Türkiye is entering a historical turning point in its vision of environmental protection and recycling. As a result of the work carried out by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the highly anticipated Deposit Management System (DYS) is being put into operation simultaneously in 81 provinces and 973 districts as of July 1, 2026. This system, which aims to recycle plastic, glass and aluminum beverage packaging bearing the “Deposit Packaging” (DOA) logo, aims to both nature and contribute to preserve the family economy by paying citizens an incentive fee of 1 TL per package.

Highlights about the System:

• 1 TL Per Bottle:For each empty, durable and intact package with the DOA logo on it, users receive an instant transfer of 1 TL to their digital wallets.

• Digital Wallet Convenience:Accumulated balances are tracked via the DOA mobile application; It can be transferred to bank accounts, withdrawn from ATMs or spent at agreed points.

• BroadScope:The application is valid at all points across Türkiye, from markets to buffets, from hotels to restaurants, and it is aimed to recycle 25 billion packages annually.

What is the DOA System and How Does It Work?

DOA, that is, “Packaging with Deposit”, stands out as one of the most comprehensive waste management models developed in line with Turkey’s “Zero Waste” goal. The system, which was tested at a limited number of points in pilot regions in the past, is now spreading throughout the country with its prestige and becoming a standard practice. The basic logic of the system is that the consumer gets back the deposit paid when purchasing the product or integrated into the product packaging by returning the packaging.

To use the system, the DOA mobile application must first be downloaded to smartphones and a user profile must be created. After consuming their beverages, consumers take their empty packaging to return machines with the DOA logo or to authorized return points. During the process, the QR code is created through the application is scanned into the machine and the packages are dropped into the hopper. The system automatically verifies the suitability of the packaging and assigns the incentive fee to the digital wallet.

Things to Consider for Packaging Returns

There are some technical details that consumers should pay attention to in order to ensure the sustainability of the system and the correct operation of the machines. Firstly, all packaging to be returned must be DOA logoneeds to carry it. This logo symbolizes that the packaging is suitable for recycling and will be recognized by the system.

The second important issue is the preservation of the physical form of the packaging. In order for the machines to accurately scan the packaging via barcode and form, it is of great importance that the bottles or boxes are not crushed, their caps are in place and the labels on them are readable. If the form of the packaging is damaged, the system may not accept the packaging.

Great Contribution to Economy and Environment

Official information shows that billions of beverage packages go directly to the trash every year in Turkey, and this causes both raw material loss and environmental pollution. Thanks to this newly launched system, it is aimed to collect 25 billion packages annually and this process will contribute approximately 30 billion TL to the Turkish economy.

In addition, this system is not only an economic benefit, but also a critical step in reducing carbon emissions and saving power. Businesses such as hotels, restaurants and cafes also become a part of this environmentally friendly cycle by delivering the waste they collect within their own bodies to field operators. The system, which offers up to 200 returns per day, opens up an additional income source of up to 6,000 TL per month for active participants.