Türkiye’s new deposit system aims to recycle 25 billion packages yearly

Türkiye has launched a comprehensive national Deposit Management System designed to dramatically increase the recycling of beverage containers. The initiative, overseen by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, targets the collection and recycling of more than 25 billion plastic, glass, and aluminum packages each year, with an estimated annual economic contribution of €520 million.

How the deposit return system works

The system mandates that beverage packages marked with a special "Deposit-Bearing Packages" (DOA) logo be returned via automated collection machines. These reverse vending machines allow for the clean and efficient separation of materials at the source, ensuring high-quality input for the recycling stream. The recycled materials are then fed back into production cycles, reducing the need for virgin raw material imports and supporting a domestic circular economy. The rollout began with pilot programs in Sakarya province and Ankara's Kizilcahamam district, with machines now being installed in major cities including Istanbul, Izmir, Gaziantep, and Konya.

Environmental and economic impact

The program's scale is expected to yield significant environmental benefits by substantially lowering pollution, conserving natural resources, and alleviating municipal waste burdens. Economically, the system is projected to generate nearly half a billion euros annually by creating value from waste, stimulating the recycling sector, and decreasing dependency on foreign materials. By reintegrating recycled content into manufacturing, the initiative also promotes energy savings and a reduction in carbon emissions, aligning with global climate goals.

Part of the broader Zero Waste vision

This deposit system is a cornerstone of Türkiye's expansive Zero Waste Project, which enjoys high-level advocacy. The Istanbul-based Zero Waste Foundation, whose honorary president is First Lady Emine Erdogan, actively supports the initiative. The foundation's goals are to cut carbon emissions, optimize resource efficiency, and provide measurable environmental performance metrics. The program exemplifies Türkiye's commitment to sustainable development and positions the country as an emerging leader in innovative environmental management within its region.