From 1 February 2022, a deposit system for beverage packaging will begin to operate in Latvia. Most top! stores are ready for the deposit system and will accept empty containers from February 1 this year. Read on for more information on what the buyer needs to know about how to determine which empty containers will be accepted.

Transitional period and how to determine the goods that is in the deposit package:

Drop-off points only accept packages purchased after 1 February 2022 and marked with a deposit mark. The return package must be empty, not flattened and not significantly damaged, but the taromats will also accept slightly deformed or squashed packages. The most important thing when handing over a deposit package is to make sure that the package label has a mark of the deposit system and a legible barcode. Empty plastic packaging without a lid is also accepted.

All deposit packaging will be marked with the Latvian deposit mark, which will indicate that the specific packaging belongs to the deposit system, and will also indicate that a deposit fee has been paid for this packaging. The deposit mark marks two types of packaging - single-use and reusable (AU) packaging. The price tag will indicate an additional deposit fee of +0.10 EUR, which you will pay at the checkout in addition to the price of the goods.

Transitional period - 6 months:

In order to ensure the successful entry of deposit products to the market, a transitional period for the deposit system has been set from 1 February to 31 July 2022. At this time, on the top! shelves there will be both packaging for drinks with and without the deposit mark, and store shelves with deposit packaging will be filled gradually, month by month, with an increase in the number of deposit products. For goods with the deposit mark, the buyer pays an additional deposit fee of 0.10 EUR. For goods without the deposit mark, you do not need to pay an additional deposit fee. If the product has a new deposit mark, the deposit fee will be indicated on the price tag. From August 1 this year, only new products marked with the deposit mark will be on the shelves with drinks.

What packaging can be dropped-off:

As part of the deposit system, you can drop-off glass, plastic (PET) and metal (cans) containers containing soft drinks, all types of beer and other alcoholic beverages (up to 6%).

Where it will be possible to take deposit containers in top! stores:

In top! stores, empty deposit containers can be dropped-off automatically in three different taromats, adapted to the location and size of the store.

If you bring a drink package to the drop-off point that cannot be returned to the deposit system, or if, for example, the label on the deposit package or the package itself is significantly damaged, it can be thrown into the waste sorting containers located near the store collection point or next to the store.

How to drop-off containers to a taromat:

An empty deposit container must be placed to a taromat with the lower part forward. As soon as one container is accepted, the next one can be placed. After the delivery of all containers, you must press the confirmation button on the display screen. The taromat will issue a deposit coupon that can be used to pay for the goods in the store where the taromat is located.

How much will be received for each empty container dropped-off and where this amount can be redeemed:

You will receive 0.10 EUR for each package of drink returned, the taromat will issue a coupon that you can use in the same store where the taromat is located, by shopping or withdrawing cash.

What if the delivery of empty packages is not yet possible in the nearest top! store:

In most top! stores the taromats have already been installed, but if a store hasn't installed them yet, the location and opening hours of the nearest taromat will be posted on the front door of the store.

Who to ask if something is not clear:

You can ask questions or ask for help from the store staff or write to depozits@toppartika.lv