Free disposal of used electronics will be available in five cities

SIA "Zaļā josta" in collaboration with SIA "Lidl Latvija" is organizing an electronics disposal campaign "Get rid of your electro-ghosts!" from October 31 to November 21 in five cities.

"Although electronic devices can be disposed of for free in Latvia, it is nice that there is some incentive, such as a cool prize or a campaign-like event, that makes us think about the fact that these electronic devices do not belong in our homes, where they collect dust, but should be responsibly taken to the container. If the device is damaged, for example, or old and is subjected to various heat or pressure influences, there is also a risk of fire, so they need to be disposed of. This will be possible on four Saturdays in a Halloween spirit. The campaign will start this Saturday, October 31, at various Lidl stores across Latvia," said Ieva Erta, environmental education expert at SIA "Zaļā josta" to the Skonto media group.

During the campaign, residents in Riga, Ogre, Salaspils, Jelgava, and Sigulda will be able to dispose of their used and unnecessary electronic devices for free and participate in a contest. On each campaign day, electronic devices can be disposed of from 10 AM to 3 PM in the parking lots of eight Lidl stores.

Residents will be able to dispose of electronics on October 31 in Riga at Tēriņu Street 62 and Anniņmuižas Boulevard 77, on November 7 in Ogre at Kalna Prospect 2A and in Salaspils at Skolas Street 4A, on November 14 in Jelgava at Rīgas Street 50 and in Sigulda at Vidzemes Highway 2, and on November 21 in Riga at Stirnu Street 31 and Anniņmuižas Street 8A.

Containers from the hazardous waste management company AS "Bao" will be placed at the specified locations and times, where residents can dispose of their used and unnecessary electronic devices for free.

Ieva Erta, environmental education expert at "Zaļā josta," points out that unnecessary or saved devices still contain valuable materials that can be reused.

Electronic devices may also contain toxic metals and harmful substances, the release of which into nature can pollute soil and groundwater, as well as threaten human and animal health. Disposal must be carried out at special acceptance points and sorting areas.