The biowaste collection obligation will expand in May 2026
Approximately 12,000 single-family and semi-detached houses will soon be able to choose between biowaste transportation and composting.
Next spring, more and more single-family and semi-detached houses will start sorting biowaste when the biowaste collection obligation expands in the area of operation of Kymenlaakson Jäte Oy. The obligation already applies to the largest settlements with over 10 inhabitants. On May 000, 1.5.2026, it will also expand to smaller settlements with over 300 inhabitants. The obligation does not apply to sparsely populated areas.
The collection obligation is based on the Kymi Waste Board's local waste disposal regulations. Obligation
can be filled in two ways:
- by joining the biowaste transport organized by Kymenlaakson Jätte or
- by composting biowaste yourself and making a written declaration.
– The aim of the collection is to reuse biowaste as biogas and fertilizer,
Mervi Haukkala, Transport Services Manager at Kymenlaakso Waste, explains.
New mandatory areas in several municipalities
The biowaste collection obligation for single-family and semi-detached houses from 1 May 2026 applies to all municipalities in the area. For Hamina, the obligation area includes the settlements of Vilnemi and Neuvoton. In these settlements, the estimated number of single-family houses in the obligation area is approximately 570.
Kymenlaakson Jäte sends letters to mandatory areas
During the autumn, Kymenlaakson Jäte will send letters to properties that will be subject to the upcoming collection obligation. However, letters will not be sent to those who have already joined the biowaste transport or made a composting notification. The letter asks the property to indicate by the deadline whether it will choose biowaste transport or self-composting.
Information on the choice of collection method is needed in time so that we have time to prepare the biowaste transports from single-family homes that will start in May. Almost 12,000 properties will be subject to the biowaste collection obligation, so preparations will take time. We have created an online map where you can check whether the obligation applies to your property. The map can be found at www.kymenlaaksonjate.fi/bio. The page also contains a lot of information about options for organizing collection,
says Mervi Haukkala.Bio-advice available during autumn and winter
Kymenlaakson Jäte is organizing advice on options for managing the biowaste sorting obligation. The events are open to everyone and free of charge.
Schedules of advisory events
- Kausala: In connection with the Ecoidea Recycling Days on October 29, 2025, 3–6 p.m.
- Myllykoski Library 3.11 at 5:30–7 p.m.
- Pyhtää Library: 27.11.2025 at 17:30–19:00
- Hamina Library 1 December 2025 at 5:30–7 pm
- Valkeala Library: January 14, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.–7 p.m.
- Mäntyharju Cultural Hall: January 7, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.–7 p.m.
In addition, a video recording on the topic is available at
It is important that everyone finds the most suitable way to sort. We are happy to help you make a choice and, if necessary, advise you on practical arrangements.
Haukkala reminds.