The Estonian Reuse Centre (MTÜ Uuskasutuskeskus) has taken a major step in advancing circular economy in Estonia – the first fully self-service, 24/7 automated reuse lockers in Europe have now been opened in Tallinn and Tartu.
The technical developer of the solution is Autlio, whose software makes donating just as convenient as using a parcel locker.
This means you no longer have to wait for store opening hours or leave donation bags outside in the rain. Now you can bring your previously loved but no longer needed items exactly when it suits you.
How does the smart locker work?
The process is simple and familiar to anyone who has used parcel lockers:
📲 Scan the QR code on the locker
🔐 The door opens
📦 Place items in the cabinet
✨ Done! The items will safely go to processors and find a new life.
Items you can bring to the cabinets:
👚 clothing
📚 books
🏠 small household goods
🍽️ even fragile items (which cannot be placed in regular collection points)
Why is this necessary?
According to Katriin Jüriska, CEO of Uuskasutuskeskus, home decluttering is most often done in the evenings and on weekends – when stores are closed:
“Previously, many bags were left at our door, essentially exposed to the rain. We care deeply about the items donated and want them to reach a new life in good condition.”
The new reuse cabinets solve this problem:
✅ donations are not damaged
✅ people can bring items 24/7
✅ lockers can also be installed in locations without Uuskasutuskeskus branches
✅ the circular economy grows, less waste is generated
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In the year:
📈 Uuskasutuskeskus received 187,000 donations (10% increase)
♻️ 1,412 tons of textiles went into circulation (25% increase)
🌱 95% of donations found a new life
Reuse as a habit is on a clear upward trend – and now a completely new infrastructure has been created for it.
Autlio’s role: How was the new solution created?
When Uuskasutuskeskus approached us with the concern that donations were piling up at the store’s entrance and fragile items were breaking, it was clear that technology was needed that would:
– operate 24/7
– keep donations dry and protected
– be convenient and familiar to all users
– be suitable for urban spaces
Autlio developed a solution based on parcel lockers already familiar in the streetscape – giving them a new life.
Fun fact:
Even the reuse smart locker casings themselves are second-hand food lockers, which have been repurposed for new use.
Advantages of Autlio’s reuse smart lockers
✔️ 24/7 self-service
✔️ QR code opening, simple usage logic
✔️ also suitable for fragile items
✔️ secure logistics solution
✔️ reliable software, used by over 150 companies
✔️ quick installation – smart lockers can also be set up in small communities
Where can you see the reuse cabinets?
The first 5 reuse cabinets will be installed in Tallinn and Tartu at Uuskasutuskeskus branches, including:
📍 Tallinn – Tähesaju Uuskasutuskeskus
Comment from Uuskasutuskeskus
Katriin Jüriska, CEO:
“To our knowledge, these are the first reuse cabinets of their kind in Europe. Estonian people are accustomed to parcel lockers, and we hope they will embrace the reuse lockers just as warmly. Our goal is not to make a profit, but to reduce waste – every donation is an investment in the circular economy.”
Comment from Autlio
Taavi Lindmaa, Autlio representative:
“It is inspiring to see Uuskasutuskeskus taking the circular economy to a completely new level. The automated reuse cabinet gives people complete time freedom and ensures that items safely find a new life. This is an excellent example of how technology can solve a real community problem.”
What are the benefits of the reuse cabinet?
✨ Easy way to bring excess items from home
✨ Donating does not depend on store opening hours
✨ Items are not left outside in the rain
✨ Secure collection of even fragile items
✨ A strong step towards increasing the circular economy
✨ Convenient, familiar, and accessible to all
Autlio makes Estonian services and the circular economy smarter, one automation at a time.
👉 If you would like a similar solution for your company, contact us.
Photo: Uuskasutuskeskus
Sources:
ERR Eeter: Head of Uuskasutuskeskus: The world needs people who choose differently.
Logistikauudised: Europe’s first reuse lockers opened in Estonia.
Goodnews: Uuskasutuskeskus brought Europe’s first 24/7 reuse cabinets to Estonia.