In January, residents in Kemi, Finland, noticed dozens of rats in the city center, prompting concerns about sanitation and waste management. Eeva Heikkinen, a property manager, indicated that complaints had arisen from various housing associations regarding the presence of rats in yards and waste areas. The underlying issue appeared to stem from problems with waste collection that persisted during and after the holiday season, creating a perfect environment for the rodents to thrive.

Heikkinen explained that waste had not been collected for an extended period, leading to an abundance of food sources in the trash outside. The waste management company, Lassila & Tikanoja, acknowledged difficulties with rescheduled collection days due to challenges such as equipment failures, extremely cold temperatures, and a sudden increase in illness among staff. These disruptions contributed to significant delays in the waste collection process, exacerbating the rat problem in the area.

Fortunately, by the previous week, the collection schedule for mixed and organic waste had been returned to normal. However, serious concerns linger regarding the management of waste services in Kemi. The local waste management authority, Perämeren Jätehuolto, has imposed penalties on Lassila & Tikanoja for the failures, emphasizing the importance of efficient waste management to prevent rodent infestations and ensure the health and safety of the community.