Tallinn introduces new rules for cemetery use
Since September, Tallinn's city government has required advance registration for driving into cemeteries, while staff also report ongoing problems with waste dumping and theft. Cemetery department head Heiki Kask describes the daily challenges of keeping order.
Starting in September, the Tallinn city government has updated the rules governing use of the capital's cemeteries, aiming to address problems with traffic, waste and other violations.
Advance registration required for car entry
One of the main changes is that driving a private car into a cemetery must now be registered in advance, either by phone or via the website kalmistud.ee. Heiki Kask, head of the cemetery department, explains that the measure was necessary because quiet cemetery lanes had turned into a through-route for hundreds of drivers. At Liiva cemetery, for example, many people drive through during the morning rush hour simply to avoid traffic on the Viljandi highway, with no connection to the cemetery itself. Visitors also frequently drive right up to a grave even when parking is available nearby; the administration asks that cars be left in parking areas except in cases of genuine need, such as for elderly visitors.
Waste and theft problems
Another constant headache for staff is waste. Since September, residents have been given more freedom in decorating graves, and the ban on artificial decorations has been lifted, though the administration still encourages the use of live plants, since even basic waste sorting remains difficult — containers meant strictly for garden waste often contain plastic, glass and household items. When the nearby municipal waste station is closed, violators dump old furniture and construction debris directly in the cemetery's service area, with the cleanup cost ultimately borne by taxpayers.
Theft and other issues
Cemetery staff also deal with theft: water tanks installed for summer use saw people hauling away several cubic meters of water at a time, and small waste bins have also been stolen. Kask notes that flower theft has existed for as long as anyone can remember, but stealing urns and water is a new phenomenon. There has also been growing interest in photographing cemeteries for social media — this is not prohibited as long as it doesn't offend others, though secretly filming funerals or professional filming without a written agreement is not allowed. A recent report of an exhibitionist appearing in a cemetery caused a stir online, but staff stress this was an isolated case and that overall safety for visitors has improved compared to the past.
