Minister: packaging deposit system will come online in Latvia soon

The packaging deposit system will start working in Latvia tomorrow, said Minister of Environment Protection and Regional Development Artūrs Toms Plešs mentioned in an interview about the system’s readiness.
He admitted having something akin to Christmas morning anticipation when it comes to this event. «I believe I’ not the only one – the whole of Latvia’s society have been waiting for this event for a very long time,» said the minister.
The politician said there have been certain delays with the construction office and coordination. Fortunately, this will not have a negative effect on the packaging deposit system.
Latvia will have approximately 1 400 packaging deposit points. More than half of them will be automatic reverse vending machines. The same option is used by other countries.
From 1 February onward residents of every city in Latvia will be able to return beverage bottles back using the packaging deposit system.
«It is important to remind people that the law provides a transition period: 1 February – 31 July to ensure a smooth process. It is during this time retailers will put up beverage bottles with and without deposit system labels on the shelves. This will help manufacturers adapt their production facilities accordingly. From 1 August onward shelves in stores around Latvia will feature only beverages with deposit system-friendly labels,» stresses the minister.
Plešs explained that the number of deposit collection locations was one of the main points presented
to ensure every Latvian residents has an option to return a beverage bottle after purchasing it.
He did not exclude the possibility of the number of collection places increasing in the future.
The deposit system allows residents to return glass, PET and metal (cans) packages of non-alcoholic beverages, all kinds of beer and other alcoholic (below 6%) beverage packages. Residents will have to pay a deposit fee of EUR 0.1 for every beverage package compatible with the system. This amount will be returned upon depositing said packaging as long as it bears a legible special label and bar code and as long as the package is empty.
The State Environment Service decided to entrust the beverage packaging deposit system to Depozīta iepakojuma operators for the next seven years.