Apples abundant as Lahden waste station collects 343 tons for biofuel production in Lavio

In Lahden, Finland, an abundance of apples has led to the collection of 343 tons at the Kujala waste station, where they are sent to a nearby composting facility in Lavio to produce biofuel and mulch. This year’s apple harvest has been both unusually large and early. Mika Kantele, a service manager at Salpakierron, mentioned that several tens of tons of new apples have already accumulated at the waste station’s collection sites. The influx of apples has also been noticeable in traffic at the Kujala station, but no congestion has occurred thanks to a designated drop-off area for the fruit.

Kantele highlighted that the area is spacious enough to facilitate easy delivery without needing to queue for personnel registration. The vast quantities of apples have not disrupted operations at the waste station. In Hämeenlinna, approximately 30 tons of apples were delivered during the first week of September, according to Sampsa Vuoristo from Kiertokapula, indicating that each collection point is experiencing a significant increase in apple deliveries. These apples are then transported to Forssa for biogas production.

Vuoristo advises that households should pack apples in boxes or crates for easy unloading at the stations and refrain from using plastic bags. Bringing apples from home is free of charge. He also cautions against mixing apples with regular waste, as they increase the weight of waste significantly. While hunter assistance may be an option for apple disposal, small apple waste like cores and peels should go into organic waste bins or compost. Composting should be done gradually, with attention to additional dry material if needed.