
Photo – Lehtikuva.
Consumer polystyrene usually ends up with the mixed garbage, but from the beginning of next year, the common packaging can be disposed of at the collection points.
Five hundred collection points will be introduced, to be found near street corners and shops, said Plastics Industry Association CEO Vesa Kärhä.
If there is no collection point near, consumers may continue to put the polystyrene packaging with the mixed waste, said Adviser to the Ministry of the Environment Ari Seppänen.
During the pre-treatment of waste, recyclable materials are separated from mixed garbage.
The final product is then incinerated for energy. After incineration, it ends up in landfills as powder of mineral sands, stone and other slag.