Recycling campaign starts on Otaniemi campus
We will launch a waste recycling campaign on the Otaniemi campus in early October. The aim is to increase the recycling rate and reduce the amount of mixed waste.
First results of the campus wide recycling campaign
The Aalto community-wide recycling campaign was launched in October 2024. The first results of developing the recycling rate during the first three months of the campaign are now available.
A recycling campaign was launched in the Aalto community in October 2024. In the first three months, the campaign has included mapping the recycling facilities on campus, asking the community for suggestions and ideas for better waste recycling, and visiting the Ämmässuo Eco-Industrial Centre together with building officers and Aalto's environmental agents.
First results
The annual recycling rate in Aalto has averaged at 64%, and the campaign aims to increase the recycling rate to 70%. There is a slight variation in the results for October-December, but the overall picture and trend will be easier to see in the coming spring.
The total amount of waste generated on campus was 121.6 tonnes in October, 140.1 tonnes in November and 117.1 tonnes in December.
Information on recycling in the Eco-Industrial Centre
During the visit to Ämmässuo, the visitors were informed about the Eco-Industrial Centre's activities and the recycling potential of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area.
'We visited the Ämmässuo Eco-Industrial Centre in Espoo last November. It was eye-opening to see how much materials can be recycled. And how much work is being done and new innovations being sought to make materials more efficiently reused. There are still too many materials in mixed waste that could easily be recycled. We can certainly do even more as an Aalto community,' says Tanja Pietikäinen, Property Coordinator at ACRE.
The recycling campaign continues!
The impact of the campaign and the development of the recycling rate will be monitored and reported every three months, i.e. next time in April. Tips for better sorting, information sessions and guidance will also be provided as part of the campaign.
The next Take it or leave it recycling event will take place in March in the lobby of Otakaari 1. There will also be concrete changes to the campus recycling points later in the spring/summer.
Do you already have a good idea or tip to improve waste recycling on campus? Log in to comment below this article or email us at info-acre@aalto.fi. If necessary, tips can be used to make a very quick impact on recycling on campus.
Recycling and sorting
Efficient recycling and sorting of waste is part of Aalto University's sustainable development strategy. We strive to reduce waste and reuse raw materials for either new products or energy.
Take it or leave it recycling event open to all spring 2025
Welcome to the open to all recycling event!
Read more news
Apply now: Bioengineering human tissue: Design, fabrication, analysis
Unite!’s Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on bioengineering human tissue combines online learning with hands-on training in Germany.
Multifactor authentication (MFA) required for all services when logging in from outside Aalto, starting 28 April 2026
The MFA policy for Aalto Login (idp.aalto.fi) will be aligned with the policy used by other Aalto services.
Aalto University in 2025: strong results in research, education and innovation activities
Aalto University continued to strengthen its impact in 2025