Turkey's DOA system recycles 130 million beverage packages

The DOA system, implemented to improve the collection and recycling of beverage packaging, has successfully recycled 130 million units to date. According to the Turkey Environment Agency, which operates under the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the national integration process for the system began on July 1.

Under this incentive program, citizens receive 1 lira for every eligible package returned. The collected materials consist of approximately 67% PET, 17% aluminum, and 16% glass. The initiative has resulted in the prevention of 246 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the saving of 47,000 barrels of oil, and an energy saving of 11.4 gigawatt-hours.

The recycling process is digitally tracked. Packages submitted to Deposit Return Machines (DİM) are verified via barcodes and system information, compressed, and then collected by authorized field operators. Other materials collected from manual return points, such as hotels, restaurants, and cafes, are processed through counting and verification centers.