Latvia Sees Major Increase in Beverage Carton Recycling

The amount of beverage cartons, including milk, kefir, and juice packaging, collected for recycling in areas managed by "Eco Baltia vide" has seen a significant increase, growing 2.5 times over the past two years. In 2023, the company collected 163 tons of these cartons, a figure that rose to 408 tons by 2025, indicating a substantial rise in public participation in waste sorting.

Despite this growth, Latvia faces the challenge of doubling its recycling volume in the coming years to meet national targets. The current goal for composite beverage packaging recycling is 25%, with a mandate to reach 50% by 2029. "Eco Baltia vide" urges residents to learn the correct disposal methods for such packaging within their respective municipalities.

Beverage cartons are primarily composed of paper fibers, plastic layers, and sometimes aluminum. While the combination of materials complicates recycling, specialized factories can separate these components for use in new products. The cartons collected by "Eco Baltia vide" are transported to the "Stora Enso" factory in Poland for this separation process.

The company emphasizes that while some cartons might be separated from unsorted household waste, this often results in contamination from food residues, reducing the quality of recovered materials and increasing sorting costs. Residents are advised to use designated yellow containers for light packaging, which typically includes plastic, paper, and metal, alongside beverage cartons. However, sorting requirements can vary by waste management provider, and individuals are encouraged to check local guidelines or the "Latvijas Zaļais punkts" digital sorting map for the nearest recycling points.