Türkiye’s DOA deposit recycling system hits 3M users with 130M containers returned

TÜRKIYE – Türkiye’s Deposit Management System for Packaging has reached 3 million active registered users on its mobile application, with more than 130 million beverage containers returned for recycling since the nationwide launch on 1 July 2026.  

The system, operated by the Turkish Environment Agency under the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, offers citizens TL 1 (US$0.03) per eligible package returned, with payments transferred to their DOA Wallet. 

Among the returned containers, approximately 67 percent are PET, 17 percent aluminium and 16 percent glass.

Regional Participation and Environmental Impact

Antalya, Izmir and Istanbul are the provinces showing the highest levels of interest, with both return point usage and system participation significantly higher than in other regions. 

Since the system’s launch, the recycling of 130 million containers has prevented approximately 246 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, saved 47,000 barrels of oil, and achieved 11.4 gigawatt-hours of energy savings. 

Environment Minister Murat Kurum stated that with the deposit return system, the country has entered a new phase, with citizens now bringing their waste to deposit return points and receiving payment for every package they bring.

DOA Wallet and Future Incentive Models

DOA Wallet balances can be used for purchases, transferred to bank accounts, withdrawn from ATMs or applied to bill payments, enabling citizens to use their recycling incentives for everyday needs. 

Authorities are also introducing campaigns such as the “100,000 Packaging Challenge” to encourage more active participation and promote recycling habits. 

Future plans include expanding DOA Wallet functionality and introducing different incentive and participation models to make the system more attractive.

How the DOA System Works

The system targets PET, glass and aluminium beverage containers bearing the DOA logo. Containers returned to Reverse Vending Machines are verified through barcode scanning, counted, and digitally recorded before being directed to recycling facilities. 

Manual Return Points, including hotels, restaurants and cafes, collect containers that are then verified at counting centres, separated into PET, glass and aluminium streams, and sent to licensed recycling facilities. 

The entire process, from market placement to return, collection and recycling, is monitored through digital infrastructure. 

The system has been operating at 81 provinces and 973 municipalities with 1,148 reverse vending machines installed across the country.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE