Lounais-Suomen Jätehuolto study shows bio-waste remains major component of mixed waste

A recent study by Lounais-Suomen Jätehuolto Oy (LSJH) reveals that bio-waste continues to make up a significant portion of household mixed waste, accounting for 34.6% of the total. The study, which examined approximately 4,800 households in the company's service area, also identified plastics as the second largest component at 16.7%.

Research Manager Miia Jylhä noted that while the proportion of bio-waste has increased slightly since 2024, the share of plastic packaging within the plastic category has decreased by nearly two percentage points, suggesting improved sorting habits.

The total amount of mixed waste produced has decreased, with 2025 figures showing approximately 142 kilograms per inhabitant, a 14% reduction compared to 2023. The study utilized a detailed sampling method, analyzing four distinct groups: urban apartment buildings, small houses that report composting, small houses with separate bio-waste collection, and rural small houses without separate collection or composting.