Turkey launches nationwide deposit‑return system for beverage containers

On 1 July 2026 Turkey's Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Ministry officially rolled out the Depozito Yönetim Sistemi (Deposit Management System), also called Depozitosu Olan Ambalajlar (DOA). The scheme operates in all 81 provinces and 973 districts, allowing citizens to return plastic, glass and aluminium beverage containers at dedicated machines in supermarkets, local shops and HOREKA venues. Each eligible container earns a 1 TL incentive credited to a digital wallet, which can be withdrawn at ATMs, transferred to bank accounts or used for purchases.

The programme is part of the government’s “Zero Waste” (Sıfır Atık) initiative and aims to collect about 25 billion containers a year, generating an estimated 30 billion TL boost to the economy. A pilot launched in Sakarya in February 2025 proved successful, leading to the nationwide expansion. Public officials, including Minister Murat Kurum and Emine Erdoğan, highlighted the environmental and economic benefits, while local authorities such as the Edirne governor announced the opening of a counting‑verification centre. Some regions, like Trabzon, are still awaiting the installation of return points. The system uses QR‑coded machines and a mobile app to log returns and credit users, reinforcing recycling and reducing litter.