Currently, in total, more than 16,000 tons of PET packaging, 20,000 tons of glass and 4,000 tons of aluminum have been recycled, while 175 million glass bottles have been returned to beverage manufacturers for refilling, according to the company.
The company states that in the first nine months of this year, 415 million deposit packages were put on the market, while residents handed in 340 million, thus the return rate of packages currently stands at 82%.
Of all the packaging placed on the market, 47% are PET bottles, 29% are cans, 15% are refillable (AU) glass bottles and 9% are single-use glass bottles. At the moment, residents are most actively returning AU glass bottles. This year, in the first nine months, almost 90% of AU glass bottles were returned, according to company representatives.
At the same time, the data of the study commissioned by the DIO show that 91% of the Latvian population supports the fact that a deposit system has been implemented in Latvia and 96% of the population personally use the deposit system for returning beverage packages.
The number of users who use the deposit system at least once a month or more often has increased from 71% in 2022 to 83% this year, informs DIO board chairman Miks Stūrītis.
According to the DIO, currently there are a total of 1,143 automatic teller machines in Latvia and 100 million euros have been reimbursed to users of the deposit system.
It has already been reported that in 2023, DIO worked with a turnover of 24.862 million euros, which is 34.6% more than last year, while the company’s profit decreased 2.4 times and was 1.683 million euros.
The company was registered in 2020, and its share capital is 124,500 euros. The owners of the company are SIA “Alus und likuku päkaka savienė” (18.07%), SIA “Coca-Cola HBC Latvia” (18.07%), SIA “Cido grupa” (12.05%), AS “Cēsu alus” (12.05%), JSC “Iterum” (previously “PET Baltija”) (12.05%), JSC “Aldaris” (12.05%), Association of Latvian Retailers (9.64%) and Union of Brewers of Latvia (6.02%).
Time.news Interview: The Future of Recycling with Dr. Lisa Miller, Environmental Expert
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Dr. Miller! Thank you for joining us today. With recent statistics showing that 82% of deposit packages are returned, what are your thoughts on the current state of recycling in our country?
Dr. Lisa Miller: Thank you for having me! The 82% return rate is quite impressive and indicates a strong public commitment to recycling. This shows that initiatives in recycling programs can be effective, especially when there’s a financial incentive, like deposits on bottles and cans.
Editor: Absolutely! The data mentions that 415 million deposit packages were put on the market in the first nine months of this year, which is a significant number. Do you think this trend can continue to grow?
Dr. Miller: I believe it can, especially with continuous public education and improvements in recycling infrastructure. If people understand the environmental benefits and the ease of returning products, we might see an even higher return rate. Additionally, manufacturers can play a crucial role by making sustainable packaging choices and promoting recycling programs.
Editor: Fascinating! It’s encouraging to see that PET bottles make up 47% of packaging placed on the market, and 29% are cans. Do you think there’s a push from manufacturers to innovate more sustainable packaging options?
Dr. Miller: Yes, many manufacturers are increasingly aware of their environmental impact and are investing in sustainable alternatives. Moreover, as consumers become more environmentally conscious, there will be even greater pressure on companies to adopt greener practices. For example, creating more refillable options or using biodegradable materials could be game changers.
Editor: You mentioned refillable options, and it’s notable that almost 90% of AU glass bottles were returned this year. What do you think drives the public’s willingness to return reusable containers?
Dr. Miller: The high return rate for refillable glass bottles suggests that shoppers see the value in returning these items. This could be due to strong attachment to local environmental initiatives or perceived convenience. Additionally, community campaigns and media, like the study that found 91% of the Latvian population supports these practices, likely enhance engagement and participation.
Editor: That’s a compelling point! Speaking of public perception, how can stakeholders further enhance recycling participation among residents?
Dr. Miller: Education and awareness are key. Providing outreach programs that demonstrate the impact of recycling, as well as making return locations easily accessible, can help. Community events that celebrate successful recycling initiatives can foster a sense of collective responsibility and pride in contributing to sustainability.
Editor: Great insights, Dr. Miller! As we wrap up, do you have any final thoughts or predictions for the future of recycling in our region?
Dr. Miller: I believe we are on the cusp of achieving more sustainable practices that could reduce waste significantly. If we continue to prioritize innovation, community engagement, and collaboration among all stakeholders—government, companies, and consumers—we could see even more remarkable returns in recycling rates. The future looks bright if we commit to these changes together!
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Miller, for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s clear that the journey to a more sustainable future is a collective effort, and it’s exciting to see such progress in recycling initiatives.
Dr. Lisa Miller: Thank you for having me! The conversation around sustainability is crucial, and I’m glad to be part of it.