The obligation to sort biowaste will expand in May - those planning to transport biowaste must notify in time

The obligation to sort bio-waste generated in the kitchen will expand on 1.5.2026 May 10 to include single-family and semi-detached houses in urban areas with 300–000 inhabitants in the Kymenlaakso Waste area (see map of the obligation area).

The obligation applies to approximately 11,000 single-family homes and is regulated in the waste management regulations of the Kymi Waste Board. The aim is to increase the recycling rate and direct the nutrients contained in biowaste to be used as fertilizers and biogas.

The property can sort biowaste either by joining a biowaste transport service or by composting the biowaste on the property itself.

Hamina residents reported the most frequently

In the autumn, Kymenlaakson Jäte sent letters to properties that were required to sort waste, providing instructions on how to report the method of sorting biowaste.

The most notifications regarding the sorting method have been received from properties in Hamina, of which 66% have reported the sorting method for biowaste. In the entire area, approximately 46% of properties still lack a notification regarding the sorting method.

There's still time to make a notification - the transportation option is starting to get busy

The time of notification depends on the selected sorting method. Those planning to transport biowaste must notify their choice in advance. For composting, notification will be given when composting begins.

There is still time to participate in the biowaste transports starting in May, but it is advisable to register as soon as possible.

Deliveries of biowaste containers will begin in February.

Properties that have chosen the transport option have been able to order a service from Kymenlaakson Jättee that includes a ventilated biowaste container. 1500 ventilated containers have been ordered so far. The containers will be delivered to properties between 5 February and 30 April 2026. The container will be accompanied by instructions for use and sorting, as well as a sample of the paper
from a biowaste bag.

The biowaste container may only be put into use at the end of April, as emptying will begin in stages during May.

Residents in the Kouvola, Iitti, Kotka, Pyhtää and Mäntyharju areas can check the first scheduled emptying date of their container from 20.4 April at the Kymenlaakso Waste self-service service. In other areas, residents can register as a self-service user after receiving their first waste transport invoice.