The Deposit-Bearing Packaging (DOA) System began implementation across Turkey as of July 1, 2026. Within the scope of the practice coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, deposit-bearing beverage containers can be returned in 81 provinces and 973 districts.
Citizens will be able to receive a 1 TL incentive payment per package by delivering eligible plastic, glass, and aluminum beverage containers bearing the DOA logo to return machines or return centers. Payments will be transferred to the users' DOA digital wallets.
With the system launched as part of the Zero Waste Movement, it is aimed to bring approximately 25 billion beverage containers into the recycling chain every year. In addition to its environmental contribution, the application is intended to provide an annual economic benefit of approximately 30 billion liras.
HOW TO FIND RETURN POINTS?
In the DOA system, return transactions can be made through DOA Return Machines and DOA Return Centers. Chain stores, supermarkets, grocery stores, kiosks, and HOREKA businesses, which include hotels, restaurants, and cafes, will also serve as return points.
Those who want to learn the nearest return point will be able to use the “Find Return Point” section in the DOA mobile application or the “Where Do I Return?” page on the DOA website. By selecting province, district, and neighborhood information, the nearest return point can be displayed.
A user will be able to return a maximum of 200 containers per day in the system. The container to be returned must be empty, unbroken, not crushed, and its integrity must not be compromised. In addition, it is required that the DOA mark be present on the packaging.
Only single-use PET, glass, and aluminum beverage containers between 0.10 liters and 3.01 liters have been included in the system. Products not bearing the DOA logo, milk and dairy product packaging, and cardboard and paper-based packaging cannot be returned.
HOW DOES THE SYSTEM WORK?
To benefit from the deposit return system, users must become a member of the system via the DOA mobile application or website. If a return machine is to be used, the machine's screen is touched first, and then the “Return” option in the mobile application is opened.
After the QR code on the machine is scanned with a mobile phone, the deposit-bearing containers are dropped into the machine's feeding section one by one. When the process is completed, the incentive amount is instantly reflected in the user's DOA digital wallet. A similar process can also be performed by scanning the QR code on the attendant's device at DOA Return Centers.
Users will be able to monitor their wallet balances and monthly environmental gains through the application. Accumulated amounts can be transferred to bank accounts, withdrawn as cash from ATMs, or used for shopping at contracted markets.
While a payment of 25 kuruş per package was made during the pilot application period, this amount was increased to 1 TL as of July 1, 2026, with the start of the nationwide application.
News Source: 12punto
