Starting July 1: Cash refunds for returning empty bottles
Turkey is preparing to fully implement the deposit-based packaging return system starting July 1, 2026. Citizens will have the opportunity to receive their refund amounts directly in cash by delivering their waste to collection machines.
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An important eco-friendly practice is beginning across Turkey. Starting July 1, 2026, a deposit system for glass, plastic, and aluminum beverage packaging will become mandatory nationwide. Experts state that this step will not only protect the environment but also make a significant contribution to the economy.
With the Deposit-Based Packaging (DOA) system, implemented under the leadership of the Turkish Environment Agency (TÜÇA), the waste tracking process is becoming fully digitized. In this system, all stages of packaging from production to recycling will be recorded. The goal is to both prevent the waste of raw materials and minimize the amount of waste left in nature.
Under the new process starting in July, grocery stores, markets, cafes, restaurants, hotels, kiosks, and many commercial businesses will serve as return points. Additionally, areas such as shopping malls, hospitals, and airports will be integrated into the system as recycling centers.
The businesses in question are required to register with the Deposit Information Management System (DBYS). Registration can be completed at the "dbys.gov.tr" address, and businesses can choose the operator that suits them through the system.
With the implementation, citizens will now leave their glass, plastic, or aluminum beverage packaging bearing the DOA logo at designated machines or collection points. The refund amount obtained for each piece of packaging will be transferred to the user's digital account. The accumulated balance can be sent to a bank account, spent on shopping, or, for those who wish, withdrawn as cash from an ATM.
Businesses participating in the system will also benefit from various incentives. Support payments will be provided to workplaces at certain rates in accordance with the contracts they make with the system operators they choose. Furthermore, an increase in commercial activity is anticipated due to the additional customer traffic created by citizens coming for recycling purposes.
TÜÇA expects this system, which will become widespread across the country, to contribute approximately 30 billion TL annually to the economy. Thus, the goal is to use resources more efficiently and to spread recycling habits.