Littering of state forests is declining 10.02

In 2010, RMK cleaned up 137 tons of waste from the state forest, which is 40% less than the previous year.However, the littering of forests is still locally problematic, and there is still hazardous waste in the forest that needs to be cleaned up.

According to RMK Silviculture Head Specialist Toomas Väät, the most littered areas last year were Harju, Ida-Viru and Tartu counties, especially the state forests surrounding large cities.“Thanks to preventive work and information-clean up campaigns like “Mets puhtaks” and “Teeme ära”, the situation has steadily improved.For example, compared to the situation we had 5 years ago, the waste pollution of forests has decreased by 75%; as a result we’ve been able to reduce clean-up costs by 60%.However, the littering of forests is still a big problem in some areas,” recognised Toomas Väät.

Last year, RMK cleaned up waste from 22 hectares – the area is about the size of 21 football fields.In addition to ordinary waste, 9 tons of hazardous waste were also cleaned up – most of it was asbestos waste, which was left over after demolishing roofs.“There was some really hazardous waste too – for example, we found a 100 kg vat of toxic chemicals in Tartu County. In Harju County and on the Pakri peninsula we discovered 140 kg of soil contaminated with mercury, which was eliminated with the help of specialists,” explained Väät.

RMK is a profit-making state agency established under the Forestry Act, aimed at sustainable and efficient management of the state forest.RMK grows reforestation materials, organises forestry works, is engaged in the sale of forest and timber and organises game upkeep.In addition, RMK establishes opportunities for hiking in nature and forest recreation on recreational areas, in Estonia’s five national parks and 40 other protected areas, and shapes awareness of nature.RMK manages 38% of Estonia’s forests.

Note!Attached to this notice are waste collection statistics by counties.

Further information:

Toomas Väät
RMK Silviculture Department
Silviculture Head Specialist
Tel. 520 5734
E-mail:toomas.vaat@rmk.ee
www.rmk.ee