Tartu County’s Circular Economy Roadmap

Over the past year, the people of Tartu County have come together with a shared vision: to build a future rooted in sustainability. Through countless discussions, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative workshops, a strategic roadmap has emerged—one that sets a clear direction for the next decade. This roadmap is not just a set of ideas; it’s a carefully structured plan comprising 46 actions designed to make circular economy principles an integral part of everyday life in Tartu County.

A Collective Effort for a Shared Vision

This roadmap is the result of extensive community engagement. More than a hundred participants, ranging from entrepreneurs and local officials to NGOs and residents, contributed their ideas, hopes, and expertise. Guided by Estonia’s leading circular economy experts, the document has taken shape as a dynamic and practical guide for long-term sustainability.

Importantly, this roadmap is not a rigid directive imposed on local governments and policymakers. Instead, it serves as a unifying tool—a shared vision that encourages all stakeholders, including businesses and individuals, to play an active role in creating a circular, resource-efficient living environment.

Engagement and Collaboration in Action

At the roadmap’s presentation event, participants were invited to reflect on their own roles in driving change. They were asked which actions they are already engaged in and which ones they would be willing to support moving forward. This exercise reinforced a sense of collective responsibility and made it clear that achieving a circular economy is not the task of a few but the effort of many.

To keep this momentum going, a shared online list was created where participants can connect, collaborate, and find potential partners for future projects. This network is not just a means of communication—it’s a growing ecosystem of changemakers dedicated to implementing circular economy principles in practical ways.

Moreover, attendees were encouraged to suggest additional members who should be part of this effort. Acting on these recommendations, invitations were extended to new potential contributors, further expanding the Tartu County circular economy network.

A Platform for Sustainable Cooperation

Being part of this initiative does not come with obligations, but it does open doors to meaningful collaboration. The mailing list ([email protected]), managed by the Tartu County Association of Local Governments, ensures that stakeholders stay informed without being inundated with unnecessary messages. This list will serve as an essential tool for updates, partnership opportunities, and knowledge-sharing on circular economy advancements.

Key Themes of the Roadmap

The roadmap identifies several key areas that require collective action. Some of these include:

• Reuse & Recycling: Strengthening waste management practices and promoting reuse initiatives.

• Renewable Energy & Energy Use: Supporting energy efficiency and the transition to sustainable energy solutions.

• Sustainable Food Systems: Reducing food waste and promoting local, community-based food production.

• Land Use & Agriculture: Encouraging responsible land use and bioeconomy practices.

For those interested in a detailed breakdown of all 46 actions, the full roadmap is available (in Estonian) at: Tartu County’s Circular Economy Roadmap.

Moving Forward Together

This roadmap is just the beginning. The success of a circular economy depends on an engaged and committed community willing to innovate, take action, and inspire others to do the same. Whether through small grassroots projects or large-scale initiatives, every contribution matters in shaping a sustainable future for Tartu County.

We invite everyone who is passionate about sustainability—businesses, organizations, and individuals alike—to join this movement. By working together, we can make Tartu County a model for a thriving, resource-efficient, and forward-thinking circular economy.

For more information and to get involved, reach out to us at [email protected]. The future of sustainability starts with us—let’s make it happen, one step at a time.