Save on waste management costs with a shared container

Why should you prefer a shared container? 

" A shared container is a good solution, especially when little waste is generated. In this way, the costs of waste management can be divided between several households," says Saana Lempiäinen, Chief Waste Management Planner at the Jyväskylä Region Waste Board.

If there is little waste generated and the longest possible emptying interval is not long enough, you should consider setting up a group with your neighbours. This way, the costs of emptying the waste container are divided evenly between the users of the shared container and the volume of the waste container is used more efficiently.

Shared containers also save the environment, as they reduce the number of waste trucks on the routes of waste trucks. This means that the waste truck needs to stop less often, and operations can be speeded up. It makes waste management more efficient and reduces traffic emissions caused by waste transport. 

What are all the waste fractions that can be included in the group? 

A shared container can be set up for mixed waste, biowaste, plastic packaging, cardboard packaging, glass packaging and metal. It is also possible to purchase a shared composter with a neighbour for the biowaste generated. 

Several types of waste can be collected in the same group. It is also possible to set up several groups if you want to collect different types of waste with different neighbours

"Many people do not know that even the residents of detached houses can set up a group for plastic or cardboard packaging, for example. Most of the mixed and biowaste containers in our area are generated. However, plastic and cardboard packaging waste is the most generated, so it may be sensible to collect them in a nearby shared container. This also results in less mixed waste," Lempiäinen says.  

Who can start a group? 

A group can be established by properties located in close proximity to each other. In a local detailed plan area, this means properties located in the same or adjacent blocks. Outside the local detailed plan area, a group can be established by neighbours, a road association or properties that form a functional entity. 

How can you start a group? 

1. Choose the right size waste container for the group and a suitable place for it.

   The landowner must have permission to place the waste container. The waste container should be placed in a place that is easily accessible to all members of the group and to which the waste truck can drive safely. The shared container must have space for each member of the group's waste. The lid of the waste container must fit easily so that waste cannot fly outside the container. 

2. Choose a person in charge of the group.  

   The person in charge should usually be the person on whose property the waste container is located. He or she acts as the contact person for the group in the direction of Mustankorkea and takes care of updating the group's information if necessary. You can only join a group with the notification of the group owner, so that no properties that do not belong to the group end up in the group. 

3.  Think about how the bill for the group will be divided.

   The invoice for the shared container can be delivered in its entirety to the group owner, who invoices the shares from the other members of the group. It is also possible to divide the group invoice so that each group member's share is paid with their own waste fee invoice. 

4. Report the waste bundle to Mustankorkea.

   On the Mustankorkea website, you can find more information about setting up a waste bundle and an electronic form for reporting a bundle (in Finnish).  

A shared container is a sensible option from many perspectives. It can reduce costs, make waste management easier and reduce the environmental impact of transport. 

" A shared container is often a good solution, especially in areas where there is little waste. It benefits both the users and the environment," Lempiäinen says.  

This article is part of a series of articles based on the responses to the City of Jyväskylä's waste management resident survey. The series discusses the waste management themes that emerged in the survey, about which residents wished for more information.