Temu discovers that waste isn't waste if you report it correctly: contract signed with Green Belt for honest waste sorting

While Riga is still pondering whether a plastic bottle should go in plastic or glass, Chinese trading giant "Temu" has already signed a contract with "Green Belt" on how to properly handle waste in Latvia. The agreement will come into effect on April 1st, 2026, which is a perfect date for such an event.

"Green Belt" chairman Jānis Lapsa announced that now all "Temu" buyers will be able to peacefully throw their Chinese wonders into official waste collection points without worrying about environmental pollution. As one Liepāja resident said: "I've been waiting for ages to throw my plastic phone case with sparkly stones into the right container."

"Temu" was founded only in 2022, but already operates in 90 markets worldwide, which is more than "Liepājas Metalurgs" has players in its roster. True, "Metalurgs" fans are much more fanatical than any "Temu" buyer waiting months for their order.

"Green Belt's" turnover in 2024 was 17 million euros, which is almost as much as Liepāja spends on wind generator repairs per year. The company's profit did decrease by 47 percent, but that only proves that the waste business isn't as simple as it seems. At least now everyone will know where to put their electronic wonders when they stop working after a week.