Improving access to recycling services in Ranua

Solutions for the future through cooperation

Cooperation to develop recycling centres was launched through a definition phase. Right from the outset, it was decided to broaden the scope to cover the development of the organisation’s operations as a whole, rather than focusing on a single recycling centre. The aim of the definition phase was to establish a shared understanding of the direction of development and the direction in which current operations should be developed.

The refurbishment of the Ranua recycling centre took shape during the specification phase, and it was decided to convert it into a self-service centre, making use of the existing infrastructure. Veloop had previous experience of this kind of refurbishment, and Residuum also placed its trust in this experience, even though adapting the old infrastructure presented an immediate challenge.

– When the old infrastructure was being upgraded, we had to take the whole system into account in a different way than when building something new. From our point of view, however, the project went really smoothly, says Rytilahti.

Converting the old recycling centre into a self-service centre by making use of the existing infrastructure and structures meant, in practice, that new technology was installed on the site.

– For example, cameras, loudspeakers, barriers and a service gate were installed on site, and significant improvements were made, in particular, to the signage in the area. Steel structures for signs were installed at the parking bays, and further signage was added to help customers find their way around the area. Furthermore, there had previously been no area lighting, and this was also implemented as part of the refurbishment, Jarkko Saaranen, Veloop’s construction project manager, explains.

Revitalising the old also meant that Residuum played an active part in the project’s progress.

“In principle, we’re already realising savings simply because we have this comprehensive knowledge in the background, which enables scalability both now and in the future.”

– Veloop gave us the freedom to come up with our own solutions and make our own decisions, and in a way, to move forward in line with them. They understood why we do certain things differently. Even though our perspectives sometimes differed, they always supported us in our decision-making.

Flexibility and the back-and-forth exchange of ideas were, in fact, aspects that were emphasised in the project and which, according to Rytilahti, made collaboration really easy. The project also highlighted internal collaboration within Residuum’s own organisation.

Veloop demonstrated an ability to assess how the various solutions would interact with one another. Furthermore, the integration and system requirements proposed by Veloop were clearly justified. All of this was seen to have a direct impact on the overall cost of the project.

– In principle, we’re already realising savings simply because we have this comprehensive knowledge in the background, which enables scalability both now and in the future.

During the specification phase, many ideas and perspectives emerged regarding the comprehensive development of Residuum’s operations.

– They came up with the idea: what if there were another station in Rovaniemi? We hadn’t even considered the possibility before, Rytilahti explains.

A smoother experience for all local residents

At the time of the interview, Ranua’s refurbished recycling centre was still in the final stages of completion, which is why Residuum had not yet had the opportunity to experience, in concrete terms, the changes brought about by the refurbishment in terms of the customer experience. Rytilahti, however, was hopeful that local residents would appreciate the improved standard of service it would enable.

– We hope that customers will appreciate the simplicity we’ve strived to achieve with the station. Together with Veloop, we’ve put a lot of effort into making the station as straightforward as possible. For us, however, the most important thing is that customers find using the station a pleasant, easy and safe experience.

At Napapiirin Residuum, the initial plan is to assess how well the self-service concept works in Ranua, and if it is deemed successful, changes may well be on the cards elsewhere within other operating area as well.

– In future, we will certainly be able to draw on the Ranua project, particularly in terms of service processes and technical solutions. Whilst some of the infrastructure solutions have been tailored specifically to the Ranua project, there are at least details and fundamental solutions there that can be and apply it to future projects as well, concludes Saaranen of Veloop.