Turkey has launched a nationwide deposit return scheme (DRS) for plastic, glass, and metal beverage containers, recording 1,547,850 items recycled on its first day of operation, July 1. According to Turkey’s Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, the system registered 649,244 users within the first day. The initiative, which operates across all 81 provinces and 973 municipalities, incentivizes recycling by offering one Turkish lira (0.02 euro) per container returned to designated DOA-branded machines.
How the DOA Deposit System Works
To participate, citizens must download the DOA mobile application and create a digital profile. The system functions by scanning a unique QR code generated by the app, which the user presents to the deposit machine before inserting their empty containers. Once the machine verifies the item, the credit is transferred to the user’s digital wallet in the app.
Minister Kurum confirmed that the earned funds are flexible. Users can transfer the balance to a bank account, withdraw cash from ATMs, or spend the credit directly at participating retail chains and partnered merchants. This financial model represents an increase from the previous 0.25 lira (0.004 euro) incentive to 1 Turkish lira (0.02 euro).
Economic and Environmental Impact
The Turkish government projects that the nationwide deployment of these machines will enable the collection of 25 billion containers annually, with an estimated contribution to the economy of about 30 billion Turkish lira (565 million euros).
By placing machines in high-traffic areas like supermarkets, shopping centers, grocery stores, buffets, gas stations, universities, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and cafes, the ministry aims to normalize container return as a daily habit. The goal, as stated by Minister Kurum, is to ensure every collected package is processed through recycling to support a cleaner future.
Future Trends in Automated Recycling
The Turkish model integrates QR-based mobile wallets with physical collection infrastructure.
As the network of machines grows, the government aims to meet the annual target of collecting 25 billion containers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What containers are accepted by the DOA machines?
The system currently accepts plastic bottles, glass bottles, and metal cans.
How do I receive my money?
Funds are deposited into your DOA digital wallet. From there, you can move them to a bank account, use an ATM, or spend them at contracted retail stores.
Can I use any machine for the 1-lira reward?
No. You must use machines specifically marked with the DOA logo to qualify for the 1-lira incentive.
Is there a limit on how many containers I can return?
The provided sources do not state a limit on the number of containers.
Are you using the new DOA system in your local area? Share your experience with the app in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on national environmental policy.
