Collection Systems in Latvia 🇱🇻
About
Latvia uses a color-coded container system with Yellow for packaging, Blue for paper, Green for glass, and Brown for bio-waste. Since 1 Jan 2024, separate collection of biodegradable waste became mandatory. A deposit return scheme operates for beverage containers.
Collection Streams
Paper + Plastic + Metal Recycling ("MIX" / Light Packaging) - Yellow
What goes in:
- Plastic packaging: PET drink bottles, shampoo/cleaning bottles/canisters, plastic trays/boxes, plastic film and bags
- Metal packaging: beverage cans, food tins, metal lids/caps
- Paper & cardboard: cardboard boxes, paper packaging, newspapers/magazines/catalogues, office paper; many municipalities also accept books (typically without heavy covers) and beverage cartons (Tetra Pak)
What does NOT go in:
- Dirty/greasy packaging; single-use tableware/cutlery; polystyrene/foam; household items (toys, utensils, tools), stationery; car/technical plastic parts; chemical/paint packaging with residues; paper tissues/kitchen towels/toilet paper
Notes:
- Items should be empty and clean; flatten where possible
- Some municipalities collect paper/plastic/metal together in a 'MIX' bin
Glass Packaging Recycling (Green)
What goes in:
- Glass bottles and jars (packaging), emptied and preferably rinsed
What does NOT go in:
- Window glass / mirrors (non-packaging); drinking glasses, vases, ceramics/porcelain; bulbs/tubes; syringes/ampoules
- Some municipalities also say broken glass packaging should not be put in the glass bin
Notes:
- Remove lids/caps: metal/plastic lids typically go to MIX
- Rules on broken glass can differ locally—check your municipality's guidance on the bin
BIO-waste / Organics (Brown)
What goes in:
- Food/kitchen bio-waste (non-packaging): fruit/veg peelings, food scraps; coffee grounds, tea; plus (often) garden bio-waste like leaves/grass and small branches (operators may set size limits, e.g., up to ~2 cm diameter)
What does NOT go in:
- All packaging (plastic/film, glass, metal, etc.); liquids and oils (milk/kefir, soups, cooking oils); soil/stones/sand, hot ashes; treated/painted wood; non-bio household waste
Notes:
- Mandatory nationwide: separate collection of biodegradable waste became mandatory for all municipalities from 31 Dec 2023 (effectively 1 Jan 2024), but service coverage/implementation can still vary locally
- Bag rules vary by operator: many allow paper or certified compostable bags; plastic bags are not allowed—always follow your local operator's instructions
Residual Waste (General / Mixed Household Waste)
What goes in:
- Non-recyclable household waste; items that are dirty/greasy and would contaminate recycling; hygiene waste (e.g., diapers, pet litter); foils and multi-layer 'crinkly' wrappers (e.g., crisp bags); ceramics/crystal; polystyrene/foam (often ends up here where no separate route exists)
What does NOT go in:
- Hazardous waste, electronics, bulky waste, construction waste, and liquid waste (e.g., soups, wastewater) should not go here
Notes:
- In areas with BIO collection, food scraps should be diverted to BIO where possible; but if you do not have access/contract yet, they often still end in residual in practice
Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)
What goes in:
- Deposit-marked beverage packaging (packaging): PET bottles, metal cans, glass bottles that carry Latvia's deposit identification/mark
What does NOT go in:
- Non-deposit containers (no Latvian deposit mark/barcode in system), heavily damaged items; typically crushed containers (especially where machine reading is required); containers bought in other countries' deposit systems are not accepted in Latvia's system
Notes:
- Deposit system has operated since 1 Feb 2022
- Return items empty, not crushed, with readable label/barcode and Latvian deposit mark
What Gets Collected
Accepted Items
- • Packaging materials (varies by stream)
- • Empty and clean containers
- • Material-specific items
Not Accepted
- • Non-packaging items
- • Contaminated materials
- • Hazardous containers with contents
Regional Variations
Collection systems in Latvia may vary by municipality or region. Local sorting capabilities, collection infrastructure, and acceptance criteria can differ significantly even within the same country.
Important Notes
Since 1 Jan 2024, separate collection of biodegradable waste became mandatory nationwide—check if your municipality has implemented this
The deposit return scheme (DRS) is separate from municipal recycling—return eligible containers for a refund
Some municipalities collect paper/plastic/metal together in a 'MIX' bin—check local guidance
Collection methods vary by municipality—always check local guidance
Sources
Collection system information is based on national and regional guidelines. For the most current and location-specific information, consult local waste management authorities.