Waste collection prices to rise significantly in Estonia from July 1
From July 1, mixed household waste collection costs in Estonia will increase by 30-50% due to higher environmental pollution fees. The rise will mainly affect those who do not sort waste.
Starting Wednesday, July 1, the cost of mixed household waste collection for residents in Estonia will increase by an average of 30-50%. This is due to a rise in environmental pollution fees for waste incineration and landfilling, which will double or triple.
Waste management companies AS Eesti Keskkonnateenused and Ragn-Sells have requested tariff increases to cover the additional costs they pay to the state per ton of waste. According to Bruno Tammaru, board member of Eesti Keskkonnateenused, the price hike will primarily affect those who do not sort their waste. He explained that Estonia's recycling volumes do not yet meet European Union requirements, and the fee is intended to encourage separate collection.
Most local governments have already approved the new tariffs. For example, in Põlva parish, the cost of servicing a 2.5 cubic meter container will rise from 56 to 66 euros. Depending on the frequency of collection (two or four times per month) and the type of building, monthly expenses for residents could increase by 20-40 euros.
The legislative changes also affect the disposal of construction and bulky waste (e.g., furniture). The pollution fee per ton will increase by 60 euros. Currently, disposing of a ton of waste at a reception station or landfill costs 60-70 euros, but this price will effectively double. Consequently, a rise in service costs is inevitable.
