Latvia is currently implementing an ill-conceived and expensive bio-waste management system, and it is behind schedule. This is the conclusion of an audit by the State Audit Office. The implementation of the system has been significantly delayed because it is being carried out chaotically, without coordinated management or cooperation with all stakeholders. If the current approach is not "restarted", the intended system will be costly for the country and unfriendly to its residents; furthermore, potential European Union (EU) sanctions for failing to implement the system on time could have a negative impact on the state budget.

Regarding the findings of the State Audit Office:

• A system for the separate collection and processing of bio-waste (BW) was required to be implemented by the end of 2023.
• The implementation of the separate BW collection system in Latvia is slow; it will not be possible to establish it nationwide in a timely manner.
• Latvia could face EU sanctions, which could amount to as much as 11.6 million euros per year.
• In Latvia, the process currently only covers the middle stage of the BW system – waste collection and processing.
• The chosen solutions are expensive; the implementation of the initial and final stages is significantly "lame".
• The emphasis on anaerobic processing of BW may unjustifiably increase the costs of BW management.
• Costs could be reduced by using the final processed product, but there is no regulatory framework in place.
• Overall coordination of state policy is ineffective; the process is neither systematic nor harmonised.
• Public awareness activities regarding the importance of waste sorting have been insufficient.
• Municipalities have also been slow to demonstrate separate BW collection by their own example.
• Even though "the ship has almost sailed", it is still possible to reduce costs.