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New Waste Act – impacts on housing companies
In the future, every housing company with five or more apartments must have a waste collection point where the following are sorted separately:
- mixed waste
- biowaste
- cardboard
- paper
- plastic packaging
- metal packaging
- glass
A housing company can increase sorting by adding new waste containers and expanding the waste collection point. An alternative solution, if possible, is to divide existing containers into sections. Although expansions are an investment for housing companies, sorting also saves costs in the future as the amount of expensive mixed waste decreases.
Further information on the new law and the updated EU waste directive can be found, for example, on the Ministry of the Environment's and Kiinteistölehti's websites.
New Waste Act – Housing Company Checklist
The new Waste Act obliges housing companies to significantly increase recycling in the coming years. This article reviews the 11 most important questions that determine the long-term costs and practical functionality of a housing company's waste collection point choice.
You can also apply the criteria below when evaluating solutions from other manufacturers.
Our answers are based on our experience. We have designed and manufactured waste solutions and urban furniture since 1945 for the demanding conditions of Finland. We have probably seen all variations of waste collection point challenges faced by housing companies.
If you need information or assistance, you can always get it from us. See our contact information here
New Waste Act – Most Important Questions for Housing Companies
1. Modularity – possibility to expand and change the waste solution later
As a reference: Lehtovuori's Modul waste container enclosure
We have designed all different sizes and models of Modul so that they can be easily combined with others. The waste enclosure remains visually consistent and stylish even after expansions.
It is easy to assemble a waste collection point of just the right size from different Modul units.
2. Durability and reliable spare parts availability in the future
As a reference: Lehtovuori's Modul waste container enclosure
Over the years, we have especially focused on quality for the demanding usage needs of housing companies. This is why, for example, we do not use wooden linings. A special element of the new Modul units is Marine Grade aluminum, which was originally developed for marine conditions (resistance to moisture and salt stress). Modul units have a very long lifespan. All spare parts will also be available in the future. For example, if a waste enclosure's fill hatch is damaged, perhaps due to snow falling from a multi-story building's roof, a new fill hatch is easy to replace. In addition, insurance companies have typically covered such damages under the housing company's insurance.
3. Fire safety – can the waste collection point be placed near the building?
The fire safety of the waste container enclosure should always be ensured. A standard waste shed must be placed at least 8 meters away from the building.
Lehtovuori Modul
The basic model of Modul (without fire safety elements) can be placed 4 meters from the building. The fire-safe model of Modul can be placed next to a wall. The fire resistance of the fire-safe model is ensured by fire protection boards that line the interior of the waste container enclosure. VTT's test has confirmed Modul's fire resistance. Even if a fire starts in the waste container, the fire protection boards of the Modul fire-safe model prevent heat from rising into the outer structures of the container enclosure, so the fire-safe model is safe even when placed directly against a building wall. The design of the basic Modul model also prevents the spread of fire. Note that although waste container enclosures can be installed without permission from fire authorities, the placement should be confirmed with the local fire inspector, e.g., for insurance reasons.
4. Appearance, color, and harmony with your housing company's environment?
How does the waste container solution fit into your housing company's environment? How will its surface change over the years? Is the waste container enclosure available in your desired colors? What about patterns that appeal to you?
Lehtovuori Modul
Throughout our long history, we have gained strong expertise in waste collection point design. The design of Modul is the result of our own design unit. We assist housing companies in planning, from color selection onwards, should you wish for support in this matter. Modul units are available in all RAL colors. Additionally, desired patterns and decals, such as a forest landscape, can be implemented on Modul. Gray shades are currently the most popular colors for housing companies, but a good tip is our own mixture, Finbin Black 1945. It forms a slightly rougher surface than powder-coated glossy shades, where small scratches are not visible. The surface looks beautiful for a very long time.
5. Preventing rat problems
Lehtovuori Modul
We have solved the rat problem with a simple solution. Modul has no gaps through which rodents could access the waste bins. And no rodent can penetrate Modul's aluminum structures.
6. Easy removal of graffiti and vandalism
Lehtovuori Modul
Modul units are available with an anti-graffiti coating that makes removing vandalism easy. Does that sound like an advertising slogan? Let's ask Antti Kinnunen, Lehtovuori's Product and Marketing Director. – I myself tried cleaning graffiti from a surface that had been sprayed with outdoor-use spray paint, which is very difficult to remove. The paint was also allowed to dry for a long time before cleaning. – The graffiti started to come off with just a microfiber cloth. When I added detergent, the entire mark disappeared surprisingly quickly.
7. Installation costs and avoiding unexpected additional expenses
Lehtovuori Modul
Modul is a surface-mounted waste container enclosure. In addition, to facilitate installation, we have manufactured an installation base suitable for Modul. This makes it easy to install the waste container enclosure, for example, on a gravel yard or an uneven asphalt yard. Thanks to the installation base, the installation cost is very moderate. – The end result is relatively neat and suitable for many needs. At the same time, it must be said that a proper foundation and, for example, concrete paving, is always a slightly more finished-looking solution, says Antti Kinnunen. We also offer an installation service, so you can request one quote for the entire package at once.
If you wish to request a quote, we are happy to map out the necessary information.
See our contact information here
8. Readiness for locking
Can the waste collection point be locked? How is the locking implemented in practice and what does it cost?
9. Easy emptying even in winter, in snowy conditions
Is the waste collection point easy to empty even in winter, when there is a lot of snow and the area in front of the waste container enclosure is icy?
Lehtovuori Modul
We have solved the snow problem with Modul's special door hinges. When emptying waste, the large doors at the front of Modul are opened. Thanks to our special hinges, the doors lift slightly with a small upward movement, making opening easy even if snow or ice has accumulated in front of the waste container enclosures. Residents' daily use, i.e., dropping trash into Modul units, is easily done by lifting the lid. Durable gas springs assist with opening.
10. Inspecting the waste collection point solution in a real-world environment
Sometimes brochures can give a slightly different impression of a solution than the end result will be. To ensure your housing company does not experience a negative surprise, it is advisable to visit and examine the waste collection point with your board or all interested shareholders in a real-world environment before making your decision.
Lehtovuori Modul
The Modul display yard is located in Marketanpuisto, Espoo. In the display yard, you can see various sizes of Modul units combined, which give a good idea of the waste collection point's appearance, for example, after future expansions. Modul ensembles can also be seen in numerous other locations throughout Finland.
11. Overall solution, reliability and domestic origin
Lehtovuori Oy is a family company founded in 1945. Modul units are designed in Finland and manufactured at our factory in Ylöjärvi.
Regarding the product, we know exactly how steel and metal are treated, for example, from the perspective of maximizing durability. Over the years, we have also gained very strong experience in housing company-specific waste collection point solutions. Our waste shed solution is not the cheapest on the market, but it is certainly a sensible investment considering its long lifespan, which will pay for itself over the years and continue to withstand use even after that.
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