Icon system ensure smooth communication between producers, waste managers and the public
The Nordic Council of Ministers in Lithuania, the Ministry of the Environment and the representatives of campaign Darom are initiating a project on the possibilities of applying the waste labeling (pictogram) system operating in Denmark and other Nordic countries in Lithuania.
The project started last week with an expert workshop, during which it was discussed which and how the icons used in the Nordic countries could be applied in Lithuania.
In Denmark, a national waste labeling system was set up in 2016. Icons are designed to code different categories of waste with certain color codes. The icon system currently in use in most Danish municipalities, as well as in Sweden, is expected to become operational in Finland, Norway and Iceland in the near future.
Pictograms can be used not only for waste containers, but also for packaging placed on the market – the symbols ensure a visual connection between the packaging that has become waste and the waste container, the visualization provides clarity to the consumer, no additional questions on how to sort waste correctly.
During the implementation of the system, the Nordic countries consulted with experts, conducted surveys involving not only specialists from municipalities, waste management and recycling centers, business representatives, but also listened to the views of citizens. Lithuania will also use this experience of cooperation – discussions with experts will be initiated, and the general public survey is planned.
One of the main goals of the icon system is to ensure smooth communication between all actors in the waste sector – producers and importers, municipalities, waste managers and the public.
“The Danish example shows that this not only brings clarity, facilitates sorting, but also increases the confidence of waste managers that waste is actually reused or recycled when sorting. The Danish representatives emphasize that with the help of common symbols and colors we can understand each other without words. ”- Toma Buivydaitė, the communication project manager of the“ Let’s Do It ”campaign, spoke during the discussion.
