization of food waste, a stronger role could be needed for the city in development of food aid operation in co-operation with food production and grocery stores. We continue promoting the importance of this topic and finding the best role for the city. Utilization of food waste and food aid activities vary a lot in Finland, and cities have made different decisions regarding their participation in food aid activities. In a social enterprise-lead project the matter is investigated locally in Lahti. The Finnish government has just decided on long-term support for food aid operators.
A project idea with stakeholders has been discussed about promoting biowaste collection at rental apartments by providing collection bags and targeted information campaign. The discussions continue with possible project partners.
The implementation of Lahti Circular Economy Roadmap is continuing. The city-owned companies choose three measures from Lahti's circular economy roadmap that promote circular economy in their operations. The companies prepare a plan, based on the selected measures, to promote the circular economy. City organizes a meeting with the companies in May to discuss together about the targets and reporting.
We continue using and updating a follow-up tool for the Lahti Circular Economy Roadmap. The measures of the roadmap are at Lahti Environmental Watch Service (lahdenymparistovahti.fi). Named contact persons update the measures, timetable, and tasks. Next step is to find and prepare indicators to follow the measures.
National Circular Economy Green Deal will be published in June. Several cities and regions, including City of Lahti and the Regional Council of Päijät-Häme, are involved in the preparation process of this Green Deal. The process is led by the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. The Green Deal has five themes of which one is “Renewable food system” that focuses especially on biobased circular economy, setting up goals and measures for different Finnish actors. Lahti is following the process and starting to prepare for a possible commitment for the Green Deal.