Latvia debates raising bottle deposit fee, but questions arise over funds already collected
Latvia has begun discussing an increase of the bottle and can deposit above the current ten cents. A commentary notes that unreturned packaging brings the operator millions of euros and that the system's turnover is considerable.
Latvia is discussing whether to raise the deposit charged on drink packaging, which is currently ten cents per bottle or can. The argument for an increase is that inflation has eroded the value of the current amount, so returning an empty container could cost more in future. The author of a commentary in the regional outlet Staburags is critical of the idea and questions whether an increase is needed at all.
Money from unreturned packaging
According to figures cited in the commentary, people in Latvia fail to return roughly 75 million bottles and cans to the deposit system every year. In money terms that is 7.5 million euros, which stays with the deposit system. The operator explains that the money covers running costs: reverse vending machines, transport, sorting and staff.
Other revenue
Unreturned deposits are not the only source of income. Money also comes from selling packaging materials and from payments by drink producers. In 2024 the deposit operator had a turnover of 26 million euros and a profit of 1.85 million euros. The author acknowledges that profit must be invested in developing the system, but says the figures raise doubts about how justified the talk of a higher fee is.
The author's demands
The author argues that before residents are asked for another five or ten cents, it should be clearly shown where the money already collected goes and how much of the unreturned millions is kept for future years. He also points to a limit of reason: if the deposit rose to 20 cents, it could be nearly as much as the price of many cheap drinks, which cost only a few tens of cents in shops.
The author does not dispute that a deposit system is needed, as it helps collect packaging and reduces pollution. In his view, however, before increasing the fee it should be checked that all options for managing with existing funds have been exhausted.
