Analytics, Ecology, Estonia, Society

Compared to 2013, more Estonians are sorting packaging waste, said Kristiina Dreimann-Azojan, board member of the producer responsibility organization TVO. "However, there is no reason for satisfaction as 49% of plastic packaging and 56% of carton packaging still ends up in household waste," she observed.

According to Siret Kivilo, board member of the non-profit recycling organization ETO, the study revealed that, compared to large cities, sorting of packaging waste is more common in smaller places but on the other hand the burning of paper and cardboard is more widespread there.

It appears from the survey that residents of northeastern Estonia are more careless about sorting waste than Estonians on the average. Residents of northern Estonia set a positive example in sorting glass packaging and the people in the western, central and southern parts of the country, in sorting plastic, metal and carton packaging. Taking paper and cardboard to a container or waste collection center is more widespread in Tallinn while burning this type of packaging is fairly common elsewhere.

On the whole, sorting of waste is more widespread among older age groups and Estonian-speakers.

The polled voiced the opinion that they would be more motivated to sort packaging waste if collection containers were nearer to home and there were more collection points.

The survey was commissioned by TVO and ETO, non-profit recycling organizations founded by packaging enterprises.