30 November marks one year since the launch of the deposit return system (DRS) in Romania, promoting the separate collection of drink containers for recycling. This system gives a financial value to containers, incentivizing consumers to return them and actively participate in reducing litter and ensuring the transition to a circular economy.
Year in review: Key achievements and impact
In its first year of operation, the DRS has demonstrated a considerable impact. More than 3 billion containers have been returned so far. According to RetuRo SGR, Romania's deposit return system operator, the national collection rate for eligible containers reached 84%, in October, an increase from an 80% return rate in September and 89% in August. These results underline the enthusiastic support of consumers, but also the efficiency of DRS.
"In just one year, the deposit return scheme has shown that Romania can be a successful model in responsible packaging management. The active participation of consumers, the involvement of retailers and the adoption of innovative solutions have turned this project into a success story for the environment and the community", says Dorin Mihai, General Manager of TOMRA Collection Romania.
The implementation process was extensive, involving consumers, retailers, producers, and technical and logistical solutions suppliers. Retailers played a crucial role in the development of the program, by hosting return locations for empty containers.
TOMRA Collection's role in advancing sustainability
TOMRA Collection Romania has played a crucial role in the success of Romania's DRS. As a supplier of reverse vending machines (RVMs) across the country, the company has helped streamline the collection process, making it easier for consumers to return their containers for recycling. TOMRA’s cutting-edge technology ensures that materials are separately collected for recycling.
In addition to installing and maintaining these machines, TOMRA Collection Romania has supported DRS through diverse educational initiatives.
"The introduction of the deposit return system in Romania has been a milestone for the country's environmental efforts. We are thrilled to have played a role in increasing collecting rates and reducing waste. We are excited about the future. The collaboration between TOMRA, retailers and RetuRo has been key in developing this program, and we are committed to continuing our work toward a more sustainable Romania," added Dorin Mihai.
What the DRS delivers for Romania
The implementation of the DRS is a significant step for Romania to achieve its European Union commitments for collection and recycling from the Single-Use Plastics Directive. The targets for plastic bottles include a separate collection rate of 77% by 2025 and 90% by 2029. Through the DRS, Romania plans to achieve a minimum 90% collection rate as of 2026, ensuring drink containers can be transformed into secondary raw material to produce new containers.
Romania joins other European countries, such as Latvia, Slovakia and Malta, which launched similar systems in 2022 and achieved a collection rate of over 80% in the second year of operation.
For consumers, the DRS in Romania has provided an easy and efficient way to return containers, with RVMs now present at numerous locations, including hypermarkets, supermarkets or shopping centers, and rural stores. As a result, the national collection rate has risen, and Romania is on track to meet its goals.
The implementation of DRS plays an important role in protecting the environment, lowering of CO₂ emissions, contributing to the prevention of waste pollution, and the conservation of natural resources.
Looking ahead: TOMRA Collection’s continued commitment
With the support of all stakeholders, Romania can achieve and even exceed its objectives. Every returned container is a step forward towards a circular economy.
TOMRA Collection remains committed to supporting Romania's sustainable future by further improving collecting and processing infrastructure.
"The deposit return system has demonstrated, in its first year of operation, that Romania can properly address the challenges concerning container waste. This system represents not only a practical solution, but also a collective commitment to a circular economy and reduced litter. At TOMRA we will continue to innovate and launch new solutions, listening carefully to the requirements and needs of our partners", concluded Dorin Mihai.
