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On Wednesday, March 26, the most modern waste sorting site in Latvia was opened, significantly easing and simplifying the waste sorting process for the residents of the capital — both individuals and businesses.

This is the first waste sorting site in Riga to be so extensively equipped and automated. It is also the most conveniently accessible for city center residents, as it is located at 5b Vietalvas Street. The site was developed by the leading household waste management company “CleanR” as part of the European Union’s LIFE project, according to the company’s Chairman of the Board, Valerijs Stankevičs.

"As sociological survey data shows, almost every fifth resident of Riga mentions the lack of a nearby sorting site as the reason for not sorting waste. Furthermore, there are types of waste, such as electrical appliances or bulky waste, for which responsible disposal is critically important, and such infrastructure is essential for residents. With this new site, we aim to improve the situation by providing Riga residents with a convenient opportunity to be responsible," emphasizes Valerijs Stankevičs.

With the opening of the site, “CleanR” in collaboration with the producer responsibility organization “Zaļā josta” has also made available to residents the environmental education digital platform www.videspratiba.lv, which gathers information and practical explanations about waste sorting options in one place.

"In Riga, only 57% of residents sort waste, which is the second-lowest rate in the country, but this is likely not due to people's irresponsibility, but rather the fragmentation of information. Therefore, on the platform videspratiba.lv, residents will be able to find answers to all the uncertainties they may have regarding both waste sorting and environmental awareness — and all of this in one website," says the Chairman of the Board of “CleanR.”

In the newly opened site, special attention has been given to user convenience – a digital info guide with clear instructions is placed at the entrance, allowing visitors to immediately understand where and how to properly dispose of their waste. Monitors have also been installed to help with orientation, providing information about the types of containers. An automated waste weighing and tracking system has also been introduced in the area, ensuring fast and convenient self-service.

"The opening of the new 'CleanR' sorted waste collection site is an important step in Riga's journey towards sustainable waste management. It demonstrates that business can be combined with environmental care. The automated systems and digital tools will make waste sorting more convenient and efficient. Soon, two more municipal sites will be created in Riga with EU support, strengthening the commitment to build a better future. I urge every resident of Riga to actively sort waste – this way, we will make our city cleaner and more beautiful!" said Viesturs Zeps, Chairman of the Housing and Environment Committee of the Riga City Council, at the opening.

At 5b Vietalvas Street, it will be possible to dispose of around 30 different categories of sorted waste. For example, individuals can dispose of paper and cardboard, glass, wood, plastic, and metal packaging, batteries, solar panels, and undismantled electrical appliances free of charge and in unlimited amounts. In limited quantities, they can dispose of paint and varnish waste, oils, oil filters, organic solvents, fluorescent lamps and bulbs, window glass, and up to four car tires per year.

Meanwhile, legal entities will be able to dispose of fluorescent bulbs, batteries, paint and varnish waste, oils, oil filters, organic solvents, tires, bulky and construction waste by weight, and biodegradable waste by volume, for a fee.

"This site is an example of how technology, user convenience, and circular economy principles can be combined, while also showing that knowledge, sustainability, and innovation go hand in hand," emphasized Valerijs Stankevičs.

A special new feature is the exchange point for reusable items and materials, where residents will be able to give a second life to various useful items. The point will accept undismantled, clean, and working electrical appliances (such as refrigerators, washing machines, small household appliances), design and interior items in good condition (mirrors, lamps, candlesticks, etc.), undamaged dishes, books in good condition, and construction materials (such as tools, paints, unused fasteners, tiles, etc.).

Nearly 400,000 euros have been invested in the creation and modernization of the site, with part of this amount being co-financed by the European Union's LIFE program and the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development.

"Latvia is one of the ten European Union member states that successfully met the EU's household waste recycling target in 2022. However, to achieve this year's target — to recycle at least 55% of the generated household waste — and to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills to 10% by 2035, additional efforts are required. Therefore, it is crucial to develop modern infrastructure and continue educating the public to promote waste sorting in Latvia," said Alise Vecozola, Head of the LIFE Project Implementation Department at the Ministry of Climate and Energy, at the opening.

The working hours of the Vietalvas Street sorted waste collection site are as follows: Mondays from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Fridays until 5:30 PM, Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and the site will be closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.

If you have any questions, please contact "CleanR" customer service by calling 67111001 or emailing kc@cleanr.lv.

Watch the live broadcast from the waste sorting site here

* The sociological survey of residents was conducted on behalf of "CleanR" by the market research data collection company "Norstat" in February 2025, surveying 2,002 people aged 15 to 75 in Latvian municipalities where "CleanR" operates.