Waste to Value
Because Waste Deserves A Second Chance!
The project aims at achieving concrete results with the sustainability work on Åland and in Eskilstuna.
We’ll establish two model reuse facilities to demonstrate that it is possible to reuse goods instead of recycling them or sending them to landfill. We will make it convenient and easy to contribute to a better environment through reuse.
We will also ensure that regulations and legislation facilitate reuse.
We will build new structures to save building materials for reuse. This requires new knowledge about, among other things knowledge of materials and safety issues as well as new methods for upcycling discarded products and discarded materials. New structures mean establishing new flows of goods and a new cross-border competence platform that ensures continued development and knowledge sharing.
During the project’s 36 months, we will save 108 000 kilos of building material and bring it back into circulation. This benefits both do-it-yourselfers and building contractors. And it provides great circular value for the Baltic Sea Region.
Today, we see at recycling centres mainly large quantities of mixed materials such as wood metal products that could very well be reused if logistical and physical structures for it are created. 
The sorting process for bulky mixed waste remains a time-consuming and resource-intensive task. At present, only metal fractions are prioritised for sorting and partially separated from the waste stream for recycling. The remaining materials, which often include fully functional wooden components, are currently classified as combustible waste and sent for energy recovery.
The wood material currently received as a separately sorted fraction is processed by shredding and sent for energy recovery. This includes all types of wooden waste, even fully functional wooden products that could otherwise be reused. Although the material is collected as clean, source-separated wood, it is presently treated as combustible waste and utilised for incineration with energy recovery due to the absence of established systems for reuse or material recycling.
The project will show that it is possible, easy and cost-effective to reuse materials that would otherwise become waste. The project will lead to a new mindset among both individuals and businesses. Instead of buying new materials, it should be natural to first look for second-hand alternatives.
Reuse inspiration
Main activities and results
We meet the challenge by creating new conditions and methods for reuse of building materials. By developing reuse facilities, we make it easy to hand in materials that can be reused. We focus on wood, metallic, glass, plastic, discarded equipment and mineral waste from construction and demolition.
Legal Pathways to Reuse
Minimising structural obstacles to creating smooth reuse systems in Sweden and Åland. This will be done through mapping of the current situation and recommendations for improvement.
Result: Better conditions for increased reuse.
Target group: Authorities
Scaling Up Circular Construction
Development of a new function at recycling centres, where visitors come before dropping off their waste. Here, usable material is sorted out. Visitors are informed about what can be reused both beforehand and on site. Through existing life cycle assessment methods, we’ll measure the environmental benefits of recycling. Through an ecopoints system, we make it attractive to work towards increased reuse. The aim is to include the ecopoint system in the official sustainability strategies of both Åland and Eskilstuna.
Result: Increased reuse, decreased amount of waste.
Target group: Public and business
Improving Competence for Reuse
The development of a competence platform is crucial to succeed in the transition to a more circular construction. Here, dialogues, training and knowledge sharing take place with one common goal: to increase the amount of reused building materials. Stakeholders involved will aid in identifying obstacles in legislation and goal conflicts. They will also aid with suggestions and solutions to bridge obstacles. The costs for the competence platform consist primarily of a process manager (staff) in Eskilstuna.
Result: Online knowledge bank accessible to everyone. Printable material available in Swedish and English.
Target group: Private and public actors in the construction value chain, academia and waste management. Students in building programs, existing staff of project partners.
Project locations
The project aims at achieving concrete results with the sustainability work on Åland and in Eskilstuna.
In the municipality of Jomala, at the Svinryggen site in Åland, a new reuse facility is being established. Here, both private individuals and businesses will be able to drop off items and materials that can be reused and given new purpose. Materials that are not suitable for reuse will be directed to appropriate waste management areas located nearby on the same site. This initiative supports a more sustainable future by encouraging circular use of resources and reducing unnecessary waste.
In the municipality of Eskilstuna, Sweden, the existing ReTuna Reuse Mall – the world’s first of its kind – will be further developed to enhance its role in the circular economy. As part of this expansion, it will become easier and more accessible for individuals and businesses to drop off reusable construction materials. At ReTuna, we will establish a new operation dedicated to construction material reuse, to be managed by an external partner. This initiative will include both a depot for receiving materials and a retail space for giving them a new life.
The project has seven partners who complement and learn from each other.
Together, we will train recycling experts to help make the project permanent and scalable across the Baltic Sea Region.
Emmaus Åland
Lead Partner
Emmaus Åland serves as the lead partner, overseeing the overall coordination and communication within the project. With extensive experience in recycling, upcycling, and training, Emmaus Åland is also responsible for the practical implementation of material reuse at the Svinryggen recycling centre. As with all partners, Emmaus Åland holds full decision-making authority in matters concerning its own operations.
Svinryggen Recycling Center
Government of Åland
Municipality of Eskilstuna
Project Partner
Eskilstuna Strängnäs Energy and Environment
Eskilstuna Energy and Environment
Project Partner
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