Türkiye’s DOA deposit recycling scheme returns 7.6M containers in five days, aims for 25B yearly

TÜRKIYE – Türkiye’s newly launched deposit return recycling system has collected 7.6 million beverage containers in its first five days, with Environment Minister Murat Kurum reporting 1.3 million registered users as the initiative rapidly gains public acceptance.

The Deposit Return System (DOA), introduced nationwide on July 1, rewards consumers with 1 Turkish Lira (US$0.03) for every eligible plastic, glass and aluminum beverage container returned through designated reverse vending machines or collection points.

Speaking at a ceremony in Istanbul’s Beykoz district, Kurum said the rapid public uptake exceeded expectations, with 7.6 million beverage packages collected within the first five days. 

Long Queues Form as Public Embraces Incentive

Interest in the initiative has led to long queues forming at deposit return machines in Istanbul and several other provinces as people brought bags of used plastic bottles, glass bottles and aluminum cans to be processed one by one. 

Once scanned, the returned containers enter the recycling chain, while the corresponding payments are credited to users’ digital wallets. 

Supermarket chains, grocery stores, kiosks and businesses, including hotels, restaurants and cafes, also serve as collection points, storing returned containers before transferring them to authorized operators. 

Participants can later withdraw their accumulated balance in cash through partner banks, providing a financial incentive alongside the environmental benefits of recycling.

Economic and Environmental Targets

Kurum said the government expects the system to expand significantly in the coming years. Once fully implemented nationwide, officials aim to collect as many as 25 billion beverage containers annually, generating an estimated 30 billion liras (US$870 million) in economic value each year through increased recycling and resource recovery. 

The deposit return system forms part of Türkiye’s broader environmental strategy to reduce waste, improve recycling infrastructure and promote a circular economy. 

The scheme is being implemented under Türkiye’s Zero Waste initiative and managed by the Turkish Environment Agency (TÜÇA). 

Officials expect participation to continue growing as more return machines are installed across the country and public awareness of the program increases. 

The DOA app’s digital wallet system allows users to track their refunds in real time, while the collected materials are sorted and processed into high-quality recycled feedstock for manufacturers.

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