Tallinn prohibits disposable cutlery at public events

# tags: Meetings Industry , Destinations , Sustainability

From 1 January 2024, all public events, regardless of size, cannot use disposable cutlery

Tallinn City Council has adopted new waste management regulations. Regarding events, the goal is to switch to reusable cutlery. From 1 June 2023, most public events in Tallinn started using only reusable cutlery, but from 1 January 2024, the requirement will apply to all public events, regardless of size, throughout Estonia. Disposable drinking spouts, mixing sticks and cocktail garnishes that are not made of plastic (including bio-based plastic), oxidatively degradable plastic or biodegradable plastic will be allowed.

Joosep Vimm, Deputy Mayor of Tallinn, said that the switch to the re-use requirement will significantly reduce the environmental footprint of events. "As a result, there will be tonnes of waste avoided. We should move towards the longest possible life of products and reuse opportunities in all sectors. This is just one step, but an important one for the environment".

The aim of the switch to reusable containers is to improve people's environmental awareness of waste, reduce the amount of waste and litter generated at public events and promote circular economy business models by creating demand for reuse systems.