The ABCs of Urban Maintenance The ABCs of Urban Maintenance

1 The ABCs of Urban Maintenance Preface

The Environment Department has consolidated all the information on urban maintenance in a brochure on “The ABCs of Urban Maintenance”. It addresses aspects like landscaping, gardening, playgrounds and cemeteries, outlines the rules for sorting waste, offers useful information for property and pet owners, and provides guidelines for handling birds and wild animals who either live in the city or happen to wander there. The last section of the brochure advises you who to contact with any issues related to urban maintenance.

3 The ABCs of Urban Maintenance Urban environment

Landscaping

One of the ideas of green areas is to offer Please contact the local City District Gov- citizens recreational opportunities, includ- ernment or the Tallinn Environment Depart- ing the chance to spend time in the open air. ment to inform about rotten trees or snags Urban landscaping like parks and boule- on municipal land or for other landscaping vards and flower beds, pots and towers are issues (see page 34). Please call the city considered self-evident and people don’t helpline at 1345 or the Tallinn Municipal think much about their value, development Police Department at 14 410 to inform of or maintenance. illegal cutting or acts of vandalism (steal- ing of flowers, breaking of tree branches or Everyone can help keep green areas in good shrubs). condition, for instance by not parking their cars or stacking construction materials right next to trees as doing so would compact the Urban gardening soil and compress tree roots, making it dif- ficult for trees to draw water and air from Growing food in urban environments is the soil and possibly causing them to die. increasingly popular. There are produc- See “Tree care and cutting” in “For property tive community gardens in Tallinn (Laagna owners” for information on how to assess Garden) and Tartu (Emajõe Garden), and the condition of trees (page 20). schools and nurseries have beds for vege- tables or spices prepared jointly by teachers Planting trees and shrubs in public areas and students. or other landscaping activities must be approved by the property owner, the entity Even though only a fraction of city residents in control of the land (Municipal Engineer- benefit directly from urban gardening, this ing Services Department), the City District trend has a positive affect on the entire city. Government, and the Tallinn Environment Benefits of urban gardening: Department. This should ensure the imple- • Promotes environmental mentation of common design principles and awareness and green thinking optimal growing conditions for the plants. • Provides an educational Planting in public areas should be planned learning environment and landscaping projects prepared accord- • Fosters health and active lifestyles ing to the rules for planting trees in public • Diversifies public urban spaces areas which set out the quality requirements • Promotes joint efforts, neighbourly for plants and planting and contain a list of relations and sense of community recommended plants. Further, said rules provide useful information about species Enthusiastic citizens, apartment associ- suitable for urban environments and estab- ations and real estate developers can all lishing optimal growth conditions for trees. contribute to the development of urban gar-

4 5 The ABCs of Urban Maintenance

dening. You could plant more fruit trees and • Põhjala Community Garden on the ter- The Tallinn Environment Department is on playgrounds. Please report any acts of berry bushes and edible plants (like resilient ritory of the former rubber boot factory responsible for maintaining the good con- vandalism by calling either the police or the yet decorative kales and beets, flowering (lead developer MTÜ Põhjala tehas) dition of public playground equipment city helpline at 1345. Together we can make herbs like marigold, or spices) besides dec- • Pelgu Community Garden in Northern whereas City District Governments (con- sure that our playgrounds remain safe for orative plants around your apartment build- Tallinn between Puhangu Street and tact particulars at the end of the brochure) children. ing or house. Before doing so you should Ehte Street where the high-voltage are responsible for property maintenance consult with other residents of the building power lines will be placed under the and the apartment association to develop ground (lead developer City of Tallinn) a comprehensive solution and put in place • Community Garden on the territo- rules for maintaining such gardens. You can ry of the former Children’s Stadium set up a small urban garden on your balcony behind the so-called “super-minis- Building of fires and grilling or windowsill too. try” (lead developer City of Tallinn)

Plus, enthusiastic gardeners can grow For further information on urban garden- In Tallinn, building of fires and grilling food Grilling is permitted at a safe distance from plants in community gardens. Currently ing possibilities and grants please con- in public is only permitted on bonfire sites buildings, open premises where combus- the Laagna Garden in Lasnamäe, Tallinn, is tact Project Manager for Urban Gardening set up and marked as such by the city. Said tible materials are held, forests, dry vege- waiting for new urban gardeners (Võru tn Maria Derlõš at the Tallinn Environment sites are located on Stroomi and Pikakari tation and other flammable materials. For 11). Five other community gardens are being Department: [email protected], beaches, near the Narva mnt bridge on the example, safe distance is at least 5m if planned where you can join the develop- phone: 5333 3649. We are open to ideas banks of River Pirita in Lasnamäe, in the wood is burned in an open fire to make coal ment team already today: and proposals concerning the locations and Sütiste woods in Mustamäe, and on and at least 2m if charcoal is used. A coal or • Priisle Community Garden in Lasnamäe development of new community gardens. island. The locations of bonfire sites can be gas grill may only be used outdoors and it set up as part of the new Priisle Park found online at kaart.tallinn.ee by selecting must be placed on an even surface. Grilling (lead developer MTÜ Lasnaidee) You are welcome to join the public Facebook the map layer “Camp fire sites”. on beaches is permitted in designated and • Mustamäe Garden in the yard of group „Söödav linn TLN“ (“Edible City Tal- marked locations. Grilling in parks and other Mustamäe Open Youth Centre linn”) set up to expand the network of urban Elsewhere, bonfires may only be built with public places or on the balconies of apart- (lead developer MTÜ Must Mägi) gardening and share ideas and experience: a permit from the Tallinn Environment ment buildings is prohibited. facebook.com/groups/soodavlinn. Department. To obtain such permit a free- form request must be filed with the Tallinn Wind direction must be taken into account Environment Board by either regular or when building bonfires or grilling as the electronic mail. The request must contain smoke must not disturb people nearby. your contact details, the period when you Also, note information on fire hazard (see Public playgrounds intend to build a bonfire and a map indicat- ilmateenistus.ee). Only non-impregnated ing its location. The permit is usually issued wood may be burned whereas the use of in electronic format. That processing the tree leaves or waste is prohibited. A network of modernised playgrounds is proposals and reports about playgrounds to request may take up to 14 days from the essential to a contemporary living environ- the Environment Department through this date of its submission, however, we will Legislation that governs the building of fires ment promoting public health and the safe website. issue the permit as soon as possible if the and grilling: “Requirements for work involv- development of children. Tallinn has 295 request has been drawn up correctly. ing an open flame”, “Requirements for build- public playgrounds; others are either pri- Playground equipment is intended for chil- ing fires and grilling outside of a fireplace”, vately owned or located on the premises of dren and youngsters across various age You do not need to apply for a permit if and “Urban maintenance rules of the City of schools or nurseries. For more information groups which is why you should make sure the bonfire is made on private land or on Tallinn”. please visit tallinn.ee/manguvaljakud. that they are suitable for particular users designated and marked bonfire sites on so as to avoid damaging the equipment. Stroomi and Pikakari beaches, in Lasnamäe For more information please visit Public playgrounds are listed online at Please call 5770 3000, send an e-mail to or Mustamäe or on Aegna island. tallinn.ee/lokke-tegemise-luba or manguvaljakud.tallinn.ee along with their [email protected] or call the city help- call the city helpline at 1345. locations on the map as well as photos and line at 1345 to report broken playground any general information. You can submit any equipment.

6 7 The ABCs of Urban Maintenance

• damaging buildings, gates, fences, Any work to be done at cemeteries, except water outlets, burial places, for maintenance carried out by burial plot grave markers or fences users, must be authorised by the munici- • driving or parking a motorised pal agency Tallinn Cemeteries. For works vehicle without the permission that alter the appearance of cemeteries you of the cemetery administrator need a design project approved by the Her- • making a fire, burning garbage itage Conservation Division of the Tallinn • walking an unleashed pet, allowing Urban Planning Department and the Tallinn pets on burial plots, leaving pet Environment Department droppings on the ground The offices ofSiselinna, You need to sign a contract with the ceme- and -Rahu cemeteries are open Mon- tery administrator to use a burial plot. Bur- Fri from 9:00 to 16:00. ial plots are designed by their users. Burial plots must be marked with a cross, a grave The offices of Liiva, Pärnamäe and slab, stone, stele or other marker. Grave Rahumäe cemeteries are open Mon-Fri markers and structures (fences, concrete from 9:00 to 16:00 and Sat from 9:00 to edging, kerb stones, etc.) and greenery 14:00. must remain within the borders of the plot. Any grave markers or structures placed on Please contact the office of Metsakalmistu the burial plot are the property of the plot’s cemetery for any issues related to Pirita user. cemetery.

The use and administration of cemeteries Further information is available online at are governed by the Cemeteries Act and the kalmistud.ee/tallinn (information and e-ser- Rules for Using Cemeteries in Tallinn. Com- vices like submission of requests to sign a pliance with the Act and the Rules is moni- contract for using a burial plot, inquiries Cemeteries tored by the municipal agency Tallinn Ceme- about persons buried, and requests for teries, the Tallinn Environment Department, cemetery access permits for motor vehi- the Heritage Conservation Division of the cles). In addition to their main function, cemeter- eteries as well as protection zones of 50m Tallinn Urban Planning Department, and the ies are the symbols of a multitude of values, around them. Therefore, designing of burial Tallinn Municipal Police Department. promoting heritage protection, cultural his- plots is subject to a number of restrictions. tory and environmental protection. Ceme- tery art is considered a unique monument Cemeteries must be kept clean and in good to landscape architecture and the art of condition, and the graves must not be dis- construction. Further, cemeteries are an turbed. The following is prohibited in cem- important part of the city’s green network. eteries: These valued premises are visited by indi- • breaking flower stems, tree branches, vidual tourists and groups from and or bushes, or cutting trees abroad. • planting trees, bushes or hedges or placing grave markers or fences Metsakalmistu, Pärnamäe, Pirita, Siselinna, on burial plots without the approval Rahumäe, Hiiu-Rahu and Liiva are the cem- of the cemetery administrator eteries owned by the City of Tallinn, and they • bringing household waste to the are all monuments subject to heritage con- cemetery or discarding waste in servation. Special heritage conservation places not intended for this purpose conditions have been established for cem-

8 9 The ABCs of Urban Maintenance Birds and animals

Pets

Pet owners must consider the interests and Walking areas must be kept clean and dogs safety of other citizens and spare wildlife – must not be allowed to disturb other peo- there are many protected species living and ple or animals. Please report any observa- growing in Tallinn whose survival is threat- tions about the maintenance of dog walking ened by freely roaming pets. Pets must areas to the Tallinn helpline at 1345. be kept under control: they must not be allowed outside on their own, and all traces Locations of their activities (droppings, hair balls from • City centre: Tiigiveski Park, brushing, traces of scratching, etc.) must be Toompark, Politseiaed Park, and removed. Pet droppings must be placed in the green area between Lilleküla a plastic bag and thrown in the nearest gar- railway station and Tehnika Street bage bin. Pets must not be allowed to use • Northern Tallinn: Ehte 16 children’s sandboxes or the neighbours’ and Karjamaa 5 flowerbeds as a toilet. Pet owners must • Kristiine: Tondimõisa Park and also make sure that their pet does not have Cederhilm Park (Mooni 30d) unwanted offspring and that the pet is vac- • Haabersti: intersection of Astangu and cinated, microchipped and registered. Fur- Järveotsa tee, Õismae Pond Park ther, pet owners must ensure medical treat- • Nõmme: Pärnu mnt 327 and Pihlaka 12 ment of their pets. • Lasnamäe: Liikuri 56, Vormsi 5, Kivila, Pae Park, Tondiloo Park We advise that you do not feed stray or • Mustamäe: Sõpruse pst 263, homeless animals. Please report such ani- Tildri 8, and Ehitajate tee 89 mals as soon as possible to the Animal Shelter by calling their 24-hour helpline For more information please visit at 514 1431. tallinn.ee/lemmikloom/koerte-jalutamine.

Legislation that governs pet keeping: “Rules for keeping cats and dogs in Tallinn”, “Urban Microchipping and registration maintenance rules of the City of Tallinn”, “Requirements for pet keeping” and Animal All cats and dogs living in Tallinn must be Protection Act. microchipped and entered in the Tallinn Pet Register.

Dog walking areas Microchipping is the best method of iden- tifying your pet as the chip cannot be lost Tallinn has set up 20 fenced sites for walking or removed. The chip connects the pet to and training dogs. These are the only public its owner and makes it easier to reunite lost places where dogs may be let off their leash. pets with their owners. Microchipping and

10 11 The ABCs of Urban Maintenance

registration are also useful for cats who • Vetekspert Animal Clinic • Juri Karpenko Animal Clinic In order to have stray cats taken to the live indoors as they may escape through Linnamäe tee 91, telephone 635 2455, Paldiski mnt 42d, telephone 672 1260, animal shelter, the apartment association an open door or window and be unable to 504 4866, [email protected] 513 6722, [email protected], should e-mail a letter describing the situa- find their way home. Also, it is necessary to alton.fie.ee tion to [email protected]. Where neces- identify pets when crossing national bor- • Nostrem Pet Animal Clinic sary, cat trappers must be afforded access ders, attending animal shows or resolving Kivila 5, telephone 634 0698, For more information please visit to shared premises like the basement or ownership disputes. [email protected] tallinn.ee/lemmikloom or call the boiler room as they usually work late at Tallinn Environment Department at night or early in the morning because cats Microchips are implanted by a veterinarian. • Eliit Animal Clinic 616 4004 or the city helpline at 1345. are nocturnal animals. People who feed the Microchipped animals must be registered Sikupilli 3, telephone 600 0194, 509 cats should be asked not to give them any either in the Pet Register using e-service 6471, [email protected], food for a couple of days before the trap- at llr.ee/e-teenindus where you can also to eliitloomakliinik.ee Sterilisation pers arrive as cats don’t walk into traps review and modify contact details and give when well fed. notice of a pet’s death, or at the following • Dakmett Animal Clinic The number of stray animals roaming the locations: Pikri 3, telephone 655 2648, streets can be effectively curbed by ster- Trapping of stray cats and dogs in Tal- dakmett.ee ilising (incl. neutering) cats and dogs. Very linn is managed by the new Tallinn Animal Mustamäe District few pets are kept for breeding purposes – Shelter (Varjupaikade MTÜ, Paljassaare • Animal Clinic of Veterinary • Abivet Animal Clinic most of them are just companions who are tee 85). Please report any stray or dead Diagnostics Centre Virbi 4, telephone 688 2085, 506 8530, not required to produce any offspring. Ster- animals in Tallinn by calling the 24-hour Sipelga 2, telephone 673 3101, [email protected], abivet.eu ilised animals usually do not mark their ter- helpline at 514 1431. If the owner of a stray [email protected], ritory or attract other animals. They become dog or cat is know you should call the Tallinn vetdiagnostika.ee • Mustakivi Animal Clinic attached to their homes and remain within Municipal Police Department at 14 410. Mahtra 1, telephone 687 1131, 5551 their territories. Pirita District 0131, [email protected], For information on found animals • Pirita Animal Clinic mustakiviloomakliinik.eu Normally, sterilised animals get along bet- please visit the shelter’s website at Regati pst 1, telephone 506 0284, ter because their aggression level is lower. varjupaik.ee/varjupaigad/tallinna-loomade- [email protected] Kristiine District Sterilisation of females helps reduce the risk varjupaik, call 514 1431 or e-mail to • Kristiine District Government of pyometrea and mammary tumours. Ster- [email protected]. The Animal Shelter at Central District Tulika 33b, room 202, telephone 645 ilisation improves the quality of life for pets, Paljassaare tee is open to visitors daily from • Tallinn Environment Department 7127, [email protected] their owners and neighbours, and helps 14:00 to 18:00. Harju 13, room 310, keep the city neat and tidy and preserve its telephone 616 4004, hellika. Nõmme District biodiversity. The procedure can be done on Cases of animal abuse and problems [email protected], • Kase & Michelsoni Animal Clinic cats when they are five to six months old. related to animal health must be reported tallinn.ee/lemmikloom Laulu 6, telephone 651 6407, to the Harju County Veterinary Centre [email protected], by calling at 658 0420 or e-mailing to • Miki Animal Clinic loomaarst.com Stray animals [email protected]. J. Kunderi 37, telephone 633 3398, [email protected], miki.ee Northern Tallinn Pets end up on the streets every day, either • FIE Andrei Rusmanov because they get lost or are abandoned by Tallinn Pet Crematorium • Tatari Animal Clinic Telliskivi 39, telephone 509 1254, their owners. Stray cats pose a particular Tatari 3, telephone 646 7084, [email protected], problem. Feral cats living in basements, Small animals are cremated in Tallinn by the [email protected], tatari.ee rusmanov.com outbuildings or elsewhere cause littering, Tallinn Pet Crematorium that is governed by disturb the urban biota and have numerous the municipal agency Tallinn Cemeteries. Lasnamäe District • Aleksei Ušanovi loomakliinik OÜ offspring. They often gather around apart- For information please call 5551 7527 or • Lasnamäe Animal Clinic Lõime 19, telephone 515 0602 ment buildings as local residents feed them. e-mail to [email protected]. P. Pinna 19, telephone 632 6070, lasnamaeloomakliinik.eu

12 13 The ABCs of Urban Maintenance

quent at the end of the summer and in the You should call 112 if: Birds and wild animals autumn when young cubs have grown big • a wild animal looks ill or behaves oddly, enough to travel on their own. for instance, tries to approach a human • a wild animal is in a helpless Small animals normally don’t pose a threat situation or injured Feeding of birds other aquatic birds find feeding areas that in urban environments. A healthy animal is • a large wild animal (like wild boar, are not frozen. And the drop in temperature usually cautious enough to avoid contact deer or moose) wanders in the city Many bird species have adapted to living and the lack of food trigger the migration with humans. in the urban environment. The bird popu- instinct in birds - an adaptation mechanism You should consider whether trapping the lation in the city grows mainly because of they have developed that ensures their sur- To avoid unpleasant encounters: animal would be possible or necessary the rich food supply and safe nesting con- vival. The extra food creates an ecological • do not try to lure or before you call for assistance. You can say ditions. Biowaste which is easily accessible trap for birds, making them dependent on it domesticate a wild animal with certainty that it is almost impossible accounts for a large share of the birds’ food and disrupting their natural instincts. • do not feed any wild animals – keep the to catch a hare in Kadrioru Park or a deer supply and roofs provide safe nesting places lid on your garbage container closed, in the Nõmme-Mustamäe landscape con- where predators and people are unable to The natural diet of aquatic birds mainly prepare your compost in a closed box servation area, and doing so is not neces- gain access. As a result, more offspring can comprises aquatic invertebrates, insects and avoid leaving pet food outdoors sary either. Large animals should always be be raised in the city than in the wild. and plants. Bread offered by humans does • secure any holes in the fence reported if there is even the smallest pos- not provide the birds with nutrients they • advise your neighbours not to feed sibility that they might get hurt or cause an When the screeching of seagulls around need – it causes metabolic disorders which, wild animals in urban settlements accident. the house gets too disturbing you should in the long run, compromise their ability to reduce the amount of food waste available fly and breed. Weakened birds that have to birds. This can be achieved by keeping formed colonies have a higher risk of catch- the area around the house clean and prop- ing various contagious diseases. Close con- erly closing the lids of garbage bins. And tact with sick birds may pose a threat to local residents should be advised not to humans too. So, to ensure the well-being of feed the birds. To avoid seagulls nesting on aquatic birds we must allow them to act on the roof, the roof should be cleaned of moss their natural instincts. and twigs in early spring before the nesting period starts. Special mechanical barriers can be mounted on the roof to prevent birds Wild animals in the city from landing there. Factors like urban sprawl and density of During the nesting period you should human population cause the number of be careful and not get too close to any areas with untouched nature to drop in cit- baby birds as the adult birds may react by ies and lead to more frequent encounters screeching and nose-diving. Such behav- with wild animals as species with large pop- iour is natural and poses no danger to peo- ulations are forced to adapt to alternative ple but may give a good scare. habitats.

Small birds may be fed during cold winters Another reason that attracts wild animals as they usually don’t cause any trouble; to the city is the abundance of food – there however, feeding must be consistent and is always food waste around people and the diet must be varied. rodents are galore. Wild animals find food to their liking in compost piles, garbage bins Aquatic birds should never be fed. Even and feeding bowls of pets. during cold winters when most water bodies are frozen, mute swans, Mallard ducks and Their visits to the city become more fre-

14 15

The ABCs of Urban Maintenance For property owners

The urban maintenance rules of the City of Tallinn require property owners to keep their properties and fences as well as adjacent areas in good condition. A permit must be requested for cutting or pruning of trees (except fruit trees) on properties (see “Tree care and cutting” in “For property owners” on page 20).

18 19 The ABCs of Urban Maintenance

Tree care and cutting Maintenance operations in winter season

The good condition of trees can be main- • it has developed numerous dry Property owners must make sure that the • organise the relocation of any tained by proper pruning done at the right branches or its top has become dry sidewalks bordering their properties are vehicles parked nearby time. A pruning permit must be requested • fruiting bodies of fungi have de-iced, and acquire the necessary tools • install an information board in a visible from the Tallinn Environment Department appeared on its trunk or base and materials. The grain size of sand or place indicating the type of danger, the if a tree has been neglected for a long time • the inclination of the tree gravel used for de-icing must be 2-6mm. name and telephone number of the per- and its branches have grown so long as to increased quickly and a mound Snow may be deposited on sidewalks pro- son responsible for removal operations reach the windows or walls of buildings. of soil has emerged from the vided that the space available for pedestri- and the start and end of operations ground on the opposite side ans and cyclists is at least 1.2m wide. The • ensure safe passage for pedestrians The best time to prune deciduous trees • cracks have appeared in the trunk roof and facade must be regularly checked and vehicles or divert them for the is early spring when they have not grown or between the branches and the owner must make sure that any duration of operations, surround the leaves yet. The next best time for pruning is snow and icicles are removed from the roof danger zone with a temporary fence in the middle of summer. No pruning may be Also, felling a healthy tree in a construction in good time. Installing electric heating as necessary and ensure the that the done when the sap is actively running, buds zone requires a cutting permit from the Tal- cables in gutters and downpipes can pre- zone is marked with traffic control are opening or leaves are being formed. It’s linn Environment Department. In that case, vent the formation of icicles. devices according to the Regulation of also not advisable to prune trees in autumn the person requesting the permit is required the Minister of the Economic Affairs when they are preparing for their dormant to compensate for felling a viable tree by Requirements related to removing icicles and Communications on “Traffic season or in winter when the temperature planting new trees and caring for them for a and snow from a roof: control requirements for road works” drops below -10 degrees. Trees are pruned two-year period. • advise the residents of the • ensure the availability of per- by tree care specialists known as arborists. building of the time of remov- sonal protective equipment and Incompetent or mistimed pruning could Replanting of trees with a basal diameter al operations in good time other items required for occu- damage the tree and cause it to dry or break above 8cm (excl. fruit trees growing on pri- • notify the city of removal operations pational safety as necessary unexpectedly. vate property) must be approved by the Tal- by calling the city helpline at 1345 • prevent the falling of snow or linn Environment Department. • notify the Tallinn Transport Depart- icicles on buildings below A cutting permit must be obtained to cut ment of the time and place of removal • remove any snow and icicles that down a tree that has become dangerous. For more information about cut- operations if traffic should be divert- have either fallen or have been moved If a tree displays one or more of the follow- ting and pruning permits please visit ed or a street should be closed onto the sidewalk or driveway ing characteristics you should contact a tallinn.ee/raieluba or call the Landscaping competent specialist for an expert opinion Division of the Tallinn Environment Depart- or request a cutting permit from the Tallinn ment at 640 4274. Environment Department:

20 21 The ABCs of Urban Maintenance

Project “Yard Makeover”

Yard Makeover project is intended for Applications for allowances should be filed apartment associations in Tallinn to with the local City District Government. improve the appearance and safety of yards. It is designed to support the For more information please visit construction of parking lots, recreational tallinn.ee/hoovidkorda or contact areas, playgrounds and sports grounds your local City District Government or as well as outbuildings, and tackle any the Tallinn Property Department. issues related to rainwater systems and public water supply or sewerage.

22 23 The ABCs of Urban Maintenance Waste

Waste must be sorted by type to protect the environment and allow recycling and recovery or using waste as a source of energy. Packaging waste must be collected separately from other waste and delivered empty to reverse vending machines, designated public garbage containers or waste collection terminals. Any hazardous household waste, waste electrical and electronic equipment, used tyres and bulky items can be delivered to waste collection terminals. Any waste left after sorting is mixed household waste that must be discarded into respective containers and collected by a licensed waste collector. Eco- friendly waste management helps improve our living environment and reduce the cost of waste treatment.

For more information on waste collection terminals and accepted types of waste please visit tallinn.ee/keskkond/jaatmejaamadtallinnas or jaatmejaam.ee or call 529 3020. Public garbage containers and waste collection terminals are shown on the online map at kaart.tallinn.ee.

24 25 The ABCs of Urban Maintenance

Municipally organised waste collection Packaging

Municipally organised waste collection Kristiine, Northern Tallinn and Pirita dis- Packaging means products of any material Packaging without deposit label can be means the collection and transportation of tricts, and the Laagna-Tondiraba and Pri- used for holding, protecting, handling, deliv- delivered to waste collection terminals or household waste from a designated area isle-Mustakivi areas in Lasnamäe district. ering or presenting goods during their life public collection stations and placed into to designated waste treatment sites by an Further services of the Tallinn Waste Centre cycle - from raw material to finished product, three different containers according to operator selected as a result of a compe- include: and from producer to consumer. Packaging packaging type. tition organised by local authorities. The • rental of garbage containers waste may feature a deposit label (depos- • Containers for paper and cardboard municipal scheme in Tallinn covers the col- • washing of garbage containers it-subjected containers) or have none. packaging (blue) are for cardboard lection of biodegradable waste, paper and • collection green waste from boxes, craft paper, paper bags and cardboard, bulky items and mixed house- gardens and parks (leaves, ap- Deposit-subjected containers are bev- other clean paper packaging. hold waste. ples, branches, etc.) erage containers made of metal, glass or • Containers for glass packag- plastic that carry a deposit label and are ing (green) are for bottles and jars The Tallinn Waste Centre which is governed For more information please visit subject to a deposit charged from the con- made of clear or coloured glass by the Tallinn Environment Department tallinn.ee/est/keskkond/jaatmed or sumer upon purchase. It must be possible and other clean glass packaging. provides organised waste collection in the prugi.ee or call the Tallinn Waste to return deposit-subjected containers to • Containers for mixed packaging following districts: Haabersti, Mustamäe, Centre helpline at 616 4000. reverse vending machines installed at the (yellow) are for plastic packaging point of sale or a nearby location indicated (like yoghurt pots and butter tubs; at the point of sale. The deposit is returned oil, ketchup and mayonnaise bottles; once empty containers are delivered to the packaging of cosmetic and skincare reverse vending machine at the point of products, clean plastic dishes and sale. The packaging recovery organisation boxes), metal packaging (like metal Eesti Pandipakend manages the collection lids and caps of food and beverage of deposit-subjected containers. packaging and tin cans) and beverage cartons or other multilayer paperboard Packaging without deposit label means all (like milk, juice and yoghurt cartons, other packaging without a deposit label that cardboard boxes of bakery products have been used for holding, protecting han- and other clean cardboard packaging). dling, delivering or presenting goods. Waste holders can deliver packaging waste to a If there are no containers for glass or public collection station or a waste collec- paper and cardboard packaging avail- tion terminal, or have a waste handler collect able, such packaging may be discarded the packaging waste for a fee (for example, into the mixed packaging container. packaging placed in a designated collec- tion bag or a mixed packaging container). For more information please visit The collection of packaging without deposit tallinn.ee/keskkond/jaatmed, eto.ee, tvo.ee, label is managed by recovery organisations eestipandipakend.ee, or pakendiringlus.ee or OÜ Eesti Pakendiringlus, Eesti Taaskasutu- call the city helpline at 1345. You can find sorganisatsioon MTÜ and OÜ Tootjavastu- the nearest packaging container on the tusorganisatsioon. online map of Tallinn at kaart.tallinn.ee (layer “Waste and pets”). Packaging must be emptied prior to deliv- ery or collection!

26 27 The ABCs of Urban Maintenance

Paper and cardboard Hazardous waste

Paper and cardboard must be collected The following may be discarded into con- Hazardous waste means waste that could Pharmaceutical waste may be delivered separately to allow recycling. tainers for paper and cardboard: potentially harm health, property or the to the nearest pharmacy. Other hazardous • workbooks, exercise books made environment due to their adverse effects. waste generated by households can be dis- Residential buildings with five or more of paper and carton, printed or Hazardous waste must be collected sepa- carded free of charge at waste collection apartments must have a paper and card- plain writing and drawing paper rately! terminals (see section “Waste collection board container. Residents of private villas • newspapers, magazines, cata- terminals”). and apartment buildings with less than five logues and advertising materials Typical examples of hazardous waste gen- apartments can deliver paper and card- • envelopes, books without covers. erated by households: Batteries can be delivered to waste collec- board to a waste collection terminal. • batteries tion terminals or any shops selling batteries. • fluorescent lamps, incl. com- pact fluorescent lamps Plus, hazardous waste collection campaigns • waste oil, oil filters, oily rags are held in all city districts each spring (from • paint, varnish, glue and solvent waste the end of April until the beginning of May). Biodegradable waste • chemicals and detergents For more information on collection cam- • thermometers and other paigns please read the news bulletin of your waste containing mercury city district, visit tallinn.ee/keskkond or call A container for biodegradable waste is • meat and fish waste, fruit and • fertilisers and pesticides (plant 640 4610. required for: vegetable waste, precooked food, protection products) • residential buildings with ten bakery and confectionery products, • pharmaceutical waste or more apartments cheese, butter and margarine • packaging of hazardous substances. • residential buildings with less than ten and other solid food waste apartments if the kerbside collection • paper towels, tissues and filters, interval for its mixed household coffee grounds and teabags waste container exceeds one week (if 100% biodegradable) • house plants and cut flowers Broken home appliances Private villas are not required to have a bio- waste container if biodegradable gardening Biodegradable waste must be put in a bio- and landscaping waste are sorted and com- degradable plastic or paper bag before Household electronics and home appli- All shops with an area of more than 400m² posted on the same property. discarding into the container. Avoid putting ances (like electric cookers, fridges, TVs, that sell any electronic equipment must biodegradable waste into non-degradable radios, hair dryers, shavers, vacuum clean- accept small electronic devices (with a side The following should be discarded into bio- plastic or garbage bags. ers, blenders and irons) can be disposed of length of up to 25cm) free of charge. Shops waste containers: free of charge at waste collection terminals must accept small electronic devices even (see section “Waste collection terminals”). if you don’t buy a new one from them as a replacement. When buying a new appliance you can leave your old one of the same kind at the shop.

28 29 The ABCs of Urban Maintenance

Used tyres Construction and demolition waste

Individuals can dispose of tyres free of We recommend using studless Construction and demolition waste (con- separately to a waste collection terminal charge at: winter tyres! crete slabs and broken bricks, timber, plas- or a business holding the respective waste • waste collection terminals (see section terboards, paint and glue residues, etc.) must permit like Epler & Lorenz AS, EcoPro AS or “Waste collection terminals”) which The City of Tallinn promotes the use of be sorted to allow recycling. These should be Ragn-Sells AS. accept up to eight tyres at a time studless winter tyres to protect roads and delivered to a waste collection terminal (see • collection stations of MTÜ Rehviringlus, health because studded tyres produce large section “Waste collection terminals” or an NB! Waste containing asbestos, like eternit, see rehviringlus.ee/kogumisvork. amounts of dust that can lead to serious entity holding a valid license for the recov- is hazardous to the environment and human health damage. ery of construction and demolition waste, health. Such waste should be delivered Businesses must contact MTÜ Rehviringlus see tallinn.ee/ehitusjaatmete-kaitluskohad. separately to a waste collection terminal or (rehviringlus.ee) to dispose of tyres. Using studded tyres - especially during win- landfill. ters with little snow - subjects the road sur- Hazardous construction waste (solvent, face to heavy wear and pollutes the air in the paint, varnish, glue and sealant residues and For more information please visit city. Therefore, studless tyres are the smart impregnated timber) should be delivered tallinn.ee/keskkond/ehitusjaatmed. choice of knowledgeable drivers as they provide good grip without damaging the road surface or generating dust and noise. Second-hand clothes, books, furniture and home appliances

The Reuse Centre (MTÜ Uuskasutuskeskus) installed at many shopping centres. Items and the shops “Sõbralt Sõbrale” accept, so collected are reused or recycled. Con- free of charge, furniture, home appliances, tainers can be located on the online map at clothes, books, consumer items and kitch- kaart.tallinn.ee using the layer “Waste and enware, toys and other items that are still in pets”. good condition and usable. For more information please visit Likewise, clothing, footwear and toys can be uuskasutus.ee or tallinn.ee/kasutatudriided. placed in red and green apparel containers

30 31 The ABCs of Urban Maintenance

Waste collection terminals Other construction waste, bulky items, eter- Tallinna Recycling Centre accept the following from nit, broken furniture and damaged clothing, soil and rocks are accepted for a fee accord- individuals free of charge: ing to the waste collection terminal’s price The Tallinn Recycling Centre (former Tal- Delivery of waste list. Waste collection terminals do not linn landfill) in Jõelähtme Rural Municipal- From Monday to Friday • paper and cardboard accept mixed household waste! ity serves all individuals and businesses between 6:00 and 22:00 • packaging for a fee. The centre treats non-hazardous On Saturdays, Sundays and public • scrap metal The Aegna Island Waste Station is open waste. Payment can be made in cash or by holidays between 8:00 and 18:00 • cooking oil and fat from 1 May to 30 September. card whereas contracted customers can be • untreated timber (up to 1m3) invoiced. Fees are calculated on the basis Office • plastic (up to 1m3) For more information on waste collection ter- of weight. All types of waste, excl. hazard- The office is open Mon-Fri 8:00-16:30 • scrap glass, sheet glass (up to 1m3) minals and accepted types of waste please ous waste, are accepted. As for hazardous • concrete, bricks, tiles and ce- visit tallinn.ee/keskkond/jaatmejaamad- waste, only asbestos can be delivered. For more information about the services ramic products (up to 1m3) tallinnas or jaatmejaam.ee. please visit tjt.ee or call 609 6018. • bricks (up to 1m3) • tiles and ceramic products (up to 1m3) • old furniture fit for use* • biodegradable gardening and land- scaping waste (up to six 100-litre bags Waste collection terminals a day per person are free of charge) • used clothing (up to six 100-litre bags a day per person are free of charge) 1 November to 31 March 1 April to 31 October • car tyres (up to eight tyres Pääsküla terminal Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri at a time free of charge) Raba 40 14:00–19:00 12:00–20:00 • waste electrical and electronic Sat, Sun 10:00–15:00 Sat, Sun 10:00–18:00 equipment (fridges, TVs, etc.)** • hazardous household waste Rahumäe terminal Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri (limited amounts). Rahumäe tee 5a 14:00–19:00 12:00-20:00 Sat, Sun 10:00-15:00 Sat, Sun 10:00-18:00 Pärnamäe terminal Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri Pärnamäe tee 36 14:00-19:00 12:00-20:00 Sat, Sun 10:00-15:00 Sat, Sun 10:00-18:00

Waste collection terminals are closed on public holidays!

* The condition of used furniture is assessed by an employee of the waste collection terminal. Only furniture that is in very good condition and can be reused will be considered fit for use. ** Any returned electronic appliances must be complete, i.e. equipped with all essential components (like compressors and drums). Power cords, buttons, remote control units and the like are not considered essential components. Incomplete electronic waste are accepted for a fee only.

32 33 The ABCs of Urban Maintenance General information

For more information on urban maintenance in Tallinn please visit tallinn.ee/heakord.

Please report any problems or violations Lasnamäe related urban maintenance to the Tallinn 645 7700 Municipal Police Department by calling the [email protected] 24-hour hotline at 14 410 or e-mailing to [email protected]. Mustamäe 645 7500 If you have any questions or problems [email protected] related to urban maintenance, please call the city helpline at 1345 (standard rate Nõmme applies) or contact the local City District 645 7305 Government or the Tallinn Environment [email protected] Department. Pirita Haabersti 645 7600 640 4800 [email protected] [email protected] Northern Tallinn Kesklinn 645 7040 645 7200 [email protected] [email protected] Tallinn Environment Department Kristiine 640 4572 645 7100 [email protected] [email protected]

34 35 +372 640 4572 [email protected] Harju tn 13, 10130 Tallinn tallinn.ee

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