Factsheet for Latvia

1. General facts

Country	Latvia (LV)
Surface area	64,600 Km²
Population (thousands)	2264
Population density	35
Persons per household	2.6
GDP per capita PPS	54.7
GDP per capita
Household characteristics	47% in densely populated areas (at least 500 inhab./km2) 1% in intermediate urbanised areas (100 - 499 inhab./km2) 52% in sparsely populated areas (less than 100 inhab/km2)
Gross value added	14.6% - Industry, including energy 6.8% - Construction 35.7% - Trade, transport and communication services 21% - Business activities and financial services 18.2% - Other services 3.7% - Agriculture, hunting and fishing

2. Legislation overview

Competencies of Governmental Institutions (The Ministry of Environment, State Environmental Inspectorate and its Regional Environmental Boards, Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Agency, State Agency of Supervision on Hazardous Wastes) and Municipalities:

The Ministry of Environment (MoE) or its competent institution:

elaborate State waste management plan, including management of hazardous wastes, as well as regional waste management plans;
co-ordinate implementation of the state waste management plan;
elaborate and develop legislative acts in the field of waste management;
batch information according to waste management;
co-ordinate and organize management of hazardous wastes in compliance with legislative and normative acts , as well as provides management of non-host (abandoned) hazardous wastes;
organize management of hazardous waste treatment and processing, including waste incineration installations and construction of waste polygons of national importance;
co-ordinate construction of polygons for municipal wastes
provides information on waste management for European Commission, international institutions and general public.

MUNICIPALITIES

Organize management of municipal wastes, including management of hazardous wastes, which origin is social and household conditions in its administrative territory, in compliance with state and regional waste management plans;
Adopt decisions regarding placing in own administrative territory of new treatment objects and landfills for municipal waste;
Pass binding regulations, designating municipal waste management in its own territory.

The “umbrela acts” determining also general principles of waste management are:

Law on Pollution (01.07.2001., Amendments 10.25.2007.);
Law on Waste Management (01.03.2001., Amendments 13.03.2008.)
Law on Environment Protection (02.11.2006, Amendments 14.11.2008);
Law on Packaging (09.01.2002., Amendments 21.04.2005.);
Law on Management of End-of- Life Vehicles (05.01.2004., Amendments 22.12.2004.)
Law on Natural Resources Tax (15.12.2005, Amendments 14.11.2008)

The mechanism of action of above-mentioned laws regulating waste management is implemented with a number of specific Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers.

The Cabinet of Ministers approves the State waste management plan as well as regional waste management plans

2.2 National acts

Reference	Main content
Law on Environment protection, 02.11.2006, amended March 14.11.2008.	The purpose of this Law is to promote sustainable development in the field of environmental protection, to create and ensure an effective environmental protection system, ensure information on state of environment to the international, governmental institutions and to the general public.
Law on Pollution 2001 amended April 2006	The purpose and aim of this Law is to avoid or depress harm to the human health, property and environment caused by polluting activities, inter alia to avoid or depress generation of wastes. Requirements for waste management in operators IPPC permits are appointed.
Law on Waste Management 2001 Amended 13.03.2008	• Prescribes general procedures regarding waste management, including separate waste collection, facilitates reuse, recovery of wastes to reduce waste amounts going to disposal. • Determinates waste classification and order of registration and accounting of wastes. • Determinates types of waste collection and sorting points as well as composting fields for biodegradable municipal wastes.
Law on Packaging, amended 21.04.2005.	The objective of this law is to ensure development of production of packaging and to organize rational management system of packaging in country in a way that • ensures implementation of a principles of voluntary agreements in management of used packaging, • promotes reuse of used packaging, • stimulates reduction of material capacity of packaging, • promotes and ensuring regeneration of used packaging.
Law on Management of End-of- Life Vehicles, amended 22.12.2004.	The law refers to: • reduction of waste generated by vehicles and end-of-life vehicles; • promotion of reuse, regeneration, treatment and processing of end-of-life vehicles and its materials, details and substances; • provision of treatment and disposal of end-of-life vehicles in a way safe for human health and environment.
Law on Natural Resources Tax, amended 14.11.2008	The main goal of this law is promotion of an effective and economical use of natural resources; limitation of environmental pollution, reduction of production and realization of goods polluting environment, stimulation of implementation of innovative technologies, abetment of sustainable development of national economy, as well as financial provision of environmental protection measures.

2.2.2 National legislation

Name	Reference	Year
Landfill	Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers No.474 "On Requirements for Sitting of Landfills and for Management, Closure and Recultivation of Landfills and Dumps"”, of 13th June 2006; Amendments 22.04.2008. (published Latvijas Vēstnesis 103 2006.07.04.) Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers No.332 “Regulations on environmental pollution caused by asbestos and production of asbestos articles and management of asbestos wastes”, of 25th April 2006, (published Latvijas Vēstnesis , 28.04.2006, nr. 68)
Incineration	Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 323 “On requirements for incineration of waste and for operation of waste incineration plants”, of 17th July 2001, Amendments 04. 02.2003. (published Latvijas Vēstnesis ,110 2001.07.20.)
Natural resources tax	Law on Natural Resources Tax, of 15th December 2005., Amendments 14.11.2008, (published "Latvijas Vēstnesis", 209 (3367), 29.12.2005.)

2.2.3 Selected legislation

Name	Reference
BMW (Biodegradable municipal waste)	Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers No.474 "On Requirements for Sitting of Landfills and for Management, Closure and Recultivation of Landfills and Dumps”, of 13th June 2006; ((published Latvijas Vēstnesis 103 2006.07.04.) State Waste Management Plan 2006 -2012; http://www.vidm.gov.lv/lat/dokumenti/politikas_planosanas_dokumenti/
Packaging	Law on Packaging, of January 09,2002., amendments 21 April 2005; (published Latvijas Vēstnesis 2002.01.09., nr. 4, Amendments published Latvijas Vēstnesis 11. 05, 2005.,nr.74;) Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 140 “Regulations on classification and labeling of packaging”, of 7 January 2002, amendments 25.10.2005.; (published Latvijas Vēstnesis 2002.04.05., nr. 52) Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 414 “Regulations on application of deposit system to the re-used packaging”, of 22 July 2003, amendments 28 February 2006, (published Latvijas Vēstnesis 2003.08.01., nr. 110).

Name

Reference

BMW (Biodegradable municipal waste)

Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers No.474 "On Requirements for Sitting of Landfills and for Management, Closure and Recultivation of Landfills and Dumps”, of 13th June 2006; ((published Latvijas Vēstnesis 103 2006.07.04.) State Waste Management Plan 2006 -2012; http://www.vidm.gov.lv/lat/dokumenti/politikas_planosanas_dokumenti/

Packaging

Law on Packaging, of January 09,2002., amendments 21 April 2005; (published Latvijas Vēstnesis 2002.01.09., nr. 4, Amendments published Latvijas Vēstnesis 11. 05, 2005.,nr.74;) Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 140 “Regulations on classification and labeling of packaging”, of 7 January 2002, amendments 25.10.2005.; (published Latvijas Vēstnesis 2002.04.05., nr. 52) Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 414 “Regulations on application of deposit system to the re-used packaging”, of 22 July 2003, amendments 28 February 2006, (published Latvijas Vēstnesis 2003.08.01., nr. 110).

2.3 Regional waste acts

Latvia is not a Federal Republic.

3. Waste management plans

no information

3.1 National plan

Period of implementation	Main features
State Waste Management Plan (SWMP) 2006-2012⁷	This plan provides the implementation of requirements in management of wastes set out in following EU directives: Waste Framework Directive (75/442/EEC as amended by 91/156/EEC), Hazardous Waste Directive (91/689/EEC as amended by 94/31/EEC), Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EEC), Landfill Directive (99/31/EC), Directive 96/59/EC (on PCB/PCT disposal), ELV Directive (2000/53/EC), WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC). Battery Directive (2006/66/EC)
National Environmental Policy Plan 2004-2008⁸	This plan states the main goals and principles of environmental protection and gives a complex of concrete measures on how to attain them (including waste management sphere).

Period of implementation

Main features

State Waste Management Plan (SWMP) 2006-2012⁷

This plan provides the implementation of requirements in management of wastes set out in following EU directives:

Waste Framework Directive (75/442/EEC as amended by 91/156/EEC),
Hazardous Waste Directive (91/689/EEC as amended by 94/31/EEC),
Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EEC),
Landfill Directive (99/31/EC),
Directive 96/59/EC (on PCB/PCT disposal),
ELV Directive (2000/53/EC),
WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC).
Battery Directive (2006/66/EC)

National Environmental Policy Plan 2004-2008⁸

This plan states the main goals and principles of environmental protection and gives a complex of concrete measures on how to attain them (including waste management sphere).

The SWMP adopts the targets of the EU Landfill Directive. There is envisaged to realize regional SMW management projects where one of the project components is construction of composting fields (plants) for biodegradable waste.

3.2 Regional plans

Regional waste management plans

Reference

On Liepājas Regional waste management plan 2008 –2013

On Ventspils Regional waste management plan 2008 –2013

On Vidusdaugavas Regional waste management plan 2008 –2013

On Malienas Regional waste management plan 2008 –2013

On Zemgales Regional waste management plan 2008 –2013

On Pierīgas Regional waste management plan 2008 –2013

On Piejūras Regional waste management plan 2008 –2013

On Austrumlatgales Regional waste management plan 2008 –2013

On Dienvidlatgales Regional waste management plan 2008 –2013

Ordinance of the Cabinet of the Ministers Nr.718 (19.11.2008),

http://www.vidm.gov.lv/lat/likumdosana/normativie_akti/?doc=3132

Ordinance of the Cabinet of the Ministers Nr.641 (22.10.2008),

http://www.vidm.gov.lv/lat/likumdosana/normativie_akti/?doc=3132

Ordinance of the Cabinet of the Ministers Nr.494 (19.08.2008),

http://www.vidm.gov.lv/lat/likumdosana/normativie_akti/?doc=3132

Ordinance of the Cabinet of the Ministers Nr.114 (06.03.2008),

http://www.vidm.gov.lv/lat/likumdosana/normativie_akti/?doc=3132

Ordinance of the Cabinet of the Ministers Nr.613 (03.10.2007),

http://www.vidm.gov.lv/lat/likumdosana/normativie_akti/?doc=3132

Ordinance of the Cabinet of the Ministers Nr.589 (19.09.2007),

http://www.vidm.gov.lv/lat/likumdosana/normativie_akti/?doc=3132

Ordinance of the Cabinet of the Ministers Nr.355 (07..06.2007),

http://www.vidm.gov.lv/lat/likumdosana/normativie_akti/?doc=3132

Ordinance of the Cabinet of the Ministers Nr.354 (07..06.2007),

http://www.vidm.gov.lv/lat/likumdosana/normativie_akti/?doc=3132

Ordinance of the Cabinet of the Ministers Nr.353 (07..06.2007),

http://www.vidm.gov.lv/lat/likumdosana/normativie_akti/?doc=3132

Ordinance of the Cabinet of the Ministers Nr.797 (26..09.2006),

http://www.vidm.gov.lv/lat/likumdosana/normativie_akti/?doc=3132

The main objectives of the Regional waste management plans 2008 – 2013 are - prevention of waste generation in spite of economic development, increase of effectiveness in use of Best Available Technologies in exploitation of resources and promotion of sustainable behaviour of consumers

4. Waste prevention for Latvia

4.1. Objectives

Elimination of wastes by increasing economic growth and provision of significant reduction of total waste generation through better waste prevention opportunities, the Best Available Technologies to increase efficiency of resource use and sustainable consumer behaviour in.

Objectives are to ensure:

the waste is not hazardous, or they pose little risk to the environment and health;
most wastes are returned to the economic cycle, particularly through recycling, or is returned to the environment of use (eg, compost) or sound form;
quantity of wastes for disposal is minimized and wastes are destroyed or disposed of in a sound manner for human health and environment;
wastes are treated as close as possible to their place of origin

Key areas for action in the field of waste management plan during that period will be associated with the management of following waste types:

municipal wastes;
packaging (used);
hazardous waste;
spent batteries and accumulators;
polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCB, PCT);
oil wastes;
end of life vehicles;
medical wastes;
biodegradable wastes
waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment
asbestos fiber-containing wastes.

4.2. Targets

1. Disposed biodegradable municipal wastes (BMW):

reduce BMW till 75% of BMW generated in 1995 by 16.07.2010
reduce BMW till 50%; of BMW generated in 1995 by 16.07.2013
reduce BMW till 35% of BMW generated in 1995 by 16.07.2020.

2. Used packaging:

Recovery targets for used packaging to be reached by 31.12.2015.

glass – 60 %;
paper and cardboard – 60%;
metals – 50%;
plastics, which recovered to plastics – 22,5%;
wood – 15%.

3. PCB and PCT wastes – by 31.12.2010. inventory should be complete.

4. End of life vehicles (ELV) – by 01.01.2015. recovery of materials must reach 95% of ELV average weight.

4.3. Strategy

In organizing and planning waste management, the following order of priority applies:

eliminate the root causes of waste, including to develop clean technologies;
reduce the amount of waste (volume) and seriousness;
waste to be processed, must be re-usable materials and energy;
wastes should be disposed of without endangering human life and health, the environment, as well as personal belongings;
dumps to be closed in accordance with waste management plans, as well as ensuring that the closed landfill and the landfill is recovered.

4.4. Policy instruments

4.4.1. Regulatory instruments

Overview

Waste management plan for Latvia 2006-2012.

Bans

Regulatory instrument
Title	no information
Waste stream	no information
Year	no i
Legal document	no information

Other instruments

Regulatory instrument
Title	no information
Scope	no information
Year	no i
Transition period	no information
Objectives	no information
Targets	no information
Description	no information
Implementation	no information
Result	no information

Additional info

no information

4.4.2. Market-based instruments

Overview

no information

Other instruments

Market-based instrument
Title	Tax on natural resources
Scope	• Glass • Plastics • Metals • Paper and cardboard • Food waste and park/garden waste
Year	2006
Transition period	Until 2012
Objectives	• To promote sustainable use of natural resources, limit environmental pollution and financial provision of activities of environmental protection; • Improvement of municipal waste management on regional and municipal levels • To promote activities of separate collection for stated waste streams • To develop composting of biodegradable municipal wastes
Targets	no information
Description	no information
Implementation	Legislative: Law on Natural Resources Tax, (01.01.2006.); Planning: Regional waste management plans
Result	no information

Additional info

no information

4.4.3. Information-based instruments

Overview

no information

Additional info

no information

4.4.4. Voluntary instruments

Overview

no information

Additional info

no information

4.5 Waste prevention examples

no information

5. Construction and Demolition Waste for Latvia

5.1. Objectives

There are no legal acts or planning documents in Latvia that regulate C&D waste management. Requirements, which are set for all wastes, are mandatory for Construction and Demolition wastes.

5.2. Targets

no information

5.3. Strategy

no information

5.4. Policy instruments

5.4.1. Regulatory instruments

Additional info

no information

5.4.2. Market-based instruments

Additional info

no information

5.4.3. Information-based instruments

Additional info

no information

5.4.4. Voluntary instruments

Additional info

no information

6. Biodegradable Municipal Waste - Latvia

6.1. Objectives

Reduction of Biodegradable Municipal Waste disposal in waste polygons.

6.2. Targets

Disposed biodegradable municipal wastes (BMW) in waste polygons:

reduce BMW till 75% of BMW generated in 1995 by 16.07.2010
reduce BMW till 50%; of BMW generated in 1995 by 16.07.2013
reduce BMW till 35% of BMW generated in 1995 by 16.07.2020

6.3. Strategy

Reduction of Biodegradable Municipal Waste disposal in waste polygons.

6.4. Policy instruments

6.4.1. Regulatory instruments

Additional info

Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers No.474 "On Requirements for Sitting of Landfills and for Management, Closure and Recultivation of Landfills and Dumps"”, of 13 June 2006

6.4.2. Market-based instruments

Market-based instrument
Title	Tax on natural resources
Scope	• Glass • Plastics • Metals • Paper and cardboard • Food waste and park/garden waste
Year	2006
Transition period	Until 2012
Objectives	• To promote sustainable use of natural resources, limit environmental pollution and financial provision of activities of environmental protection; • Improvement of municipal waste management on regional and municipal levels • To promote activities of separate collection for stated waste streams • To develop composting of biodegradable municipal wastes
Targets	no information
Description	no information
Implementation	Legislative: Law on Natural Resources Tax, (01.01.2006.); Planning: Regional waste management plans
Result	no information

Additional info

no information

6.4.3. Information-based instruments

Additional info

no information

6.4.4. Voluntary instruments

Additional info

no information

Results

Biodegradable municipal waste

Increase of waste composting amounts in special composting facilities.

Construction and demolition waste

no information

Waste prevention

Information not estimated

7. Bibliography

Statistical Yearbook of Latvia 2005, Riga, 2005

8. Country links to national waste information

http://www.vidm.gov.lv/vide/LIK/Eatkrit.htm — Law on Waste Management
http://www.vidm.gov.lv/varam/Doc/Ldoc.htm — State Waste Management Plan 2006 – 2012
http://www.vidm.gov.lv/varam/Doc/vapp/Lnvpp04.htm — National Environmental Policy Plan 2004-2008
http://www.vidm.gov.lv/vide/LIK/Liepak.htm — Law on Packaging
http://www.varam.gov.lv/varam/DOC/ilgst_att/Lpamatnost.htm — Latvijas ilgtspējīgas attīstības pamatnostādnes (Basic regulations for sustainable development of Latvia, in Latvian),
http://www.lvgma.gov.lv/public/28008.html — No title
http://www.csdd.lv — No title
http://www.csb.gov.lv/Satr/grada03.cfm — Latvia Statistika

HOME

Factsheet for Latvia

1. General facts

2. Legislation overview

2.2 National acts

2.2.2 National legislation

2.2.3 Selected legislation

2.3 Regional waste acts

3. Waste management plans

3.1 National plan

3.2 Regional plans

4. Waste prevention for Latvia

4.1. Objectives

4.2. Targets

4.3. Strategy

4.4. Policy instruments

4.4.1. Regulatory instruments

Overview

Bans

Other instruments

Additional info

4.4.2. Market-based instruments

Overview

Other instruments

Additional info

4.4.3. Information-based instruments

Overview

Additional info

4.4.4. Voluntary instruments

Overview

Additional info

4.5 Waste prevention examples

5. Construction and Demolition Waste for Latvia

5.1. Objectives

5.2. Targets

5.3. Strategy

5.4. Policy instruments

5.4.1. Regulatory instruments

Additional info

5.4.2. Market-based instruments

Additional info

5.4.3. Information-based instruments

Additional info

5.4.4. Voluntary instruments

Additional info

6. Biodegradable Municipal Waste - Latvia

6.1. Objectives

6.2. Targets

6.3. Strategy

6.4. Policy instruments

6.4.1. Regulatory instruments

Additional info

6.4.2. Market-based instruments

Additional info

6.4.3. Information-based instruments

Additional info

6.4.4. Voluntary instruments

Additional info

Results

Biodegradable municipal waste

Construction and demolition waste

Waste prevention

7. Bibliography

8. Country links to national waste information