The Sustainable Office: More Efort for Less Waste

THE SUSTAINABLE OFFICE

MORE EFFORT FOR LESS WASTE

NATURE DOES NOT NEED HUMANS, HUMANS DO NEED NATURE

UNSORTED WASTE DOES NOT DISAPPEAR – IT ENDS UP IN LANDFILLS AND CAUSES A LOT OF HARM TO NATURE, THE ENVIRONMENT AND OUR HEALTH.

WASTE SORTING IS AN EXCELLENT SOLUTION. HOWEVER, IT IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO DO IT THE RIGHT WAY.

In Lithuania, all packaging is sorted, regardless of whether it is used for food products, various items, beverages, or parcels.

Non-reusable packaging waste generated by Lithuanians is collected in two ways:

through the container scheme (waste sorting containers)

through the deposit return scheme (through reverse vending machines)

The Green Dot mark is the most widely used trademark in the world. It is estimated that up to 460 billion packages are marked with the Green Dot mark per year. The circle containing two entwined arrows symbolizes a circular economy – a closed-loop system in which all waste is turned into raw materials. The Green Dot mark means that the manufacturer of the packaging has taken steps to reduce environmental pollution, i.e. that it has paid a fee for the proper handling of packaging bearing this mark, and that the official Green Dot organization (which operates in every country of the European Union) has assumed the responsibility for package management.

The public institution Žaliasis Taškas, its representative in Lithuania, is the first and largest licensed packaging waste management body in Lithuania whose aim is not only to coordinate packaging waste management, but also to educate the public on how to prevent and sort waste.

THE LAW ON WASTE MANAGEMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA

The wording of the article takes effect on: 01/01/2019

The wording of the legal act enters into force on: 31/01/2023

Article 3422. Organisation of producers and importers

The Organisation shall be a non-profit public legal person established in accordance with the procedure laid down in the Law on Associations or the Law on Public Establishments. New members may join the Organisation.

The Organisation shall be established to fulfil the duty laid down in this Law and the Law on the Management of Packaging and Packaging Waste for producers and importers to organise the management of waste generated in the course of using respective goods (electrical and electronic equipment, vehicles, oils, taxable goods, packaged products) made available by the producers and importers on the internal market of the Republic of Lithuania for business purposes and/or to participate in organising the management of such waste in municipal waste management schemes organised by municipalities and may only engage in activities intended to fulfil this duty and other duties laid down in this Law for producers and importers (except for the duty to be registered, keep records and submit accounting reports in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Government or an institution authorised by it).

The Organisation must, on equal conditions, fulfil the duties of all members of the Organisation as well as producers and importers who assigned it, on contractual terms, to organise the management of product or packaging waste and fulfil all or a part of duties laid down in this Law (hereinafter: ‘assignors’).

LIABILITY OF THE PACKAGING PRODUCER OR IMPORTER

Manufacturers and importers who place goods in non-reusable packaging on the Lithuanian market must also ensure the proper management of such packaging.

Producers and importers must participate in the packaging waste management scheme by choosing an organization responsible for the proper management of packaging waste and cover the costs of packaging waste management.

Currently, Lithuania has two organizations for producers and importers, Žaliasis Taškas and Gamtos Ateitis, which are responsible for the proper management of single-use packaging waste.

Organizations for producers and importers ensure that waste sorted by us is properly managed: it is collected, re-sorted and handed over for recycling or energy generation.

The single-use beverage container deposit scheme is a method for collecting single-use containers where the buyer initially pays a deposit and later recovers it after returning the container according to predetermined conditions.

Containers participating in this scheme are marked with the symbol and include:

■ marked glass containers of certain beverages;

■ marked PET plastic containers;

■ marked metal containers (cans).

Packaging becomes waste when the product is removed from it. Packaging waste must be managed in a way that does not harm the environment and human health.

Waste management is the collection, transportation, processing, recycling or disposal of materials (waste) generated mostly because of human activity. It is done for health, aesthetic or other reasons. During recent decades greater attention has also been given to efforts to reduce the impact of waste on nature and the natural environment.

The waste hierarchy (the hierarchy of management principles) is used to classify selectable waste management strategies by applying the essential waste minimization criterion.

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION

WASTE REDUCTION

WASTE REUSE USE OF WASTE FOR ENERGY GENERATION LANDFILLING OF WASTE

WASTE RECYCLING

THE BEST PACKAGING WASTE IS THE ONE THAT DOES NOT EXIST.

THEREFORE, THE MAIN DUTY OF ALL CONSUMERS IS RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION

We all like new things and enjoy them for their appearance, quality or because they meet our needs. We first check if the packaging of groceries we are about to buy is not torn or damaged. Both we and many institutions whose job is to protect consumer rights and ensure compliance with hygiene standards impose great demands on both consumer and food items. However, do we ever pause to think about how packaging ensures a marketable appearance? For instance, breakfast cereal is packaged in a bag so that its flakes do not lose their shape, the bag is placed in a box to protect it from opening, the boxes are packed in larger boxes so that they are not bent, and finally these larger boxes are stacked with other boxes, usually reinforced with a sheet, placed on a wooden pallet, and transported in containers. Only the container can be reused many times; all the other packaging is intended to be used only once!

NATURE DOES NOT NEED HUMANS, HUMANS DO NEED NATURE

All the problems facing the world and their solutions are grouped into 17 goals, 169 tasks and 230 primary indicators (these are being improved and adapted). The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, by recognizing that each country has a different level of development, resources and opportunities, is a universal plan under which no person is left behind, irrespective of their unique problems (disability, exclusion, poverty, etc.) and capabilities to achieve these goals.

It aims to use resources in an efficient way and decouple economic growth from resource depletion. It calls for economies to create (produce) more with fewer resources – deliver greater value with less input, to use resources in a sustainable way and minimise their impacts on the environment.

In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, economic, social and environmental aspects are regulated in a comprehensive and integrated manner.

The overall strategic goal of sustainable development is to reconcile the environmental protection, economic and social development

OBJETIVOS DE DESARROLLO SOSTENIBLE

interests, ensure a clean and healthy environment, efficient use of natural resources, overall economic prosperity for society, and strong social guarantees during the strategy implementation period based on economic, social and natural resource efficiency indicators and within the environmental pollution limits set by the EU, and to implement the requirements of international conventions limiting environmental pollution and the impact on the global climate.

In order to meet our needs and improve our quality of life, we consumers have to take into account several critical aspects. First of all, each person belongs to a large ecosystem (“we are part of the Earth and the Earth is part of us”) – a system in which elements of inanimate nature and wildlife coexist, interact and share energy in a given area. This ecosystem is where vital natural cycles (such as water, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide) take place and complex feeding relations occur. This means that, on the one hand, every element is vital and necessary. On the other hand, humans are fully dependent on their environment (“Earth does not belong to man; man belongs to Earth”). The explanation of this statement is simple – nature does not need humans, humans do need nature.

Sustainable consumption. This concept is specifically related to the environment in which goods and services are purchased. Sustainable consumption allows us to save more resources and better protect the environment. It is a type of consumption when the use of natural resources is reduced by choosing only those products or services that are truly necessary and by focusing on extending the life cycle of an item whether through recycling or its subsequent reuse. If we examine the waste management pyramid more closely and compare it with the pillars of sustainable development, we will notice that they are closely linked. Proper packaging management is a significant contribution towards the achievement of sustainable development goals and the creation of a “greener” community.

THE PYRAMID OF A GREENER OFFICE BASED ON SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES

Sustainability means an aim to produce as many products as possible with minimal raw materials and, without reducing the volume of production, to use as little energy as possible while rationally assessing the consumption needs and their impact on the environment.

By making changes at the community level we will achieve much better results. Through proper management of packaging waste we will be able to reduce landfilling and save energy and raw materials used during the production of packaging.

The Sustainable Development Strategy specifies three inseparable pillars of sustainable development in the sphere of waste management:

I THE ENVIRONMENTAL PILLAR

Responsible consumption

Waste reduction

II THE SOCIAL PILLAR

Waste reuse

Waste recycling

III THE ECONOMIC PILLAR

Use of waste for energy generation

Landfilling of waste

I THE ENVIRONMENTAL PILLAR

The environmental pillar means establishing a harmonious relationship with the environment by using natural resources responsibly and reducing environmental damage, such as water and air pollution, the amount of waste, loss of biodiversity, etc.

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.

Ensure access to water and sanitation for all.

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

THESE OBJECTIVES CAN BE ATTAINED THROUGH RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION

The terms “sustainable consumption” and “responsible consumption” complement one another.

Sustainability in this case highlights a minimal burden on the environment, while responsible consumption covers the quality of life, proper economic integration and growth as well as the reduced consumption of natural resources.

When it comes to sustainable consumption, it is important to meet our needs in a way that reduces the impact on the environment, while responsible consumption means personal responsibility for the impact of the purchased product on all three components of sustainable development. While sustainability is often understood as maintaining a balance among three essential pillars, i.e. the economy, social relations and environmental protection, the concept of sustainable consumption puts more emphasis on our relationship with the environment when making simple life decisions or purchasing goods and services; consequently, responsible consumption can be influenced not only by the environmental aspect, but also by the social or economic ones. By integrating and applying these concepts in practice we can expect the best results.

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION

The first step towards responsible consumption is Prevention (Latin praeventio) - advance action to stop something from happening. Waste prevention means reducing the amount of waste, ideally to zero. The main goal of both the circular economy and prevention is to minimise or completely avoid the amount of waste.

Being responsible means having an obligation to deal with something or having control over it. User responsibility is the impact that personal purchasing and consumption decisions have on certain systems and the consequences that depend on different factors.

Both the working environment and the person working in it can therefore significantly influence the environmental and sustainable development pillar and help achieve responsible consumption both as an individual and as a member of one’s community.

THE OFFICE

Avoiding disposable items (disposable containers and utensils, towels, etc.)

Proper maintenance of items, repairing them in case of failure

Applying the principle of sharing – such as sharing a company’s vehicles when they are not needed for the performance of direct daily duties

Creating opportunities to work from home where direct contact is not needed (lower costs thanks to sustainable economy: fewer workstations, no need for transportation, etc.)

THE EMPLOYEE

Chooses the greenest way to travel to work: if possible on foot, by bicycle, by bus or shares the same vehicle with his or her colleagues

Does not bring any disposable items to work

Switches on electrical lighting only when necessary for work and unplugs all electronic devices that do not require continuous power (phone chargers, computers, printers, electric kettles or coffee machines, etc.) when leaving for the day

WASTE REDUCTION

Sustainable consumption

This concept is specifically related to the environment in which goods and services are purchased. Sustainable consumption allows us to save more resources and better protect the environment. It is a type of consumption whereby the use of natural resources is reduced by choosing only those products or services that are truly necessary and by focusing on extending the life cycle of an item whether through recycling or its subsequent reuse.

THE OFFICE

Only reusable and long-lasting items that improve the quality of work are purchased upon careful consideration (water filters are installed to avoid using water bottles, energy-saving light bulbs and solar panels are used, etc.).

Choose larger packages when buying hygiene products

Choose larger packages when buying food and beverages

Use and distribution of promotional merchandise (avoid disposable items and unnecessary flyers and leaflets, reduce and replace them with QR codes, etc.)

THE EMPLOYEE

Keep your workplace tidy, which will help avoid using unnecessary items

Print on both sides of paper and do it only when necessary.

Share stationery that you don't need every day with your colleagues

II THE SOCIAL PILLAR

The Social Pillar means ensuring the long-term social well-being in society or the social system. A socially cohesive scheme must ensure equity, the provision of adequate health and education and other social services, gender equality, political accountability and engagement.

End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages.

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

WASTE REUSE

Packaging means a returnable or non-returnable product that can be made of any materials and is used to package, protect, handle, transport and present to consumers or users various items, from raw materials to processed products.

Packaging waste means any packaging or packaging material covered by the definition of waste, excluding packaging production waste.

Packaging reuse is possible only if its features and characteristics are known and if packages are separated according to such characteristics.

The number of packages needed for items and food usually depends on the method of transportation. If we could make this trip shorter, we could reduce the number of packages. In order to better understand the benefits, we must first learn about the packages and their types.

TYPES OF PACKAGING

It is usually not very difficult to separate one type of packaging from another on the basis of the material it is made of. Bottles are usually made of glass or plastic, sweet boxes are made of paper, grocery bags are made of plastic, cans are metal, and juice or milk packages are multi-layered, made of several materials. However, packages are also separated by using additional criteria.

PAKUOTĖS PAGAL PASKIRTĮ

Sales packaging or primary packaging. This is the type of packaging in which the product is packed. The packaging is usually separated before the product is used and then remains empty. If the primary packaging is damaged, the product contained inside is usually damaged too (such as a water bottle, bread bag or package of biscuits).

Grouped packaging or secondary packaging. This is packaging that groups several identical products and that can be removed without damaging the primary packaging. Examples of such packaging are water bottles wrapped in plastic film, reusable plastic beverage boxes, a box of chewing gum packets.

TRANSPORT PACKAGING OR TERTIARY

PACKAGING. This is packaging that facilitates the transportation of packaged products and protects them from damage. Examples of such packaging are wooden pallets as well as the plastic film used to wrap a group of products during their transport on pallets.

PACKAGES BASED ON COMPOSITION:

Simple packaging. This is packaging made of one kind of material such as glass, plastic, metal or paper.

Combination or multi-layer packaging. This is packaging made up of different materials that cannot be separated one from another by hand. Examples of such packaging include a coffee pack made by fusing plastic and metal foil, milk or juice cartons made by fusing paper, plastic and foil.

Composite packaging. This is packaging made up of different materials that can be separated from one another by hand. Examples of such packaging include a sweet box made of paper and covered with a plastic film to protect it from scratching.

PACKAGING BASED ON ITS TYPE OF USE:

One-way packaging. This is packaging that is intended for one-time use and is then discarded, such as disposable cups and glasses or glass bottles.

Reusable packaging. This is packaging that can be used more than once, such as beverage barrels or plastic containers that are washed and refilled.

BASED ON THE MATERIAL FROM WHICH IT IS MADE:

Glass containers. Glass is most often used to make various bottles and jars. Depending on the materials added during production, glass containers can be of various colours, the most common being colourless, green and brown. Glass is a highly environmentally friendly raw material because it is 100% recyclable and can be recycled an unlimited number of times without loss in quality. If a glass container is made from crushed glass, approximately 35% less energy is needed and water and air pollution is reduced by 50%: by recycling 1000 tons of glass the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere is lower by 315 kg as compared to a production process using new raw materials.

Plastic packaging. Is one of the most popular types of packaging currently in use. Because of its durability, this material is used to package the most diverse products, from groceries to household products, electronic goods, etc.

PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Is one of the most recyclable plastics. PET is most often used to produce plastic beverage bottles because this material is both very light as well as strong and resistant. Up to 3.8 barrels of oil are saved by recycling one ton of plastic bottles.

Paper (cardboard) packaging. Such packaging is mostly used for parcels transported over short distances: shopping bags, sweet boxes, envelopes, cardboard boxes, etc. All writing paper that we use (magazines, newspapers, books, etc.) also belongs to this category. Cardboard boxes are used to protect items during transportation. Secondary packaging is very often made of cardboard. However, paper is made from cellulose, which is obtained by cutting down trees. About 40 % of paper pulp is derived from wood. 35% of all felled trees are used to make paper; however, by recycling 1 ton of paper we can save 1-2 tons of wood, i.e. for every ton of recycled paper or cardboard 17 trees can be saved as well as about 26,500 litres of water and enough energy to heat an average-sized house for 6 months. Paper can be recycled up to 8 times.

Wooden packaging. Wooden packaging is rarely used by private individuals: wooden pallets or boxes are mostly used for the transportation of goods, while the wooden packaging that reaches us consists of containers for beverages, sweets or fruits as well as tea boxes. Almost every shipment contains packages made of this material. Wooden packaging is usually made from raw wood. Because of its durability, it is often used more than once. Broken packaging is repaired or remade, and when it is no longer usable, it is burned to generate energy.

Metal packaging. Metal packaging is mostly made from aluminium and steel. It is used in both retail and wholesale trade and comes in various sizes and shapes. Metal packaging can be recycled endlessly, and it can go from end use to brand new packaging in the hands of the consumer in as little as 60 days. Recycled aluminium is melted down and becomes a useful raw material again – this allows up to 95% of energy to be saved in the production process.

Composite or multilayer packaging. Is made of different materials that cannot be separated from one another by hand or by using simple physical means. Plastic-based composite packaging is usually made of layers of plastic and aluminium. It is very strong and durable, and it ensures maximum protection for the product against external influences. Examples of such packaging are coffee bags, ice cream containers, and bags of chips made of layers of plastic and aluminium.

Composite packaging primarily made from paper. These packs, such as juice and milk cartons (Tetra Pak), are very familiar to us. Cardboard composite beverage cartons are made of layers of paper (about 74%), plastic (about 22%) and aluminium (about 4%), which protect the liquids contained in the packaging.

Other packaging. This type of packaging contains materials that are not used in the 8 main packaging categories. Examples of other packaging include bags made of fabric or jute as well as ceramic or clay vessels used as product packaging.

Based on EU legislation, it has been laid down that the labelling of packages (indicating the source materials from which the packaging is made) is no longer mandatory but optional. Such labelling is still common on packages.

Responsibilities of consumers (both the office and each employee individually can be designated as a waste holder):

Waste holders must separate packaging waste from other waste, that is, they must carry out sorting of packaging waste at the place of their generation.

Consumers and holders of packaging waste generated in the municipal waste stream must make use of the organized packaging and packaging waste management schemes.

Fun fact: disposable containers are deemed to be packaging only when used for transport and purchased from operators selling food or beverages (who pay a fee for them to the relevant authorities). When we buy disposable containers for individual use at home or in the office, they are not considered packaging and cannot end up in containers intended for separate waste collection.

Source: LAW ON THE MANAGEMENT OF PACKAGING AND PACKAGING WASTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA

WASTE RECYCLING

Since secondary packaging cannot be reused in the office, it is has to be sorted because only then can it be recycled.

Secondary raw materials are waste suitable for recycling and for manufacturing new products. Doing so allows us to reduce environmental pollution and conserve resources. Re-use of waste is a manufacturing process whereby our waste can be turned into new products. This process can usually be performed by specialized companies that have licences and special equipment. Consumers, being the main generators of secondary raw materials, can contribute to this process by proper sorting.

Waste generated by offices and people is handled by the municipality within which the office or person is located. The owner or administrator of the building must sign a waste disposal contract with the municipality or the municipal waste collector assigned by the municipality – only in this way will it be able to ensure adequate and consistent waste management (collection, transportation, delivery and proper disposal).

A person (a natural person or a legal person registered in the Republic of Lithuania; a branch or representative office of a legal person; or the branch or representative office, established in the Republic of Lithuania, of a legal person registered in Member States) shall be considered a municipal waste holder, irrespective of its legal form or the nature of its activities, and must sort the municipal waste that is subject to sorting according to laws and other legal acts.

Source: THE LAW ON WASTE MANAGEMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA

Learn more about sorting: www.zaliasistaskas.lt

Žaliasis taškas

CONTAINER FOR PAPER

PAPER ONLY:

Food packaging made of paper and cardboard; Cartons; Newspapers, magazines, books; White and coloured paper waste;

Packaging paper

DO NOT THROW IN: Toilet paper

Disposable tissues, paper towels

Wooden packaging or wood chips

CONTAINER FOR PLASTICS

Plastic packaging:

Plastic food packaging;

Plastic bottles for beverages and other liquids;

Plastic bags;

Packaging of cosmetics and hygiene products

Composite packaging:

Tetra Pak cartons;

Chip bags, coffee packs, shiny candy wrappers

Disposable coffee cups

Metal packaging:

Food cans;

Metal caps from glass jars and bottles

Other packaging:

Wooden packages

Cloth bags used for packaging of products

DO NOT THROW IN: Take to a bulk waste site or dispose of at special collection points:

Electronic devices; Batteries;

Bulky waste. Throw into mixed waste containers:

Sanitary ware

Bring to the pharmacy: Medicinese

CONTAINER FOR GLASS

GLASS PACKAGING: Coloured and clear glass containers (bottles);

Food bottles made of coloured and clear glass; Glass jars.

DO NOT THROW IN: Ceramics; Porcelain; Mirrors;

Tempered glass; Glass coated with plastic film.

*Because sorting recommendations may slightly differ depending on the region, it is important to check and follow the recommendations of your municipality.

*Containers for collection of paper and plastic waste are becoming more common and all packaging that previously was put into two separate containers is now thrown into one container.

Waste recycling. Is a process that makes it possible to recycle used materials by converting them into new materials or objects and allows waste to be reused. It is an alternative to “conventional” waste disposal that can save material and help lower greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to resource conservation, waste recycling can reduce energy use, air pollution (from waste incineration) and water pollution (from waste landfilling).

Recycling of paper and cardboard waste. Paper packaging and products can be recycled up to 8 times. Waste paper is not suitable for endless recycling because each recycling process reduces the length of paper fibres and eventually they become too short to adhere to each other without using the original raw material or additives. About 19 percent of paper products are not suitable for this purpose, e.g. tissues, toilet paper, cigarette paper, wallpaper, etc.

Glass. From a technical point of view, glass can be 100% recycled an unlimited number of times. Crushed glass used for glass production must be clean – without ceramics, metal, mirror glass, earth, organic and other impurities. Plastics. Plastic packaging can be recycled up to 30 times on one condition: different types of plastic must not be mixed with one another, otherwise they cannot be recycled at all.

1 PET - granules are used to produce synthetic fibres and geotextiles

2 HDP - drain pipes, liquid detergent and oil containers, pens, benches, fume hoods, floor tiles, outdoor furniture, fences

3 PVC - binders, mats, panelling, ducts, floors, cables

4 LDPE - plastic film and sheets, furniture, compost bins, garbage containers, panelling, garbage bins

5 PP - signal lanterns, brooms, brushes, car battery cases, ice scrapers, bicycle racks, rakes, containers, trays

6 PS - thermal insulation panels, light switches, egg cartons, vents

7-9 OTHER - Not suitable for recycling

Waste must be collected, sorted and transported before handling in order to minimize costs and reduce land, air and water pollution.

A SHORT WASTE SORTING GUIDE

CONTAINER FOR GLASS

Coloured and clear glass containers (bottles); Food bottles made of coloured and clear glass; Glass jars.

CONTAINER FOR PACKAGING

PLASTIC PACKAGING: Plastic food packaging; Plastic bottles for beverages and other liquids; Plastic bags; Packaging of cosmetics; and hygiene products.

COMPOSITE PACKAGING: Tetra Pak cartons; Chip bags, coffee packs, shiny candy wrappers; Disposable coffee cups.

METAL PACKAGING: Food cans; Metal caps from glass jars and bottles.

OTHER PACKAGING: Wooden packages; Cloth bags used for packaging of products.

CONTAINER FOR PAPER

Food packaging made of paper and cardboard; Cartons; Newspapers, magazines, books; White and coloured paper waste; Packaging paper.

III THE ECONOMIC PILLAR

The Economic Pillar is the responsibility of a business or a country to use its resources efficiently while ensuring economic activity (production of goods and services) and constant profitability.

Even though packaging waste landfilling and waste use for energy generation is the least preferable option, it is also the cheapest waste management method; this is why it remains popular in economically weaker countries.

Romote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

Reduce inequality within and among countries.

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

USE OF WASTE FOR ENERGY GENERATION

Incineration. Non-recyclable waste is used for energy generation and waste that is unsuitable for incineration and other purposes goes to landfills.

Landfilling of waste

Landfilling is the oldest and the least preferable type of waste management because of its many potential negative effects. The most serious of them is the production and emission of methane (a greenhouse gas that is 25 times as potent as carbon dioxide). Methane can build up in landfills and even cause explosions. In addition to methane, the landfilling of biodegradable waste can lead to the release of chemicals such as heavy metals into the environment due to leachate. This liquid can contaminate local ground water, surface water and soil, and endanger public health and the environment.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES FOR THE CRITERIA FOR PACKAGING REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 2(21) OF THE LAW ON THE MANAGEMENT OF PACKAGING AND PACKAGING WASTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA

1. ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES FOR THE CRITERION SET OUT IN ARTICLE 2(21)(1):

1.1. PACKAGING:

1.1.1. sweet boxes;

1.1.2. film overwrap around a CD case;

1.1.3. mailing pouches for catalogues and magazines (with a magazine inside);

1.1.4. cake doilies sold with a cake;

1.1.5. rolls, tubes and cylinders around which flexible material (e.g. plastic film, aluminium, paper) is wound, except rolls, tubes and cylinders intended as parts of production machinery and not used to present a product as a sales unit;

1.1.6. flower pots intended to be used only for the selling and transporting of plants and not intended to stay with the plant;

1.1.7. glass bottles for injection solutions;

1.1.8. CD spindles (sold with CDs, not intended to be used as storage);

1.1.9. clothes hangers (sold with clothing items);

1.1.10. matchboxes;

1.1.11. sterile barrier systems (pouches, trays and materials necessary to preserve the sterility of the product);

1.1.12. beverage system capsules (e.g. coffee, cacao, milk) which are left empty after use;

1.1.13 refillable steel cylinders used for various kinds of gas, excluding fire extinguishers;

1.2. NON-PACKAGING:

1.2.1. bowls pots intended to stay with the plant throughout its life;

1.2. tool boxes;

1.2.3. tea bags;

1.2.4. wax layers around cheese;

1.2.5. sausage skins;

1.2.6. clothes hangers (sold separately);

1.2.7. beverage system coffee capsules, coffee foil pouches and coffee filters disposed together with the used coffee product;

1.2.8. cartridges for printers;

1.2.9. CD, DVD and video cases (sold together with a CD, DVD or video inside);

1.2.10. CD spindles (sold empty, intended to be used as storage);

1.2.11. soluble bags for detergents;

1.2.12. grave side lights (containers for candles);

1.2.13. mechanical quern (integrated in a refillable recipient, e.g. refillable pepper mill).

2. ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES FOR THE CRITERION SET OUT IN ARTICLE 2(21)(2):

2.1. PACKAGING, IF DESIGNED AND INTENDED TO BE FILLED AT THE POINT OF SALE:

2.1.1. paper or plastic carrier bags;

2.1.2. disposable plates and cups;

2.1.3. cling film;

2.1.4. sandwich bags;

2.1.5. aluminium foil;

2.1.6. plastic foil for cleaned clothes in laundries;

2.2. NON-PACKAGING:

2.2.1. mixing piece;

2.2.2. disposable cutlery;

2.2.3. wrapping paper (sold separately);

2.2.4. paper baking cases (sold empty);

2.2.5. cake doilies sold without a cake;

3. Illustrative examples for the criterion set out in Article 2(21)(3):

3.1. PACKAGING:

3.1. 1. labels hung on or attached to a product;

3.2. PACKAGING PART:

3.2.1. mascara brush which forms part of the container closure;

3.2.2. sticky labels attached to another packaging item;

3.2.3. staples;

3.2.4. plastic sleeves;

3.2.5. dispenser in the lid of the detergent packaging;

3.2.6. mechanical quern (integrated in a non-refillable recipient, filled with a product, e.g. pepper mill filled with pepper);

3.3. NON-PACKAGING:

3.3.1. radio frequency identification (RFID) tags.

THE LAW WAS COMPLEMENTED WITH A NEW ANNEX I: no. XII-545, 2013-10-08, Žin., 2013, no. 110-5429 (2013-10-19)

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