Agenda Profile: Yoko Alender
Draft law amending the Waste Act and, in consequence, amending other laws (657 SE) – first reading
2025-06-16
XV Riigikogu, V Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position involves strong support for the waste management reform (Bill 657 SE), which is viewed as a necessary step toward achieving a circular economy and improving resource efficiency. This support is policy-driven, highlighting the need to incentivize citizens (through financial returns) and provide certainty for businesses regarding recycling capabilities. The Reform Party welcomes the draft legislation, seeing it as a significant move toward a cleaner economy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speakers demonstrated a detailed awareness of waste management statistics and systemic issues, citing data on municipal waste generation (1 kg per day) and the recycling rate (38% in Estonia versus 48% in the EU). Specific technical aspects were also highlighted, such as the efficiency of sorting lines (with only 10% material recovery) and the necessity of digitalizing reporting, referencing observations made by the National Audit Office. Furthermore, they were knowledgeable about the proportion of waste generated by the oil shale industry (70%).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly analytical, logical, and data-driven, utilizing statistics to debunk myths and justify policy. The tone is constructive and optimistic regarding the reform, while simultaneously emphasizing the necessity of shifting people's mindset from linear to circular. Formal language is employed, focusing on political mechanisms, while also presenting personal experiences related to sorting.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Speakers are actively participating in the first reading of the draft legislation (Bill 657 SE). One speaker specifically referenced the bill's discussion in the committee and expressed a willingness to refine the details there. Data regarding other patterns of activity is unavailable.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at existing systemic shortcomings, such as inadequate recycling capacity, opaque reporting, and environmental disasters (for example, the 11 separate fires at the Uikala landfill). Furthermore, common myths are being debunked, such as the assertion that source separation is pointless because everything gets incinerated regardless. They also push back against claims that the generation of household waste has decreased due to the economic downturn.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker noted that the necessity and relevance of separate collection were voiced in the chamber "from both the left and the right sides of the aisle," thus indicating a certain level of cross-party consensus. A willingness was expressed to cooperate and refine the details of the draft bill in the committee to achieve the best possible outcome.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Specific regional environmental problems are emphasized, citing the Uikala landfill's 11 burning incidents this year, which indicates concern over disruptions in the Ida-Virumaa region. Additionally, the need for clear guidelines is stressed for both densely and sparsely populated areas, acknowledging the necessity of considering regional differences.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic policies are heavily focused on promoting the circular economy, treating waste as a valuable resource that is currently being lost to society. We support market-based solutions and financial incentives (e.g., €15 versus €5 per month) to guide consumers and provide businesses with the confidence needed to invest in recycling capabilities. Furthermore, the reform is viewed as a crucial step towards a cleaner economy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus is on social behavior and motivation, noting that 63% of people already sort waste, but they need to gain confidence in the meaningfulness and return on their actions. It is important to create clear guidelines for the chairpersons of housing associations and to shift people's mindset from a linear to a circular way of life in order to increase the percentage of source separation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the Waste Reform Bill (657 SE), which the speaker strongly supports and aims to improve within the committee. The objectives include digitalizing reporting, establishing clear guidelines for both densely and sparsely populated areas, and advancing recycling capacity to ensure that collected waste is effectively turned back into a resource.
4 Speeches Analyzed