Getliņi EKO Landfill: sustainable waste and water management
About this good practice
Getliņi, one of Latvia's most polluted sites, began as a waste dump in 1973. Waste, including household, construction, and chemical types, was dumped onto a bog without any soil preparation. This poor environmental choice led to groundwater pollution, especially in shallow aquifers. Pollution spread into groundwater towards the Daugava River (one of the River Basin Districts) until Latvia joined the EU in 2004 and took steps to protect water resources and to comply with EU water directives.
Today, Getliņi EKO is one of Europe's most advanced landfills. It has protective geotextile and clay layers around disposal sites. It also has a wastewater collection and treatment system. Getliņi EKO has made significant efforts to protect groundwater and surface water. The old waste was divided into biodegradation cells and covered with clay layers. Around 170 wells were installed to capture gases for heat production. This keeps waste disposal costs for Riga inhabitants the lowest in the Baltics. Getliņi EKO focuses on waste recycling, considering waste as a resource, and educating the public about environmental issues. Since 2010, energy from waste has powered greenhouses for growing tomatoes and cucumbers. Sheep graze to maintain the grounds, highlighting Getliņi EKO’s innovative approach to waste management. However, some old waste sites still pose water management risks, shallow aquifers are polluted, but remediation requires substantial resources and political will.
Resources needed
Large investments over last 20 years, i.e. EU Cohesion Fund project “Creation of a biodegradable waste processing facility at a landfill”, total budget 39m EUR, also as a partner in EU ERDF project “CERITA” (total budget 1.5m EUR) and EU EAFRD project No.18-00-A01612-000017 (company budget 235k EUR)
Evidence of success
Getliņi EKO is praised for transforming historical waste dump into an advanced landfill with major environmental benefits. Getliņi EKO manages wastewater and uses geotextile and clay layers to protect water and reduce pollution risks. Wells capture gases for energy production, lowering Riga’s waste disposal costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Energy from waste powers greenhouses for popular vegetables, while recycling treats waste as a resource, demonstrating sustainable innovation.
Potential for learning or transfer
Getliņi EKO provides valuable lessons for regions aiming for sustainable waste and water management. Its success lies in reducing new pollution risks from waste disposal and mitigating historical ones. Getliņi EKO sees waste as a resource. It captures landfill gases for energy, and this lowers heating costs and cuts greenhouse emissions. Using energy generated from waste in greenhouses boosts sustainability and food production in the region and increases the public's trust in authorities.
Successful transfer requires regulatory support, community engagement, and technology investment. Challenges include initial infrastructure costs and adapting practices to local conditions. Ensuring adequate training and public education is essential for maximizing benefits. By addressing these factors, other regions can replicate Getliņi EKO’s model for improved environmental and economic outcomes.