RIGA, Oct 17 (LETA) - The share of Riga residents who sort their household waste continues to increase, and currently 84 percent of residents of Riga do so, Riga City Council's External Communications Department informed LETA.

This is an 8 percent increase compared to 2024, according to a study conducted in the summer of 2025 by research center Latvijas Fakti for Riga City Council's Urban Development Department.

"The results of the study confirm a positive trend: residents are becoming increasingly environmentally responsible and are actively using waste-sorting options offered by the municipality. At the same time, it is necessary to continue public education efforts, especially regarding the locations of hazardous waste collection points and the importance of textile sorting," said Elina Treija (National Alliance), head of Riga City Council's Housing and Environment Committee.

Residents who do not sort their waste most often cite the lack of special containers or sorting options near their residence as the reason.

Among those who do sort waste, 95 percent separate plastic, metal, and paper packaging, while 84 percent separate glass from other waste.

About one-third of Riga residents sort textiles.

Among hazardous waste, the most commonly collected items are used batteries, unused medications, and fluorescent lamps.

The majority, or 58 percent of residents, make use of the opportunity to dispose of hazardous waste free of charge at specialized collection points. This option is most often used by residents aged 35 to 44, those with higher education, and families with children.

At the same time, 11 percent of Riga residents admit they do not know where such collection points are located.