Finland achieves self-sufficiency in refrigeration recycling with new facility in Ridasjärvi

Finland has achieved self-sufficiency in the recycling of refrigeration appliances, eliminating the need to transport old refrigerators and air conditioning units to Sweden for disposal. The recycling company Kuusakoski is currently establishing a new facility in Ridasjärvi, near Hyvinkää. Together with existing plants in Forssa run by Cool Finland and Kemijärvi-based Elwira, these facilities will meet the entire recycling demand in Finland.

Previously, freezers and refrigerators were transported by truck and ship across the sea, or through Haaparanta to Sweden for shredding. Processing these appliances in Finland will reduce carbon emissions from recycling activities by approximately 1,500 tons, according to Tuomas Haikka, Director of Responsibility and Public Affairs at Kuusakoski Oy. While this figure may seem modest, it represents a 60% overall reduction, which is significant for individual appliances.

In Finland, retailers selling electronics like refrigeration units are responsible for recycling old equipment. Producer organizations, such as Serty, Elker, and ERP Finland, manage collection and recycling. These organizations determine where and what types of waste should be transported, with most refrigeration appliances ending up in Forssa, where around 150,000 units are processed annually.

The new €8 million investment by Kuusakoski will enhance competition within the refrigeration recycling sector. As demand increases, the handling market for refrigeration appliances is expected to tighten.

With Finland now largely self-reliant in recycling, continuing the practice of exporting waste for processing in Sweden no longer makes sense, according to Haikka.