ANKARA

Türkiye's Deposit Management System aims to recycle more than 25 billion beverage packages annually, helping protect the environment while contributing nearly €520 million (approximately $612 million) to the economy.

The system, which was implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change under the leadership of first lady Emine Erdogan, ensures that plastic, glass, and aluminum packages bearing the "Deposit-Bearing Packages" (DOA) logo are collected through deposit return machines and recycled.

The ministry designated Sakarya as the pilot province and the Kizilcahamam district in Ankara as the pilot district for the rollout. Deposit return machines are also being installed in Erzurum, Mersin, Gaziantep, Samsun, Izmir, and Konya.

The system collects beverage packages at the source using return machines, allowing them to be separated cleanly and efficiently before entering the recycling process and being reused in production.

The initiative aims to increase recycling efficiency and reduce dependence on foreign sources for raw material supply.

Recycling more than 25 billion beverage packages annually is expected to reduce pollution, protect natural resources, and alleviate urban waste burdens.

At the same time, this transformation aims to generate economic value.

As the Deposit Management System becomes more widely used throughout the country, it is expected to contribute approximately €520 million to the economy each year.

By reintroducing recycled materials into production processes, the system supports energy savings, reduces carbon emissions, and strengthens the circular economy model.

The Istanbul-based Zero Waste Foundation, chaired by Emine Erdogan as its honorary president, supports the Deposit Management System as a key component of Türkiye’s broader Zero Waste initiative.

The foundation aims to reduce carbon emissions, optimize resource use, and make environmental performance measurable for all stakeholders.