RIGA, Feb 1 (LETA) - A total of 75 reverse vending machines have been set up at Citro and Eldo stores across Latvia, as the retail chains' representatives told LETA.

Imants Kelmers, CEO at company Latvian Retail Management that operates the two chain stores, said that the beverage packaging deposit system was an important step toward fostering sustainable environment and reducing pollution.

"The task for us, retailers, together with other members of the Latvian container deposit system, is to educate and support shoppers by operating an accessible infrastructure of reverse vending machines in the entire country," said Kelmers.

It is also important to realize that active participation of the entire society will be very important, as well as changing people's daily habits so they would sort and return packaging, said Kelmers.

As reported, a deposit system for beverage packaging begins operation in Latvia today, where residents will have to pay a deposit fee of 10 cents for each beverage purchased in a deposit package, which can be returned for a refund.