The Deposit-Return System (DRS) was launched: 7 billion packages recovered annually from nature

RetuRO announces the official launch of the Deposit-Return System (DRS) in Romania, the country’s largest national circular economy project at the moment. Starting from November 30th, 2023, Romanians will pay a deposit of 0.50 RON for each drink purchased in glass, plastic, or metal packaging, ranging from 0.1 to 3 liters. These packages will be marked with the „Packaging with Guarantee” logo, indicating their eligibility for the system. Guarantee recovery will only be possible for these properly labeled packages.

The products that are part of the DRS will gradually reach store shelves, over a period of several months after the launch of the system on November 30, depending on the stock of products in non-DRS packaging existing in the market. Therefore, RetuRO recommends all Romanians not to stockpile packaging before the launch of the DRS. These will not be accepted at the return points, as they are not marked with the logo that certifies that they are guaranteed. Non-DRS packaging can still be returned through the classic selective collection method, used until now for the recovery of all types of packaging, at traditional collection points.

At the same time, it is essential to mention that non-DRS packages currently in stock with producers or retailers can be sold until June 30, 2024. After this date, all products eligible for DRS must be appropriately marked with the logo and specific barcode.

To ensure the efficiency of the return process, RetuRO recommends that packages must be returned intact, undamaged, and un-deformed. Containers should be emptied, the label should be visible and intact, which is crucial for identification, featuring the DRS symbol and a specific barcode.

The packages can be returned at any return point provided by retailers, where customers will receive their deposit back without needing to present a fiscal receipt, even if the product was not purchased from that location.