This year, Lithuania commemorates the tenth anniversary of its deposit return system for single-use packaging, which has led to dramatic positive changes in the country's environmental practices. According to reports, around 90% of beverage containers are returned annually, highlighting a sustainable habit that has developed over the decade and transformed public attitudes towards packaging. The results indicate a significant shift in consumer behavior, making it evident that the deposit return system has become an integral part of daily life in Lithuania.

A recent study by 'Spinter Research' reveals that 95% of Lithuanians are currently using the deposit return system, demonstrating widespread public support for this environmentally-friendly initiative. Over the ten years of its operation, more than 6.2 billion single-use containers have been returned, with plastic (PET) packaging accounting for over 3.3 billion returns, alongside more than 2.5 billion metal containers and over 366 million glass containers. These figures reflect a consistent and effective program that has resulted in tangible benefits for the environment.

The effectiveness of the deposit return system in Lithuania serves as a prominent example of how systematic and long-term efforts can yield significant environmental benefits. This milestone not only symbolizes environmental awareness among the population but also illustrates how collective participation in sustainable practices can lead to widespread change, paving the way for other countries to implement similar systems in their efforts to combat plastic waste and promote recycling.