Taras Stefanyshyn: Implementing European waste management practices, illustrated by the example of Latvia.
Ensuring environmental safety in the city of Lviv is impossible without a continuous exchange of waste management experiences with other European countries. Recently, as the director of LKP "TF Lvivspetskomuntrans," I had the opportunity to establish a partnership during a fact-finding visit to Latvia. During this visit, I studied the Latvian waste management experience and participated in several important partnership meetings.
The business mission to Latvia was organized by the Development Cooperation Partnership project, aimed at supporting Ukraine's integration into the single European market with the Baltic countries (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia), with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Latvian facilities and locations for waste innovation
Getliņi EKO – is a large enterprise located in Latvia specializing in eco-friendly solutions for waste recycling and energy production. It also manages one of the most modern landfills in the Baltic countries and is actively working on creating a sustainable environment.
Eco Baltia – the largest environmental management group in the Baltic countries, specializing in waste management, recycling, and sustainable development. The group offers a full cycle of services: collection, sorting, logistics, and waste recycling, including plastic materials such as PET bottles.
Depozīta punkts – a company that deals with deposit containers and installs reverse vending machines (shown in the main photo). It has a point where used packaging, such as plastic or glass bottles, cans, etc., is accepted with the implementation of a deposit recycling system. In the Baltic countries, particularly in Latvia, such a system operates to encourage environmental responsibility and reduce waste.
How does it work?
- When purchasing a drink in a bottle or can, the consumer pays an additional deposit fee (usually a few cents).
- After use, the packaging can be returned to a "Depozīta punkts."
- Upon returning the packaging, the consumer receives the deposit fee back.
This system promotes waste sorting, material recycling, and resource conservation, helping to create a circular economy. In Latvia, in particular, this system was introduced to increase recycling rates and reduce environmental pollution.
Interesting experiences in waste management innovation also come from companies such as SIA "Geo Consultants," "Piejūra," Liepajas Ras, Ltd. Galangal, SIA CleanR, SIA "RSGA," MOSK, and SIA "Nika Mi." The area of waste processing companies – "ZAAO SIA," AEC "Daibe," and "Balticfloc" is impressive. Additionally, I spoke with the chairperson of the Valmiera region council, Maris Baiks, and the general director of SIA "Valmieras namsaimnieks," Andris Kabraks. I also learned about the activities of the company "Balticfloc," which has extensive experience in the field of paper recycling with a wide range of recycled products.
At the end of the visit, a training seminar was held at the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with a meeting with the business club "Hataluno" and the Ukrainian ambassador in Latvia, Anatoliy Kutsevol.
Main aspects of implementing Latvia's experience
Waste management is an important component of the European Union's (EU) environmental policy. Latvia, as an EU member, has made significant strides in reforming its waste management system, guided by EU directives and recommendations. The experience gained during the visit to Latvia will now be considered in the work of LKP "TF Lvivspetskomuntrans," as well as for the Lviv community as a whole.
1) Legal framework and strategic planning
Latvia has implemented several EU directives, including the Waste Directive (2008/98/EC) and the Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC). National strategies and programs have been developed, including an Action Plan for Waste Management that outlines goals for waste reduction and recycling. The focus is on the "polluter pays" principle and the waste management hierarchy: prevention, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, and only as a last resort – disposal.
2) Waste separation collection system
Latvia is actively developing infrastructure for waste separation collection. Special points for sorting paper, plastic, glass, and organic waste have been established in cities. An important part of this system is the introduction of a deposit collection system for plastic and glass bottles, which encourages the population to return packaging for recycling.
3) Infrastructure modernization
The government of Latvia, with the support of EU funds, has invested in the construction of modern landfills that meet environmental standards and waste processing plants. Composting systems for organic waste are also being developed, and biogas plants are being utilized.
4) Information campaigns and educational programs
To engage the population in sorting and reducing waste volumes, mass information campaigns are conducted. For instance, information about the importance of ecological behavior is disseminated through schools and community organizations, which we are also promoting among the youngest residents of Lviv within our project at LKP "Lvivspetskomuntrans."
5) Funding
Latvia receives significant financial support from the EU through regional development funds, particularly for the implementation of innovative waste management projects. Additionally, a system of environmental taxes has been introduced to cover recycling costs.
Among the achieved results in the Latvian experience:
- a reduction in waste volumes, thanks to an increase in the share of recycling and recovery;
- the effective operation of the waste separation system has raised ecological awareness among the population;
- the development of a circular economy: a significant portion of secondary raw materials is used in production.
The experience of Latvia demonstrates that a systematic approach and partnership with the EU can provide not only environmental but also economic benefits for the country. Therefore, I am convinced that by following this path, we will be able to improve the environmental safety of our city.
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