All you need to know about Türkiye’s new deposit return system

The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change has announced that Türkiye will implement the Deposit-Eligible Packaging (Depozitosu Olan Ambalajlar, DOA) system nationwide by the end of 2025.

This deposit return initiative expands the “Zero Waste” movement, which aims to reduce waste, boost recycling and achieve Türkiye’s 2053 Net Zero Emissions goal.

Deposit return system simplifies recycling and rewards consumers

The Deposit Management System (Depozito Yonetim Sistemi—DYS) ensures consumers pay a small deposit when buying beverages in specific packaging.

After consuming the product, consumers return the packaging to designated machines or collection points to receive a refund. This program, inspired by successful international systems, is designed to increase recycling rates across the country.

How consumers can use DOA mobile application for refunds

The DOA system features a mobile application available for free on Android and iOS. Consumers scan QR codes to operate deposit return machines and receive refunds directly into their digital wallets within the app.

These refunds can be used at participating retailers, restaurants, and markets or transferred to personal bank accounts through Türkiye Emlak Katilim Bank’s infrastructure.

The ministry began the program with a pilot initiative in Sakarya and plans to expand it to all provinces and districts by the end of 2025. By then, 5,000 deposit return machines will operate across the country.

Recycling packaging and saving resources with DOA system

The DOA system delivers several benefits:

• Ensures the collection and recycling of packaging directly at the source.
• Conserves natural resources by replacing primary raw materials with recycled alternatives.
• Reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions.
• Promotes a circular economy and strengthens the Zero Waste initiative.

The ministry estimates that the system will recycle approximately 25 billion packages annually, generating $530 million in economic value. Since August 2023, 22 billion beverage containers have been labeled with the DOA logo and distributed nationwide.

Glass, plastic, and aluminum packaging eligible for refunds

The program applies to single-use glass, plastic, and aluminum beverage containers ranging in size from 0.1 liters to 3 liters.

Only containers marked with the DOA logo qualify for refunds. This design motivates consumers to return used packaging, reducing landfill waste and encouraging sustainable habits.

Collaborative efforts to drive implementation of DOA system

The Turkish Environmental Agency (TUCA) manages the program with support from the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) and the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK).

The ministry emphasized the essential role of public and private sector cooperation in ensuring the program’s success.

The DOA system marks a critical step in addressing environmental challenges and transitioning to a circular economy in Türkiye.