However, in comparison with the indicators for the previous year, the republic slightly reduced the volume of processing

Eurostat estimates that 41.5 percent of plastic packaging waste was recycled in the EU in 2018. It is noted that more than half of this waste has been recycled by the seven EU Member States.

In 2018, the highest level of recycling of plastic packaging waste was registered in Lithuania (69.3 percent), followed by Slovenia (60.4 percent – 2017 data), Bulgaria (59.2), Czech Republic (57), Cyprus (54 , 3), Slovakia (51.4) and Spain (50.7 percent).

In contrast, less than one third of plastic packaging waste was recycled in Malta (19.2 percent – 2017 data), France (26.9), Hungary (30), Ireland (31 percent), Finland (31.1), Denmark (31.5), Austria (31.9) and Luxembourg (32.3 percent).

Lithuania also became the leader in plastic recycling in 2017. Then she recycled 74 percent of all plastic waste.

In 2019, the government of the republic decided to fine sellers who give out plastic bags to buyers for free. The fine for an individual is 30-60 euros, and for a legal entity – from 100 to 200 euros.

A year earlier, the European Parliament approved a ban on the use of single-use plastic products, which is due to come into force in 2021. The list included plastic tableware and cutlery, cotton swabs, cocktail straws and stirrers, and balloon holders.