Organic waste recycling is now monitored in the Oulu Region
Oulu’s regional waste management authority launches organic waste (or bio waste) recycling obligation monitoring in Hailuoto, Ii, Kempele, Lumijoki, Oulu, and Pudasjärvi.
One-family residents in urban areas are obligated to recycle and collect organic waste separately from mixed waste. According to the waste management authority’s evaluation, the region includes properties that do not fulfil the recycling obligation. The monitoring is implemented region-by-region and begins in Oulu.
The waste management authority will send letters to properties that do not follow the organic waste collection obligation according to the authority’s information. Recipients may either organize their organic waste collection or rectify the authority’s false information if they already recycle organic waste. If the resident does not order organic waste collection services, report that they are composting, or rectify the false information by the provided deadline, an organic waste collection bin will be delivered to the property. Kiertokaari Oy is responsible for organic waste collection and transportation in the Oulu Region. Kiertokaari will contact the resident prior to delivering the organic waste bin.
Urban areas are defined according to Finland’s official urban area demarcation. The boundaries are not identical to urban traffic areas marked with traffic signs.
Organic waste may be either collected separately or be composted
Residents should handle their organic waste collection themselves so that they can choose the size of the waste bin or start composting instead.
To fulfil the recycling obligation, the resident may choose either separate organic waste collection or composting. In separate collection, organic waste is recycled into a separate waste bin which is emptied by a garbage truck. In composting, the resident procures their own composter and handles its use and emptying. Separately collected organic waste is cultivated into biogas, fertilizer, and soil. When composted, waste turns into nutrient-rich soil. The organic waste collection bin and composter can be used together with neighbors on the same street or with properties along the same road.
You must report if you are composting
If you choose to compost organic waste, you must file a report to the waste management authority. The organic waste collection bin and its collection and washing are services subject to a charge and must be ordered from Kiertokaari.
Organic waste recycling must be continual and year-round. Properties may use a composter in the summers and join separate organic waste collection in the winters. The obligation and its monitoring are based on the Waste Act and waste management regulations.
The goal is to increase the organic waste recycling rate significantly. According to Kiertokaari’s recycling review of 2025, approximately 27 % of organic waste is recycled among mixed waste. When organic waste is recycled separately, it increases the heating value of combustible mixed waste.
Oulu’s regional waste management unit made the decision to monitor the organic waste recycling obligation on December 11, 2025.
Organic waste is produced in all homes
Each home produces organic waste regardless of how much we try to avoid food waste. Recycle the following as organic waste:
leftover food and spoiled foodstuffs
peels of fruits, root vegetables, and eggs
coffee and tea grounds along with filters
paper towels and paper napkins
dried flowers and a little bit of soil of household plants
small animal bones and discarded animal parts, such as of birds
set frying grease or ham grease packed into, for example, a milk carton
Please check if your home is located within an urban area as defined by the Finnish Environment Institute. Open the map link and write your address into the search field. Please organize organic waste recycling if your address is located within the red areas on the map.
Read more about organic waste collection and the map on Kiertokaari’s website.