News

On September 19, 2024, in Stopiņi Parish, at the Environmental Education Center of the "Getliņi" waste management landfill, a seminar dedicated to the implementation of circular economy principles and the challenges of waste management in municipalities was initiated. The aim of the seminars is to foster discussions, share experiences, and find solutions to the current challenges in this field. Representatives from the government, municipalities, and waste management specialists participated in the first seminar.

During the seminar, participants used the LOTUS Blossom Technique, a design thinking method that promotes active group work and collaboration, sharing experiences and seeking solutions to specific challenges. Attendees had the opportunity to establish new contacts and explore future collaboration possibilities.

This is the first of six seminars that will take place in various regions of Latvia. Each seminar will focus on different challenges related to the transition to a circular economy and waste management. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit various waste management facilities, including the "Getliņi", "Daibe", "Ķīvītes", and "Dziļā vāda" landfills, as well as other sites such as the SIA “Liepājas RAS” thrift store and museum, the SIA "Hyrogas" synthetic gas production plant, and zero-waste community initiatives in Cēsis.

Several key topics were discussed at the first seminar, including how to promote the return of materials into circulation and improve access to repair services in municipalities. Participants acknowledged the importance of increasing public awareness of the circular economy by educating both residents and municipal employees and deputies. The need to create opportunities for item exchanges, such as establishing circular economy hubs closer to residents—in neighborhood centers, schools, and kindergartens—was also highlighted.

At the conclusion of the seminar, participants visited the "Getliņi" household waste landfill, where they learned about waste sorting technologies and practical examples of the circular economy, such as the use of biogas in vegetable cultivation. The tour emphasized the importance of practical examples to foster understanding and generate new ideas for implementing the circular economy.

This seminar series marks a significant step towards more sustainable waste management and the development of a circular economy in Latvia.