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The indicator shows the total generated amount of all types of waste from all economic sectors and households, and compares it with economic development measured as gross domestic product (GDP).
Waste management has been recognised in Latvia’s environmental protection policy as one of the instruments for sustainable use of natural resources. Total waste (municipal, other non-hazardous and hazardous waste) generation has fluctuated in Latvia for the last 10 years. These fluctuations depend on economic activity in different sectors.
Municipal waste increased from 726 kt in 2014 to 872 kt in 2022. The amount of hazardous waste generated has also seen significant fluctuations (from 150 kt in 2020 to 79 kt in 2022). These fluctuations are largely dependent on several contaminated site renovation projects, as these sites previously generated a significant amount of hazardous waste.
A waste prevention programme (part of the 2021–2028 waste management plan) has been approved in Latvia. The main defined goals are (i) to curtail waste generation and ensure a significant reduction in the total amount of waste generated; (ii) to ensure the rational use of waste as a resource, based on the basic principles of circular economy; and (iii) to reduce the amount of waste that is buried.
The aim is that municipal waste should not surpass 450 kg per capita per year.
References and footnotes
- ↵Latvian Cabinet of Ministers, National waste management plan for 2021–2028, 28 January 2021, accessed 24 June 2025, https://likumi.lv/ta/id/320476-par-atkritumu-apsaimniekosanas-valsts-planu-20212028-gadam.