In early February, it marked two years since the deposit system was launched in Latvia. The data from the store chain top! reveals a convincing trend: residents are showing a growing inclination to return empty packaging. In 2023, over 35 million units were collected at top! deposit return points across Latvia’s regions. Additionally, throughout the year, donations from customers were made to support causes such as animals, children, the elderly, and Ukraine, totalling nearly EUR 46 thousand at top! deposit return points. Furthermore, we take pride in achieving the highest rating in March from the Deposit Packaging Operator (Depozīta Iepakojuma Operators) in the category of store chains that operate medium-sized deposit return points!
“Customers value the deposit system because it is not only an effective solution to reduce environmental pollution, but also provides a convenient way to donate to causes that are important to them and society. Throughout the year, about EUR 40,000 was donated at top! deposit return points. These donations were made to support animals and Ukraine. Additionally, the opportunity to make donations for the elderly and children was embraced. Reverse vending machines have certainly established themselves as a convenient and efficient tool for donating. Donating is hassle-free, with no need to make phone calls or enter bank details. It is truly satisfying to witness empty bottles transforming into support, right before your eyes, helping groups in society that are in need at the moment. We encourage you to keep up the great work of spreading positivity by donating to groups of society that are meaningful to you,” points out Ilze Priedīte, Member of the Management Board and Marketing Director of the store chain top!.
«The shift in people’s habits over the years is truly praiseworthy. It is satisfying to see the significant amount of empty packaging being purposefully returned instead of being thrown away with general household waste. In 2023, almost 36 million empty containers were collected at top! deposit points across Latvia. Last year, residents of Vidzeme returned the highest number of empty containers (13,483,156), followed by Latgale (6,318,113). It is great news that less waste is ending up in nature. Recent findings from coastal monitoring conducted by the NGO Green Liberty (Zaļā brīvība) and the Foundation for Environmental Education (Vides izglītības fonds) show that the number of discarded plastic bottles at 17 coastal sites selected for the study has decreased by 61%,” continues Ilze Priedīte.
Last year, between June and August, over 11 million empty containers were returned to top! deposit points. In comparison to 2022, there has been an increase due to the implementation of an expanded deposit system on 1 January 2023. This system now covers strong alcoholic cocktails, drink syrups, and all alcoholic beverages packaged in PET bottles and cans. While most people are familiar with the process of returning empty containers, the deposit system is still new to many. Therefore, it is not just buyers, but also manufacturers and retailers who need to embrace this change and adjust their daily habits. This will require training and the ability to adapt to new realities, all in pursuit of a cleaner environment in Latvia.
To ensure smooth operation of the system and create a positive experience for all, we kindly request the public’s understanding. Please be aware that the reverse vending machine only accepts containers which are specifically marked. Therefore, please refrain from bringing any other containers to the store. We also ask you to ensure that you rinse the packaging of beer, juices, and sweet drinks to prevent any stains on the bags or cars of our customers, and in the machine. This will make daily maintenance of the machine more pleasant for the store employees, preventing the occurrence of any unpleasant odours.
To showcase our commitment to social responsibility and environmental care, we have placed textile sorting containers next to our top! stores and boxes for used batteries inside the stores.
About the retail store chain top!
The retail store chain top! is the largest store chain owned by Latvian business and the third largest retail chain in Latvia. There are currently 207 food stores in Latvia operating under the trademark top!, owned by 12 local companies. In total, more than 3,500 jobs are provided, supporting local producers and suppliers across Latvia.
Information prepared by:
Ilze Priedite
Member of the Board and Marketing Director of the top! store chain
E-mail: pr@toppartika.lv