News

At the end of November, the quarterly meeting of the management group and partners of the LIFE Waste to Resources IP took place, during which the progress and challenges of the project implementation were discussed, and the results of specific activities were presented.

The Ministry of Climate and Energy opened the meeting, emphasizing that 2024 has been particularly active with the implementation of several important activities. One of the most significant was the implementation of the Asbestos Support Program, which provided an opportunity for low-income and disadvantaged individuals, as well as Latvian Honorary Families, to dispose of asbestos-containing slate free of charge. In the autumn, the Circular Economy Roadmap was completed and presented at six regional seminars. A GHG emissions calculation tool has been developed, enabling regional waste management centers and waste management companies to calculate GHG emissions from waste management activities and plan measures aimed at reducing GHG emissions.

During the continuation of the meeting, partners shared experiences from successful projects and innovations that have significantly enhanced public engagement and promoted circular economy principles. The association Green Liberty presented the latest steps in reducing food waste and the recently updated Green Guide. Meanwhile, Ltd. Green Belt installed visually provocative environmental objects - cigarette butts - in Vecāķi beach, Riga, and similar installations will soon be placed on Liepaja city beach to draw attention to proper cigarette disposal. Additionally, the Cesis municipality is currently developing a local-level Circular Economy Roadmap while simultaneously implementing various pilot measures to introduce circular principles in municipal operations.

It has been a year since the launch of the platform lietovelreiz.lv. While developing the platform and engaging with repair specialists, the association Zero Waste Latvia has concluded that there will be challenges in securing qualified and well-paid craftsmen in the future. Currently, there is a shortage of craftsmen in Latvia due to the lack of training and insufficient pay. The electronics repair workshop Lab! is also approaching its first anniversary, having attempted to repair over 1,500 devices since its opening, with a success rate of 60%. Much of the repaired equipment has been donated to the Ligatne Rehabilitation Center, SOS Children's Villages, and the charity Tavi Draugi. On January 16, 2025, the new Lab! store will open at 240 Latgales Street, offering not only repaired electronics but also other repurposed items.

Meanwhile, Ltd. Nordic Plast has accredited a polymer testing laboratory, offering free testing of 100 plastic packaging samples as part of the project. In the new year, the laboratory will also provide guided tours for interested parties.

The association Baltic Coasts has developed a study on the potential of the "Pay as You Throw" system at the household level in Latvia, including a techno-economic analysis and social acceptance evaluation. In turn, the State Environmental Service (SES) will continue improving the online tool skiroviegli.lv this year and next. SES has also implemented two new e-services this year - modifications to the deposit packaging management system plan and submission of deposit packaging management reports.

The construction sector also boasts achievements. For a year now, Ltd. Clean R has operated the construction waste sorting and exchange point Nomales, where approximately 8 tons of construction materials and interior items have been exchanged. In return for construction debris, 21 tons of gravel material have been distributed to residents.

After the first part of the meeting, focused on current developments and upcoming plans, the second part featured several presentations on specific initiatives. The project management group concluded with confidence that the stakeholders are working towards a common goal of significantly improving waste management and fostering a transition to a circular economy. Public understanding and involvement are steadily increasing, driven by both practical pilot projects and educational campaigns.