Italian waste in Finland is triggering public backlash in the coastal town of Loviisa, where residents living near Valkom port (Valkon satama) reported an “unbearable” odour this summer as imported rubbish moved through the harbour.
Finland’s waste imports have tripled since 2022, with Italy now the leading source, intensifying scrutiny of checks and health safeguards.
Residents near Valkom describe a stench that kept children indoors
Local families say last summer’s smell from the port made outdoor life difficult. One resident told local media the odour was “absolutely unbearable,” a complaint echoed by neighbours who avoided using their yards for weeks.
The controversy has put Loviisa at the centre of a national debate over imported waste and local quality of life.
Italian waste imports and the waste‑to‑energy equation
Finland burns part of the imported material in waste‑to‑energy plants that supply district heating and electricity. Operators have turned to foreign refuse‑derived fuel (RDF) when domestic volumes fall, a pattern seen recently in southern Finland.
Supporters argue that using non‑recyclable waste for energy reduces landfilling, while critics warn that reliance on Italian waste risks masking problems in both exporting and importing systems.
Inspections under scrutiny
Environmental oversight has become a flashpoint. The Finnish Environment Institute (Suomen ympäristökeskus, SYKE) and the regional Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY‑keskus; NTM‑central) conducted inspections of damaged bales at Valkom.
Officials acknowledged that recent port checks amounted primarily to visual assessments, with no extensive testing of contents. The gap between volume growth and limited sampling has raised questions about contamination and compliance.
A court ruling in spring 2025 warned of elevated legionella levels in the Loviisa port area, adding a public‑health layer to the dispute. While the source of bacteria was not directly linked to waste cargoes, the finding amplified local concerns about odours, aerosols and port hygiene during heavy‑handling periods.
Where the trash comes from: Sicily, Campania and oversight risks
Media reports indicate that two‑thirds of Italy‑origin shipments trace back to Sicily and Campania, regions long flagged for organised‑crime interference in waste markets.
Finnish authorities say that consignments must match permits and be traceable, yet residents question whether inspections are rigorous enough to detect mislabelled or unsuitable loads.
EU rulebook tightens: new Waste Shipment Regulation on the way
The EU Waste Shipment Regulation was updated in 2024 to strengthen enforcement and digital traceability within the single market and to curb illegal transfers. Most provisions will apply from 2026–2027, aiming to improve data sharing among authorities and accelerate action against non‑compliant cargoes.
For import‑reliant systems like Finland’s district heating, the coming rules could bring clearer responsibilities across the Italy–Finland supply chain.
