Let's keep going!
Take an extra set of orange bags!
Map
The map shows locations where food waste buckets and disposable orange bags are distributed to city residents.
Food waste sorting tools can be collected from all elderships of the capital and from bulky waste collection sites (BWCS) in Vilnius.
What is defined as food waste?
How will the changes affect Vilnius residents?
From 1 January 2024, residents of Vilnius City must separate their food waste. Vilnius residents are encouraged to collect food waste at home in orange disposable bags, which can be conveniently placed in a specially designed bucket. The bags should be tightly tied and disposed of in mixed municipal waste containers.
The orange colour of the bags allows this waste to be identified at the Vilnius mechanical-biological treatment (MBT) facilities, separated from the overall waste stream, and recycled more efficiently. Food waste is composted and the bags are recycled.
Why is this important?
Sorting food waste is important from an environmental, economic, and social point of view:
- Responsibly sorted waste will not go to landfill.
- Separately collected and managed, food waste can be turned into natural fertiliser and used to produce biogas and compost.
- Separating food waste prevents it from contaminating other mixed municipal waste entering the stream, increasing recyclability.
- Sorting food waste also promotes an important social change of reducing the generation of food waste and food wastage.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Vilnius introducing a new sorting procedure?
Lithuanian municipalities are obliged to manage food waste separately from 2024 under Lithuanian legislation, a change driven by an EU Directive that has been implemented by all European Union (EU) Member States. Separating food waste from the overall stream allows for greater overall recycling efficiency, conservation of natural resources, reduction of food wastage, and realisation of the potential for recycling food waste.
When did the new food waste sorting procedure come into force?
The new food waste sorting procedure came into force on 1 January 2024.
How should I sort food waste from 1 January 2024?
Vilnius residents are encouraged to collect food waste at home in orange disposable bags, which can be conveniently placed in a specially designed bucket. The bags should be tightly tied and disposed of in mixed municipal waste containers. Sorting tools can be collected from all elderships of the capital and from bulky waste collection sites (BWCS) in Vilnius.
Where can I pick up orange bags and buckets?
Currently they can be collected from all elderships of the capital and from bulky waste collection sites (BWCS) in Vilnius. Mobile distribution points near shopping centres will no longer be open from February 2025. Click here for a map showing the exact locations.
Attention! We are happy to see how active Vilnius residents have been in collecting their food waste sorting buckets — there are very few left. So we strongly encourage those who have not yet taken their buckets to hurry up and do so and contribute to sustainable food waste sorting.
What details do I need to provide when I arrive to collect my sorting tools?
Upon arrival, you must state your residential address in Vilnius.
Can those who have not declared their residence in Vilnius collect bags and buckets?
Yes, they can. They will need to state their residential address in Vilnius at the time of collection.
Can legal persons collect sorting tools?
The containers (buckets) are distributed only to residents under the terms of the grant agreement. Bags are distributed to legal persons as well, if they do not manage food waste under a separate contract with a waste manager. From February 2025 onwards, 5 rolls of bags (one roll contains 25 bags) are distributed free of charge. It is estimated that this number of bags should last for 12 months.
What do I do if I am unable to come to collect the bags and containers (buckets)?
You can sort your food waste using bags you have bought yourself, as long as the bags are orange. During the recycling process, food waste will be separated from the rest of the waste based on the colour of the bag. We also encourage city residents to show solidarity and take care of relatives, neighbours, and friends who are unable to collect their own food waste containers and bags.
What waste should I put in the orange bags?
Throw away food that is no longer fit for consumption (be sure to remove the packaging), rinds, peelings, leftover bits, tea and coffee grounds, tea bags, houseplants and their parts, paper towels and napkins used in the kitchen, food supplements that are no longer fit for consumption (be sure to remove the packaging), and other biodegradable food waste of organic origin.
What do I do with a full orange bag?
Once food waste has been collected, the full bag should be tied tightly with a double knot (to prevent spillage) and disposed of in a mixed waste container.
For how long will the orange bags be enough?
From February 2025 onwards, 5 rolls of bags (one roll contains 25 bags) are distributed to residents free of charge. It is estimated that this number of bags should last for 12 months.
Where do I go when the orange bags run out?
Currently, residents have the opportunity to take 5 rolls of bags. It is estimated that this number should last for 12 months.
Click here for a map showing the exact locations.
It should be noted that, given the different sorting habits of the residents, additional bags are available for purchase in shopping centres if there is a need for additional bags.
What is the size of the bucket?
The size of the bucket is 25 cm x 18 cm x 24 cm.
How is the waste sorted after it has been disposed of in containers?
Food waste in orange bags is identified by the colour of the bag and separated from other mixed waste during sorting. And the bags themselves are separated and recycled separately.
Will the new procedure cost extra?
From 1 January 2024, Vilnius residents’ waste management bills will be slightly higher. There will be no extra expenses for food waste collection and removal.
Does the use of bags for sorting conflict with environmental objectives?
Bags distributed to residents are made of at least 90% recycled materials. Plastic orange bags are separated and recycled.
What benefits will the new sorting procedure bring?
Separating food waste from mixed municipal waste will improve the quality and recyclability of other waste. In addition, separately collected food waste can provide a product that is widely applicable and used for composting or natural gas production. Separation and sorting of food waste can reduce food wastage.
Contact
If you have any questions about food waste sorting, please contact atliekuetiketas@vaatc.lt
If you have any questions about general waste sorting, please contact info@vaatc.lt or call (8 5) 213 0397
For more information on waste management, click here.