Tallinn's former Pääsküla landfill could become a park, but the city needs €10 million

The Pääsküla landfill, closed in 2005, could become a public recreational area with fitness trails and an observation tower in the future. Before that, Tallinn must address the renewal of the site's protective cover, estimated to cost around €10 million.

Tallinn's former Pääsküla landfill could develop into a public recreational area with fitness trails and an observation tower in the future. This was confirmed by Tallinn Mayor Peeter Raudsepp (Isamaa) in his response to opposition city council members from the Reform Party, Ünne Pillakul and Sander Andl, who asked about the future of the landfill area.

Plans and precedent

The city is currently preparing a technical specification in cooperation with the Environmental Board and consulting firm Kobras OÜ to analyse different use scenarios for the territory located in Nõmme district. An architectural or ideas competition is also being considered.

The experience of the closed Kudjape landfill in Saaremaa is being examined as a precedent, where various recreational and sports facilities have been created, including a sledding hill and a disc golf park.

Restrictions and obligations

Several factors limit the implementation of plans. The territory contains technical systems related to landfill containment, drainage, leachate collection, gas removal and monitoring points, the damage of which is prohibited. Additionally, the area borders the Pääsküla bog nature conservation area, which imposes additional environmental restrictions.

The current environmental permit stipulates mandatory aftercare until 28 October 2034, with monitoring and some maintenance work potentially continuing beyond that deadline.

Ten million euros

The city's primary task is to renew the upper protective layer of the landfill, which has lost its waterproofing. This is necessary to reduce the amount of rainwater entering the leachate system and lower operating costs.

According to the city's estimate, the work will cost approximately €10 million. The municipality is considering attracting external funding and seeking functional solutions that would allow the territory to be used in the public interest while reducing maintenance costs.

According to the mayor, the development of the future concept will ensure the cooperation with government agencies, and the area's environmental safety remains a priority.