Latvia introduces deposit system for beverage bottles and cans
Latvia has introduced a deposit system for beverage bottles and cans after decades of debate. The Baltic EU country put a return system into operation on Tuesday. From now on, a deposit of 10 euro cents will be charged for bottles or cans in stores, which will be refunded in cash or as a voucher after the packaging is returned to one of the approximately 1,400 collection points nationwide.
Environment and Regional Minister Arturs Toms Pless spoke at a ceremony in Riga of a turning point in environmental protection in Latvia. This is a big step towards more sustainable, greener and more responsible consumption, he said.
In Latvia, the implementation of a deposit system was discussed for a good 20 years and was largely driven by environmental organizations. Opposition to it long came from beverage producers and retailers, who feared high costs and rising prices. Waste management companies were also skeptical, while the government and the responsible agencies repeatedly changed their positions./awe/DP/eas (dpa)
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