In Latvia, 27% of residents dispose of used batteries once a year, the agency LETA was informed by Eco Baltia vide LLC, citing a conducted survey.
Survey data shows that 10% of residents dispose of used batteries less than once a year, 9% admit that they do not dispose of them at all, and 8% of respondents throw batteries directly into household waste.
The results also show that 54% of residents store used batteries in a separate box or container, while 20% keep them in a separate bag.
"Latvijas zaļais punkts" notes that a significant portion of batteries do not reach safe recycling in a timely manner, accumulating at home—in drawers, on shelves, in boxes, and other everyday places. Considering that 29% of respondents indicated that their households use between 11 and 20 batteries per year, and 24% said 21 or more, this habit poses a substantial risk to the environment and residents.
Batteries are classified as hazardous waste and may contain substances harmful to the environment and human health, such as zinc, cadmium, mercury, lead, lithium, nickel, and other chemical elements. Over time, batteries degrade, and the substances contained within them can leach into the soil and groundwater, causing long-term pollution and affecting ecosystems.
The company notes that batteries often begin to decompose right in the home, so their accumulation in residences is not a harmless habit.
Kaspars Zakulis, a board member of "Latvijas zaļais punkts," emphasized that society understands the necessity of separating batteries from household waste; however, this is not enough—it's important to deliver them to collection points in a timely manner.
At the same time, the company reminds that the European Parliament and Council regulation on batteries and waste batteries provides for an increase in the target collection rate for portable batteries from 45% to 63% by the end of 2027 and to 73% by the end of 2030.
"Latvijas zaļais punkts" reminds that used batteries can be disposed of at special collection points in retail locations where new batteries are sold, as well as at waste sorting sites across Latvia.
A survey conducted in March 2026 by the research center "Norstat Latvija" interviewed 1,003 residents of Latvia aged 18 to 74.
As reported, in 2024, the turnover of "Latvijas zaļais punkts" amounted to 18.61 million euros, which is 46.9% more than in 2023, and profit increased by 92.4% to 5.5 million euros.
The company was registered in 2000, with a share capital of 1.084 million euros. The sole owner of "Latvijas zaļais punkts" is Eco Baltia vide LLC.
