The transitional period for new deposit products such as syrups and some alcoholic beverages is over, so as of July 1, all eligible products on store shelves must have a Latvian deposit label. The range of products to be deposited could be expanded in the coming years, said Miks Stūrītis, chairman of the company's “Depozīta Iepakojuma operators” (DIO) board.
Stūrītis said that deposit volumes are increasing.
"Last year there were 1.4 million [deposited packages] per day, then two million per day this year, and these volumes are growing. We see that the introduction of the deposit system has improved the sorting culture," Stūrītis said.
Stūrītis said that the range of products whose packaging could be deposited could grow in the coming years.
"It's not the operator's decision, it's governed by the laws that politicians decide on, but I think that this range could expand in the coming years. The Latvian deposit system already includes more drinks than the average in other countries in Europe," said the Chairman of the DIO Board. S
There is an option to donate the refund, and so far, nearly €200,000 has been donated, Stūrītis said. “Over Christmas and winter, [donations] were slightly above 1%, but it has fallen below 1% during the season,” said Stūrītis.
