Draft law amending the Waste Act and, in consequence, amending other laws (657 SE) – first reading
Session: XV Riigikogu, V Session, Plenary Sitting
Date: 2025-06-16 18:58
Total Speeches: 171
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 2h 6m
AI Summaries: 171/171 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The agenda item was the first reading of Bill 657 on the amendment of the Waste Act and related amendments to other acts, initiated by the Government of the Republic, which was introduced by Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis. The bill, also referred to as the waste reform, aims to bring Estonia's waste sector into the 21st century by increasing the recycling rate from 38% to 65% by 2035 and reducing landfilling to below 1%. The Minister emphasized that the reform will help avoid large fines to the EU (currently 16–20 million euros per year) and will create a new industry. The changes include a unified collection standard (four containers in densely populated areas), the separation of transport and handling procurements to increase competition, and the digitalization of waste management. The Minister confirmed that the average monthly cost for households that sort waste separately will remain within five euros, and the state will be 20 million euros in surplus due to the reform.
The opposition (Centre Party, EKRE, Isamaa) sharply criticized the bill, calling it a "tax festival" and claiming it increases consumer costs (Aivar Kokk estimated the additional cost at 75 million euros per year) and bureaucracy for local governments (LGs). Specific criticism targeted the raising of landfill and incineration fees, and the right granted to LGs to add up to 50% of transport costs to cover waste management expenses. Supporters (Eesti 200, Reform Party) stressed that the reform is necessary to end the monopoly and meet recycling targets. During the vote, the proposal by the Centre Party and Isamaa factions to reject the bill at the first reading was voted down.
Decisions Made 3
The proposal by the Estonian Centre Party faction and the Isamaa faction to reject draft bill 657 at the first reading was defeated (16 in favor, 49 against).
The first reading of Bill 657 was concluded.
The deadline for the submission of amendments was set for July 2, 2024, at 4:00 PM.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The third item on today's agenda is the first reading of Draft Act No. 657, initiated by the Government of the Republic, on the Amendment of the Waste Act and the Amendment of Other Acts Related Thereto. Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leisi will serve as the rapporteur.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis presented the waste reform bill to the Riigikogu (Parliament). The goal of the bill is to bring Estonia’s waste management sector into the 21st century by creating a functional and equitable system where the majority of waste is transformed into new raw materials and industry, thereby raising the recycling rate to 65% by 2035. The proposed changes include establishing a unified sorting standard, separating waste transport and treatment procurements to boost competition, and digitizing the entire sector to reduce the administrative burden and ensure fairer competition.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Speaking before the Riigikogu, Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis stated that the objective of the waste reform is to create a unified national standard for waste collection, separate the procurement processes for transport services and waste treatment, boost recycling rates to at least 65%, diminish the overall reliance on landfills, digitize the data, and establish a transparent, competition-based system. This system, he added, will bring new jobs and investments to Estonia and is essential, particularly in light of the situation exemplified by the Uikala landfill.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the Minister and invites Aivar Kokk to ask the questions.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Waiter Aivar Kokk claims that his family has been sorting waste for years, even without specific laws governing it, and he calls the whole situation insane, adding that 11 to 20 million euros in fines are paid to the EU every single year.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis’s speech addressed a sum ranging from 16 to 20 million.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk criticizes the rising costs of the Waste Management Act (up to approximately 70 million euros). He questions the specific allocation of 50 million euros and its channeling toward plastic container manufacturers. Furthermore, he expresses concern regarding the four-container system, the various procurement processes, and the transformation of local governments into intermediaries. Finally, he asks why the desire to introduce new taxes is brought before the Riigikogu every year, despite the Prime Minister’s promise that no new taxes would be added.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar emphasizes that it is now time for the audience.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
The speech asks whether 50 million should be taken from the end consumer's pocket.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman offers his thanks and presents a brief request to the Minister.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis stated that Estonia’s packaging fee, which the country pays to the European Union, currently stands at around 16–20 million euros. Following the waste reform, this fee will drop to about 10 million. While there has been discussion of an additional cost of 50 million euros, the total calculation of costs and revenues indicates that the state will end up with a net surplus of approximately 20 million euros thanks to the waste reform.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Peeter Ernits to speak.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
He said he couldn't say.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offers his thanks and invites Peeter Ernits to speak.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits noted that the discussion surrounding the same waste management act has once again dragged on endlessly, describing it as wild dithering and stalling, and asked the new minister whether things would go better this time than they did during Rainer Vakra’s tenure.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits is voicing deep indignation and skepticism regarding the Waste Act being brought back to the table, recalling how 14–15 months were wasted in 2017 on that "endless song and dance" and "wild dawdling." He directly asks the new minister if they are aware of the previous "messing around" and if they truly believe they can handle the process better this time than they did during Rainer Vakra's tenure.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis stresses that after more than two years of preparation and thorough negotiations with stakeholders, which resulted in satisfactory changes being introduced (such as the elimination of internal transactions), it is high time to implement the waste reform. This is because the parties have finally reached a consensus, and the reform can now rely on the best practices already being utilized by ten local governments.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis said that the draft bill, which has been prepared over two years, has been fully negotiated with the parties, and amendments have been added to it that eliminate internal transactions and end municipalization. Local governments will now handle waste transport themselves, allowing for the systematic implementation of best practices across Estonia.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman asks Lauri Laats to take the floor.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats asked why Estonia is paying a fine of 16–20 million euros, requesting that the per capita indicators and the level of fulfillment of obligations in other European Union countries be presented. He further inquired whether Estonia ranked first or last and how other countries had fared, emphasizing that the costs associated with implementing the law are significant, despite earlier claims that there would be no costs.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
He emphasized that costs must be viewed holistically, and following the waste reform, the state is 20 million euros in the black. Estonia is still at the tail end of the European Union when it comes to separate collection, and therefore, rules must be established so that Estonia can move forward as a European country.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Rain Epler to the stage.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler notes that waste is a very valuable raw material and demand for it is growing, but at the same time, the costs for people and local governments are increasing, and he asks why this is backward logic.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis emphasized that, contrary to popular belief, the costs for households that sort their waste by type do not increase, remaining at an average of around five euros per month. Meanwhile, the bills for non-sorters are 2–3 times higher, because the handling of mixed municipal waste is expensive, and the objective is to reduce the amount of trash going to landfills.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis stresses that households engaging in separate waste collection pay an average monthly bill of five euros, whereas those who fail to sort pay two to three times more. The goal is to reduce the volume of mixed municipal waste so that it avoids incineration and landfilling.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair thanks [the previous speaker], accepts the question on behalf of the Presiding Officer, calls upon Peeter Ernits, and notes that his hand is raised—perhaps he did so accidentally.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits apologizes, saying that he didn't notice.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
You had a question related to the procedure for conducting the session.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits is asking the minister to send a reply detailing how much other countries pay in fines, and that this information should be sent to his inbox, and possibly to others as well.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked everyone, noted that the message had reached the recipient, and called upon Arvo Aller next.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller claims that the minister’s assertion that there will be no new payments is false, and he cites the example of a housing association where an additional 50% is added to cover waste management costs, which already increases the waste collection fee and leads to more vehicles using fossil fuels.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
He spoke about a transparent waste management system where no additional fees are included, but the costs of transportation and processing are shown separately, and the local government explains what the funds are being requested for. Furthermore, in the future, it will organize waste collection through the LGU, and collection will be carried out on an as-needed basis.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman questions how the termination of the tax festival promised by the Reform Party, along with new taxes resulting from the waste reform and the increased role of local municipalities, squares with the Prime Minister's promise and the Reform Party's earlier logic, considering that this work has often been carried out by private firms until now.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Riina Solman to the stage.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman sharply criticizes the government's planned waste reform, which will introduce new taxes and costs for both individuals and businesses, thereby contradicting the prime minister's promise to end the "tax festival." She also questions why the previous responsibilities of private companies are being transferred to the shoulders of municipalities that are already struggling with problems, a move that runs counter to the Reform Party's earlier logic.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
He confirmed that the new fee would not raise prices, explaining that the charge would be itemized, separating the transport and handling components. This is intended to increase competition in Estonia and prevent a situation where only two major carriers dominate the market. The local government (KOV) will not take over work from the private sector; instead, it will organize a procurement process that private companies will handle. Furthermore, the reform includes grant funding earmarked for KOVs to purchase waste stations and containers.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Yoko Alender to the stage.
Yoko Alender
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Yoko Alender emphasized the necessity of reforming the waste sorting system to improve recycling capabilities, clarify the purpose of sorting for the public, and guarantee that the reform genuinely impacts resource consumption and results in lower bills.
Yoko Alender
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Yoko Alender supports the necessary reform, but raises the question of whether it can overcome people's skepticism that, despite sorting, the waste will still end up being incinerated. She also asks the minister about improving recycling capacity and the substantive impact of the reform on resource utilization in Estonia.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Thanks to the digital shift, we can track where separately collected waste goes. The objective is to ensure that this material avoids incineration and landfilling, and instead enters the recycling stream—for instance, cardboard and paper are sent to the Räpina paper mill, and glass is sent to Järvakandi.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Mart Maastik to the stage.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik is criticizing the economic viability of separate waste collection, pointing to the comparison with England where the difference is only about 10%. He also asks where the material sorted separately in Estonia actually ends up, who buys it, and for what price, while looking for examples and positive information.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
He/She stressed that the example of England confirms the need to guarantee specific volumes of separately collected waste so that companies invest in recycling, and so that Estonia, following the waste reform, can process the materials domestically, which would lead to the creation of new small industries.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Rain Epler to take the floor.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rural resident Rain Epler emphasizes that using reusable packaging, composting organic waste, and generally reducing waste can bring expenses down to zero or a minimum, and questions whether this is truly achievable through one’s own behavior.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis explains that in sparsely populated areas, the cost of waste collection can potentially be brought down to zero, because the local municipality has the discretionary power to agree with residents on the non-generation of waste (for instance, through on-site composting), which subsequently eliminates the need for mandatory waste removal and the associated cost for the homeowner.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis said that the costs of waste collection in sparsely populated areas could drop to zero with the help of an agreement and decision-making power granted to the local municipality. But if no waste is generated (for instance, due to on-site composting), then no cost is incurred, and the collection truck doesn't need to run.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Aivar Kokk to speak.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk notes that his family pays about four euros every month and the current system works, but he hasn't been given an explanation why 70 million euros must be paid for new bins and a sorting system, and he offers alternatives such as burning the trash or a simpler container system along with large local sorting stations.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This is a short, powerful motivator that urges listeners to take action and tells them their time has come.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
He said the objective was to achieve cost savings, noting that small businesses might be able to offer better pricing than larger corporations.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the audience.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
As an entrepreneur, Aivar Kokk says that based on his experience, he doesn't see how someone who keeps two cows could earn more than someone who keeps 2,000 cows.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks and invites Mr. Minister.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis claims he doesn't understand where the assumption that the cost is 70 million is coming from, noting that the system only works in about ten local governments and fails to function in many others, and that the discussion concerns the whole of Estonia, not just one local municipality.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Peeter Ernits to come forward.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He criticizes the lengthy dithering and the delay that occurred in 2019, and asks when the preparation of this so-called "sound bill" actually began, just to see how many years were spent slacking off in the meantime.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis stated that the draft legislation has been in preparation for two years and a few months, and it has been re-examined with numerous stakeholders to ensure it is forward-looking. Furthermore, he noted that they have discussed several times with the carriers how to better manage transport operations and monopolistic issues in the future.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Arvo Aller to take the floor.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller criticizes the flat-rate waste management system and the separate publication of data, calling them a mechanism that creates bureaucracy, sparks disputes in apartment associations and local governments, and jeopardizes the implementation of new contracts.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
According to Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis, apartment association fees will be consolidated into a single system, and waste transport tenders will be finalized through the reform by 2030. Where contracts are expiring, entities can either transition under the new reform framework or remain in the old system. Those currently wishing to participate in the tender may do so under the old system—everything depends on the decision of the local government.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman invites Helir-Valdor Seeder to take the floor.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder believes that the separate collection of bio-waste and mechanical sorting using a sorting facility is a modern, effective, and more environmentally friendly solution, and he asks why this approach is not being chosen.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Minister Kuldar Leis stated that large-scale producers and sorting facilities support source separation, noting that separately collected waste is cleaner and more easily recyclable. Apartment associations will determine the collection frequency, and transportation of partially filled containers will not occur. Furthermore, the waste reform extends the minimum collection period for mixed municipal waste and packaging from one month up to three months (the one-month period remains applicable for biowaste).
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar addresses Yoko Alender with a request.
Yoko Alender
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Yoko Alender notes that about 10% of the material comes from the sorting line, and that sorting does not increase the amount of waste but rather reduces it as awareness grows. She also asks whether the waste reform will end landfilling and reduce landfill fires, citing the Uikala landfill, for example, which has burned 11 times this year.
Yoko Alender
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Yoko Alender, who first explains that sorting waste does not increase the amount of garbage, expresses concern about the frequent disturbances caused by burning landfills (such as the 11 fires at Uikala) and asks whether the planned waste reform can put an end to the kind of dumping that leads to environmental catastrophes.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
One of the main goals of the waste reform is to significantly reduce the proportion of landfilling—down to 1% of all waste—which would prevent Uikala-like dumps and reduce environmental risks. However, the problem is that there are no options for where to send the waste, even for disposal, simply because the volume of waste is high and the number of available landfills is low.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats claims that the reduction in waste is not due to legislation, but rather the tax increases implemented by the Reform Party and its partners, arguing that consumption has fallen and prices have risen, which means people are spending less and generating less waste.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar makes a request to Lauri Laats.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Kuldar Leis says that he can answer, and this will contribute to the waste reform.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar said that if that was the first question, it would be possible to pose a new question after Riina Solman’s second question.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Maastik stresses that negotiating separate terms with the local municipality for every resident is unrealistic and expensive, because the vehicle comes and you pay regardless of the container's fill level, and transporting multiple different vehicles would actually result in higher fuel consumption than transporting one container simultaneously.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
He describes the situation prevalent in Saaremaa before the waste reform, where payment is required even when the container is empty. He further explains that the waste reform allows local municipalities to exempt residents from mandatory waste collection if they generate no waste, share services with a neighbor, or handle composting themselves, but this option is not currently available.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The address states that we are moving forward, and Henn Põlluaas is invited to speak.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas is complaining that he doesn't need a waste container for his summer house, but the environmental services provider is issuing him bills for a non-existent extra bin, and he asks how it is possible to pay for something that doesn't exist.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Kuldar Leis stated that the situation is exactly the opposite: the current rules compel people to pay for environmental services, even though the local municipality does not organize them, and the waste reform grants local governments the right to exempt a resident from waste handover if they do not reside there or if they do not generate any waste whatsoever.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called upon Priit Sibul to speak.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul expressed confusion regarding the waste management amendment, noting that while the goal is to increase recycling, the entire reform seems incomprehensible. He points out that larger municipalities are being granted the right to issue invoices and collect money, which could potentially be greater than their current authority, and emphasizes that local governments already possess all these rights.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Under the reform, the local government unit (LGU) is now the main contractual partner in the management of packaging waste, organizing the procurement and issuing invoices to citizens. However, in the current system, the LGU does not interfere with the contracts between citizens and service providers, and the emptying of packaging containers is carried out by Producer Responsibility Organizations or their contractual partners.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar addresses Riina Solman and notes that there is talking in the chamber, and consequently, he cannot hear Riina's question.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman criticized the waste recycling reform as a solution that increases state costs and fails to set goals for local governments, arguing that it does not genuinely direct the system toward circularity. She also suggested that incineration could be considered for generating heat and electricity.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
As part of the waste reform, local governments (municipalities) will be assigned specific targets regarding the proportion of separately collected waste versus mixed municipal waste, in order to fully promote source separation, and this requirement is also stipulated in the law.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman asked Hanah Lahe to continue, apologized to the Minister, and told her to proceed.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Target figures have been established at the European Union level, and Estonia can simply adopt this experience.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offers his sincere thanks and then turns to Hanah Lahe to ask her for something.
Hanah Lahe
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Hanah Lahe asks about the digitalization of the waste sector—a topic addressed in a separate chapter of the draft bill—specifically focusing on what problems it will help solve and what the solutions are.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
According to Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis, digitalization will make it possible to replace the manual tracking of waste currently done using consignment notes, providing an accurate overview of how much and what types of segregated waste are generated, where they originate from and where they are directed, and how much of it can be recycled. Furthermore, after the initial process, this will become standard operating procedure.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Kalle Grünthal to speak.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal raises the question of what levers are available for municipalities to grant tax exemptions, ensuring people don't have to pay for services they don't actually use or consume.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis said that local governments have the right to exempt sparsely populated areas and individuals who generate very little waste, and the fear that the exemption will be exploited for the purpose of the service and subsequently denied is illogical, because the matter only concerns five euros.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Priit Sibul to speak.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul criticizes the fact that although the goal is greater reuse and recycling, no concrete targets are set in this context. Instead, the responsibility for sorting waste is placed entirely on local governments (LGUs). He then asks whether the reform will reduce local incineration and whether it will lead to more imported waste, higher fees, or exceptions.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul criticizes the failure to set recycling targets, noting that the focus is solely on the obligation for local municipalities to implement separate collection. He also expresses concern that reducing the incineration of local waste could lead to an increase in waste imports to Estonia, and in this context, he inquires about additional fees or potential exceptions.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Goals for separate collection have been established at both the national and European Union levels. However, currently, very little is actually collected separately, and the volume of mixed municipal waste is too high because the majority of people do not sort their waste.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis emphasized that while the targets for source separation are established at both the national and European Union levels, the core issue is that the majority of the population fails to sort waste properly. This results in excessive amounts of mixed municipal waste, meaning the next step must be taken to ensure these targets are met.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Kalle Grünthal to speak.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal disputed the minister's assumptions concerning the willingness of local governments (LG) to cooperate, stressing the LGs' right to autonomy. He also pointed out that tens of thousands of families live in sparsely populated areas, and consequently requested information on what legal mechanisms are planned to protect those families who do not receive an exemption from the local government.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Grünthal argues that the assertion that local governments will not quibble over five euros does not hold true, noting that in sparsely populated regions there are tens of thousands of families for whom these amounts are significant. He then asks whether the proposed legislation includes measures to protect families who seek an exemption but are denied it by the local government.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis stressed that the right to decide and act on matters of waste and rural settlements remains with the local municipalities and depends on agreements made with residents; in rural areas, waste generators can cooperate with their neighbors instead of individually keeping four containers at home; and the in-depth resolution of issues concerning a single farm is not something for Tallinn to dictate within the framework of this reform.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi asked Ants Frosch to come to the stage.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch noted that the administrative capacity of Estonian local governments is highly variable, and given the current resources, there is no comprehensive impact analysis regarding the additional burden that comes with providing an overview of waste generation and handling.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch draws attention to the uneven administrative capacity of local governments, emphasizing that they lack the resources to conduct a comprehensive waste management overview. He also sharply criticizes the fact that there is no impact analysis detailing the actual additional burden the new regulation places on these municipalities.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
To implement this reform, local governments will receive temporary support and will be entitled to charge an administrative fee. This fee is included in the total price and also covers the work local governments perform related to the separate collection of waste.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi calls Evelin Poolamets.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets asks the minister what the plans and arrangements are for the recycling of solar panels and the reuse of wind turbine blades, taking into account the intensified planning.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis said that both solar panels and wind turbines can be taken for reuse, and approximately 95% of the materials in solar panels are reusable materials. Although this specific reuse is not practiced in Estonia—and they are instead processed for general recycling—the current focus is mainly on municipal waste.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis explained that although the current discussion primarily focuses on household waste, it is important to know that both wind turbines and solar panels are largely recyclable. For example, 95% of solar panels are already manufactured from recycled materials, and wind turbines can also be recycled as structures.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Urmas Reinsalu to speak.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu asked Leis how he assumed authority over waste management issues, considering that the Minister of Infrastructure is supposed to handle roads, rail traffic, and general infrastructure. He also requested clarification regarding the new and existing charges under the law coming into effect in 2026, specifically detailing their individual and total costs, and who will ultimately bear this burden.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis said that his responsibilities include waste management and the circular economy, and that in the future, the current single fee will be broken down to identify its components, while taxes and fees will not increase.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Ants Fros to speak.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch asks if we have reached the point where local municipalities must appoint garbage commissioners—or waste commissioners, rather—and he emphasizes that without the corresponding resources, this might not succeed.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis stated that the role of local authorities will increase. Local governments (LOAs) will be responsible for organizing waste procurement and finding haulers and processors, as residents currently don't know whom to turn to. Additionally, incineration and landfill disposal fees will be raised to incentivize the separate collection of waste.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invited Urmas Reinsalu to the stage.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu addressed the minister with a request to present precise comparative data on how waste incineration and landfill fees, the maximum waste transport costs charged by local authorities, and the additional costs related to packaging waste management for producers will change upon the new law taking effect, comparing these figures with current rates.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu asked clarifying questions regarding waste charges: specifically, what are the incineration and landfill fees for this year and next year; what is the charge established for local governments to cover the costs of organized waste transport this year and next year; and how much additional cost producers must bear for handling packaging waste separated from mixed municipal waste, both currently and after the law enters into force.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis announced that the current landfill fee of 30 euros per ton will increase to 90 euros per ton during the reform. The fee for mixed municipal waste will also rise. Furthermore, while there is currently no incineration fee, it will be set at 60 euros per ton in the future. He noted that these prices are reasonable compared to neighboring countries, ensuring that waste remains in Estonia and that source separation is properly incentivized.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is a brief appeal: to invite Mart Helme to speak.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme deems the new waste management bill “eco-fascist,” arguing that it fails to account for the specific characteristics of different living environments. He criticizes the bill for imposing uniform rules on both large apartment blocks in Lasnamäe and on an elderly woman living near the forest who utilizes virtually all of her waste. He adds ironically that the planet managed to survive the previous, much simpler era of waste handling as well.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme calls the draft bill's idea of waste sorting "eco-fascist," noting that although he sorts his own waste, the proposal fails to take specific circumstances into account. He argues that the examples of an apartment building in Lasnamäe and a village on the edge of the forest prove that one solution does not fit all.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi expressed thanks.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He orders it to be taken back and distinguished.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He thanks his good colleague and announces that time is up.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme's speech addressed the needs and responsibilities of various population groups.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Unfortunately, the provided text does not contain enough material for a one-sentence summary.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
The law stipulates different rules for the densely and sparsely populated areas of Lasnamäe, and the additional handling fee for packaging waste is 50 cents per emptying of the packaging container, charged to the resident or the apartment association.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis emphasized that waste management regulations are already differentiated in the law based on population density (e.g., Lasnamäe versus sparsely populated areas). He rejected outdated methods, such as burying waste in the ground, and clarified that the supplementary handling fee for packaging waste is 50 cents per container emptying, which is designated for the citizen or the apartment association.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is an invitation for Vladimir Arkhipov to perform.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov notes that over the past year, Estonian news has contained almost nothing but bad news—taxes and excise duties are rising, and people are experiencing panic. Although today’s draft bill promises further changes, he sees in it increasing tax obligations and growing corporate liabilities, which suggests prices will rise.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis stated that separate collection generally does not increase costs, and bills will not rise for those who sort their waste, but for those who do not sort their waste, the bill could be two to three times higher. Therefore, it makes sense to sort waste, and by increasing competition, specifically by growing the number of haulers and processors, efforts are being made to drive prices down, because, according to him, the claim that prices are rising is incorrect.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi asks Helir-Valdor Seeder to speak.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder asks whether the planned waste sorting would improve the quality of domestic waste and thereby reduce the amount of foreign waste brought to Estonia by ships, and asks whose jurisdiction determining this quantity falls under – the Environmental Board or the Minister of Infrastructure.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder indirectly raised a question related to the draft bill concerning waste imported into Estonia. He sought to know whether the government's planned improvement in domestic sorting quality would reduce the volume of waste shipped in from Europe, and requested clarification on whose jurisdiction (the Environmental Board or the Minister of Infrastructure) the authority to determine the imported quantity lies.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
We aim to sort and collect materials and provide this raw material to Estonian companies, thereby reducing the volume of imported waste. Furthermore, the authority for this matter remains with the Environmental Board.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Vladimir Arhipov.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov pointed out that prices will rise for those who do not sort their waste, and he asked who is responsible for the sorting—is it the local municipality, or do apartment associations have to hire a guard, and how will this be regulated?
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis stated that the separate collection of waste will function better over time, and if any apartment association places waste in the wrong container or violates the rules, this must be resolved through the association's board. He added that this concerns not only waste but the adherence to all rules set by the association.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
No further questions. The Deputy Speaker now invites Hanah Laht to the Riigikogu rostrum, on behalf of the leading committee, to present the discussion that took place there and the decisions that were reached.
Hanah Lahe
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The committee discussed the substance of the waste reform and the associated amendments on June 10th, answered various questions, and decided by consensus to place the draft legislation on the plenary session's agenda and appoint Hanah Lahe as the representative of the lead committee.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi offered his thanks, announced that there were no questions, opened the debate, and designated Lauri Laats as the representative of the Estonian Centre Party faction, requesting a total of eight minutes of time.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats stated that the proposed waste law would increase consumer prices and would be constitutionally infringing, given that the amount of waste has decreased due to the economic downturn, and the Centre Party faction is rejecting its passage.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats sharply criticizes the new waste law, refuting claims that it will not raise prices and emphasizing that the reduction in waste is due to people's decreased purchasing power and the decline in retail sales, not the legislation itself. He warns that the steep increase in landfill and incineration fees will inevitably be passed on to consumer prices, affecting everyone. Furthermore, he faults the law for infringing upon the constitution, lacking legal and financial analysis, and resembling failed green transition schemes, which is why the Centre Party faction proposes rejecting the bill.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Arvo Aller, representing the EKRE faction, requests an extension, and the length of his speech will be eight minutes.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller sharply criticizes the amendments to the Waste Act, which he believes will significantly increase bureaucracy and costs for people by requiring the use of multiple containers and carriers. He particularly condemns the right granted to local governments to impose a waste management fee of up to 50%, viewing it as a hidden tax hike that will impoverish people. The speaker sees the draft legislation as shifting state responsibilities onto local municipalities and establishing a planned economy system where failure to meet targets results in the threat of fines. Consequently, the EKRE faction supports the motion to reject the bill, as it diminishes the livelihood of the Estonian people.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller criticized the amendments to the Waste Management Act, characterizing them as the transfer of state obligations onto local municipalities. He argued that the changes mandate source separation, impose an obligation on local governments to cover up to 50% of waste management costs and incur additional expenses, ultimately leading to higher bills, increased bureaucracy, and the risk of fines.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi points out that the merger took place verbally and that there is no written application, adding that Aivar Kokk is submitting the request on behalf of the Isamaa faction.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk sharply criticizes the government's waste reform, calling it a continuing "tax festival." He questions the minister's claims that the reform involves no costs and calculates that it will increase the taxpayer's burden by approximately 75 million euros annually through rising waste incineration and landfill fees. Furthermore, he predicts that the reform will result in duplicated activities, numerous state-paid jobs, and transport costs that are up to four times higher, all without clearly guaranteeing an increase in recycling.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk is criticizing the waste reform, calling it a "tax festival," because although the government promises that costs will not increase, the reality involves confusing figures ranging from 35 million up to 100–111 million euros, plus EU support, resulting in an estimated annual taxpayer burden of about 75 million euros. Furthermore, state employees are duplicating roles, transportation costs are increasing, and the reform focuses on funding local municipalities and separate collection rather than actual recycling, which ultimately raises the tax burden for the end consumer.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi simply answered yes.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk criticizes the draft bill, arguing that it would increase the costs of waste transport and packaging waste management, resulting in approximately 50–55 million euros in additional annual expenses for taxpayers. He calls for the bill to be rejected during the first reading, emphasizing that competition is already present and that the prices charged by intermediaries should not lead to a price hike.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk sharply criticizes the proposed draft waste reform bill, which he believes establishes a tax bonanza by allowing local governments to add up to 50% to waste transport costs and shifting the handling costs of packaging waste onto producers. Overall, this means an additional annual burden of 50–55 million euros for taxpayers. Consequently, he proposes rejecting the bill at the first reading, calling the notion that waste transport will become cheaper through brokerage foolish.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi says that it is not needed.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
He says that they don't know, and they are proceeding cautiously just in case.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi is returning something, stating that something might be hidden there, and is asking Ando Kiviberg to respond on behalf of the Eesti 200 faction.
Ando Kiviberg
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
This address emphasizes that the waste management monopoly held by local municipalities must be terminated to create competition and the opportunity to compare bids, which will result in lower prices and improved service.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks his colleagues to be a little quieter.
Ando Kiviberg
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ando Kiviberg defended the bill, emphasizing that it grants local municipalities greater flexibility in choosing service providers. He stressed that it is critically important for ending the current monopoly, where two major waste management companies control the producer responsibility organizations, thereby ensuring the operation and efficiency of market economy principles.
Ando Kiviberg
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ando Kiviberg said that the draft bill gives local governments freer hands in selecting providers and ensures a fairer price through competition. It allows the market to function, while simultaneously guaranteeing that producer responsibility organizations are genuinely controlled by producers and that monopolies are avoided.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanked them for the presentation, apologized for the disruption in the hall, and said that a short debate is allowed, with the presiding officer intervening if necessary. However, this time the debate was longer than usual, and Yoko Alender requested the floor on behalf of the Reform Party faction.
Yoko Alender
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Yoko Alender stressed that roughly 70% of Estonia's waste originates from the oil shale industry, and household waste recycling rates are below the European average. She emphasized that sorting needs to be economically incentivized so that waste can truly become a resource. Furthermore, the sector requires digital accountability, and businesses must have confidence that their investments in circularity will yield returns.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech lasted three minutes.
Yoko Alender
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Yoko Alender stresses the necessity of a waste sorting reform, which will establish a clear system and accountability, increase the proportion of separately collected waste, and turn the collected waste into a resource, thereby supporting a cleaner economy and better utilization of data for decision-making.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi concluded the negotiations, announcing that the Steering Committee would finalize the first reading of Draft Bill 657. He treated the two proposals received—one from the Centre Party faction and one from the Isamaa parliamentary group—as a factional proposal to reject the first reading, while taking into account Helir-Valdor Seeder’s remark, offered as a rejoinder.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi, while chairing the Riigikogu session, closed the debate on the first reading of Draft Law 657, refused to grant Vladimir Arhipov the right to a response speech, and informed the deputies of the received proposals, one of which (from the Isamaa parliamentary group) was treated as a faction proposal to reject the draft law during the first reading.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder thanks the presiding officer and notes that the rules of procedure do not require written slips; simply speaking from the podium is sufficient. However, the tradition is to follow this bureaucratic route. He then explains why he uses the Estonian term "saadikurühm" (parliamentary group), suggesting it should perhaps be codified in the Rules of Procedure Act itself.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Even though I fully grasp the idea, the speaker emphasizes that the "yellow book" is speaking a different language and must be changed so that the meaning of the words is precise and the documentation ensures clarity regarding the objective being sought. And while this might seem like bureaucracy, it is necessary to understand exactly what is being requested from the governing body.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats said that he did not agree with the interpretation, and mentioned that in his speech he had named good colleagues from the Isamaa, Reform Party, and Center Party factions. Furthermore, a member of the Center Party faction wanted to take the floor, reminding everyone that the bill would create an additional burden of 80 million euros for consumers.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced that procedural questions would no longer be accepted, and while the leading committee proposed concluding the first reading of Draft Bill 657, the motion put forward by the Estonian Centre Party faction and the Isamaa faction to reject the bill at the first reading will now be put to a vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The first reading of Draft Bill 657 concluded: 16 in favor, 49 against, 0 abstentions; the proposal failed to gain support; the deadline for submitting amendments is July 2nd at 4:00 PM.