Is Lithuania’s food waste crisis unique to Vilnius?

As Vilnius grapples with a waste management crisis, questions arise over whether its struggles with food waste sorting are unique. An investigation by LRT.lt reveals that other Lithuanian regions have adopted different approaches, often without the orange bag system used in the capital.

Vilnius has faced ongoing waste management challenges, partly due to improper sorting of food waste. For the past two years, the capital has required residents to separate food waste into orange bags before disposing of them in mixed waste containers. While dedicated food waste containers exist, many remain inaccessible to residents.

Elsewhere in Lithuania, the situation differs. Most regions provide separate containers for food waste, and local authorities confirm that the type of bag used for food and kitchen waste is irrelevant—as long as it ends up in the correct container.

Panevėžys: Any bag works, as long as the container is right

Karolina Grubinskienė, deputy head of the City Infrastructure Division at Panevėžys Municipality, told LRT.lt that since January 1, 2024, EU waste framework directives have required the separation of biodegradable food and kitchen waste from the general waste stream. Lithuania’s National Waste Prevention and Management Plan for 2021–2027 also mandates that municipalities ensure residents can properly sort such waste.

Panevėžys has implemented a food and kitchen waste sorting system that currently operates smoothly. Residents in apartment buildings received 7-litre food waste bins and sorting guides, while those in individual homes were provided with 120-litre containers, smaller bins, and sorting instructions. The system allows convenient at-home sorting, with waste disposed of in designated containers—either shared for apartment complexes or private for individual homes.

Unlike Vilnius, Panevėžys does not use orange bags. Residents can use any household bag for food waste, as long as it is securely tied and placed in the designated food waste containers. Even reused bags, such as those from supermarkets, are acceptable.