Separate collection of bio-waste has been mandatory in Latvia for over two years, yet the volumes of their recycling remain low. According to industry representatives, one of the main reasons is the lack of a tangible financial benefit for residents.
Despite the mandatory introduction of separate collection of biological waste throughout Latvia, residents are not yet in a hurry to actively use the designated containers. Industry representatives acknowledge that the potential of the system is far from being fully realized, writes Latvijas Avīze.
One of the reasons cited is the cost of the service. Although the disposal of bio-waste is cheaper than that of unsorted household waste, it is still a paid service. According to experts, the price difference is not yet significant enough to serve as a serious incentive for residents to change their habits.
At the same time, the industry notes positive changes. The volume of unsorted waste is gradually decreasing, indicating more active sorting. However, bio-waste still constitutes a relatively small portion of the total waste sent for recycling.
Imants Stiранs, the chairman of the board of Getliņi EKO, believes that more and more people are beginning to perceive sorting as part of a responsible attitude towards the environment. According to him, reusing materials helps conserve natural resources and reduces the burden on landfills, so educational work must continue.
The situation varies significantly between Riga and the regions. In rural areas, many residents compost food and garden waste themselves, resulting in significantly less organic waste being sent for disposal.
In the capital, such practices are still not widespread. Although composting leaves and other bio-waste does not require complex technologies, many Riga residents do not know how to properly organize this process or fear potential inconveniences. Meanwhile, finished compost can be used as free fertilizer for plants.
Infrastructure development continues. As of the end of June, about 78,000 waste containers had been installed in Riga, of which 6,685 are designated for bio-waste.
Starting from March next year, the number of such containers is expected to increase significantly. At the same time, new regulations provide for expanded opportunities for sorting plastic, metal, and glass — corresponding containers are to be placed wherever household waste containers are installed.
Thus, the separate collection system continues to develop, but experts believe that mandatory requirements alone are not enough for more active participation from residents — convenient infrastructure, information, and more tangible incentives are necessary.
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