On February 1, 2022, the deposit system for beverage packaging started operating in Latvia.
The deposit system allows the return of glass, plastic (PET), and metal (can) beverage packaging:
Plastic (PET material group) bottles and cans with a volume from 0.1 to 3 liters (exclusive):
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Carbonated and non-carbonated non-alcoholic beverages (for example, mineral water, drinking water, lemonades, energy drinks, coffee drinks, iced tea, juices, nectars, non-alcoholic beer), syrups;
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All types of alcoholic beverages.
Glass bottles with a volume from 0.1 to 3 liters (exclusive):
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Carbonated and non-carbonated non-alcoholic beverages (for example, mineral water, drinking water, lemonades, energy drinks, coffee drinks, iced tea, juices, nectars), syrups;
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Beer (including non-alcoholic);
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Cider;
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Alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content from 0.5% to 15% (for example, cocktails or mixed drinks containing fermented beverages or spirits, including flavored wines, flavored wine beverages, flavored wine cocktails), except wine, sparkling wine, and fruit wine.
How does the deposit system work in Latvia?
The deposit fee is set at 10 cents per packaging unit. It can be refunded if the packaging to be returned has a readable special identification mark, barcode, or QR code, and the packaging is emptied.
When returning used beverage deposit packaging, the consumer will receive the deposit fee either as a cashless payment or as a receipt for the corresponding amount. In places where deposit packaging is accepted manually, the deposit fee may be refunded in cash.
Who implements the deposit system in Latvia?
On January 14, 2021, the State Environmental Service and SIA “Depozīta Iepakojuma Operators” signed an agreement to ensure the operation of the deposit system in Latvia.
The agreement stipulates that the deposit system operator will manage the system for seven years – until January 31, 2029.
After the introduction of the deposit system, the State Environmental Service will supervise and control the operator’s activities.