Atliekos

Atliekos is the Latvian term for waste or residues generated by human activity. It encompasses materials that are discarded, collected for recycling, or subjected to disposal. The category includes municipal waste from households and services, as well as industrial, construction, agricultural, and healthcare waste.

Waste can be non-hazardous or hazardous. Non-hazardous wastes include organic matter, paper and cardboard, metals, glass, plastics, textiles, and construction debris. Hazardous wastes include chemicals, batteries, solvents, medical waste, and contaminated soils, which require special handling and regulatory controls.

Management involves collection, sorting, recycling, composting, anaerobic digestion, energy recovery, and landfilling as a last resort. Separate collection at source improves recycling rates; recycling and material recovery aim to conserve resources and reduce environmental impact.

At the European level, the Waste Framework Directive defines waste and sets hierarchy and targets; Latvia implements these rules through national laws and municipal programs. Producers may bear responsibility for packaging and other product waste under extended producer responsibility schemes.

Effective atliekos management reduces pollution, minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, conserves raw materials, and supports a circular economy. Public participation in waste sorting and reduction is essential for achieving these goals.