Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development
25, Peldu Str., LV 1494, Riga,
Latvia
Telephone: (371) 702 65 15
Telefax: (371) 782 04 42
E-Mail: ilze.donina@varam.gov.lv
Website:
Focal Point has not been designated
National Definition
National definition of waste used for the purpose of transboundary movements of waste exists in Latvia.
"Waste - any object or substance which holder disposes of, or intends to or is forced to dispose of, and which conforms to the categories specified in the waste classification." (Waste Management Law, Art.1.1)
National definition of hazardous waste used for the purpose of transboundary movements of waste exists in Latvia.
"Hazardous waste- waste which has one or more characteristics which makes it hazardous to human life and health, the environment, or the property of persons, and which conforms to a hazardous waste category specified in the waste classification."(Waste Management Law, Art.4.1)
There are no wastes defined as, or considered to be hazardous wastes by national legislation in accordance with Art. 1, para 1(b) of the Basel Convention.
Latvia requires special consideration for the following waste(s) when subjected to transboundary movement:
Following waste groups in accordance with EU Regulation 259/93/EC:
GM- wastes arising from agrofood industry; GN- wastes arising from tanning and fellmongery operations and leather use; and GO- other wastes containing principally organic constituents, which may contain metals and inorganic materials.
Restrictions on Transboundary Movement
Amendment to the Basel Convention
The amendment to the Basel Convention (Decision III/1) has been implemented in Latvia.
Restrictions on transit and export for final disposal and for recovery
Latvia has no restrictions on the transit and export of hazardous wastes and other wastes for final disposal and for recovery.
Restrictions on import for final disposal
Latvia restricts the import of hazardous wastes and other wastes for final disposal.
Waste Management Law, 01.03.2001.
It’s prohibited to import into the territory of the Republic of Latvia any waste for disposal or long-term storage. Restriction applies to all countries.
Restrictions on import for recovery
Latvia restricts the import of hazardous wastes and other wastes for recovery.
Waste Management Law, 01.03.2001.
It is permitted to import hazardous waste for recovery only if there are hazardous waste recovery facilities in operation in the territory of the Republic of Latvia, the owner of which has obtained a permit for the recovery of the relevant hazardous waste, and which have the necessary capacity.
Reduction and/or Elimination of Hazardous Waste Generation
National strategies/policies
National Waste Management Plan, 2003-2012.
Legislation, regulations and guidelines
Waste Management Law, Law on Natural Resource tax.
Natural resource tax for disposal of hazardous waste, subsidies for recovery of hazardous wastes.
Transboundary Movement Reduction Measures
None.
Disposal/
Recovery Facilities
Disposal facilities
No facilities available.
Recovery/recycling/re-use facilities
Lampu demerkurizacijas centrs Ltd, Kapsedes 10, LV-3400, Liepaja; Destruction of mercury-containing light bulbs, separation of mercury; R5
JSC “Broceni”; Liepnieku 15, Broceni, Saldus rajons, LV-3851, Latvia; Use as a fuel (other than in direct incineration) or other means to generate energy. ; R1
JSC “Broceni”; Liepnieku 15, Broceni, Saldus rajons, LV-3851, Latvia; Waste oil is used as fuel in cement production; R5
“LC”, Ltd, Pils iela 14, Riga, Latvia, LV-1050; Use as a fuel (other than in direct incineration) or other means to generate energy- incineration of medical waste; R1
“Bistamo Atkritumu Serviss”, Raina iela 28, Daugavpils, Latvia; Use as a fuel (other than in direct incineration) or other means to generate energy – incineration of waste oils; R1
A complete list could be obtained from the Focal Point.
Bilateral, Multilateral or Regional Agreements
No agreements.
Technical Assistance and Training Available
Center of Environmental Science and Management Studies of University of Latvia, 19, Raina blvd, Riga
Latvian Waste Managements Associations, 21 Aizkraukles Str, Riga
Further information could be obtained from: www.lasa.lv