The Romanian DRS, the local success story with global impact
The Romanian Deposit-Return System launched on the local market 10 months ago has already crossed borders and gained international recognition following the significant results and progress that the system has confirmed so far. The Romanian DRS was among the topics discussed during the Climate Week NYC 2024, which was held in September in New York. The event is one of the traditional annual meetings bringing together world leaders and industry experts to discuss the most effective initiatives to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
This year’s edition of the Climate Week NYC covered a wide variety of topics, including sustainable living and circular economy, green energy solutions and policies, climate finance and investment, impact on health of climate change. Leaders from all over the world were invited to discuss effective solutions aimed to increase packaging recycling.
The Deposit Return System, the largest and most impactful circular economy project implemented so far in Romania, was a key point of the reunion and the presentation made by Gemma Webb, CEO of RetuRO, initiated an insightful discussion on how to use resources efficiently and how to minimize waste. The audience agreed on the challenge of having in place such an environmentally impactful project in such a short space of time and on the fact that it is a great achievement to make different industries, the government and citizens work together for a greater purpose.
Also, Gemma Webb highlighted that this was a necessary project for Romania, not only addressing environmental concerns, but also ensuring that the country’s recycling targets are met. Romania has constantly ranked among the last countries in Europe in this regard, with a 13% recycling rate.
“Presenting the Romanian DRS on one of the most important international stages when it comes to sustainability is a confirmation of the outstanding progress of the system so far. The implementation of the DRS was a race against time, but has proven extremely effective, delivering both quantitative and qualitative results that are remarkable, given the short time since its launch. The DRS is the largest circular economy project in Romania and the first initiative of its kind nationwide. It represents a significant step in aligning Romania with European countries that have long embraced recycling, reaching recycling rates of over 90%. Our ambition is to achieve similar success here in Romania, setting a path for us to lead in sustainability and environmental responsibility while also creating a habit of recycling among Romanians”, saidGemma Webb, CEO and Chairman of the RetuRO Board of Directors.
Today, less than a year since the DRS became operational, more than 2 billion DRS packages have been returned by consumers across the country, showing fantastic participation. RetuRO has delivered 110,000 tonnes of high-quality materials to recyclers, ensuring these valuable resources are returned to the market and not wasted, created over 800 green jobs, significantly impacting local communities, and has deployed an extensive infrastructure for processing the collected DRS packaging, which includes 7 counting and sorting centers already operational and having a cumulated processing capacity of over 7 billion containers annually.
Tangible benefits of the DRS are evident across Romania, from the visible reduction of litter in the green spaces to the appreciable decrease in packaging waste diverted from nature and landfills.
Romania, an example for other countries
The Romanian DRS’s complexity and geographical coverage are unique, making it a potential global benchmark for best practices. The Deposit-Return System in Romania is the largest fully integrated system globally and the second largest in Europe, after Germany.
Romania demonstrates, through the DRS, that it plays an active role in shaping a sustainable future locally and globally, providing concrete examples of best practices for other countries that wish to introduce similar measures.
“Looking forward, the Romanian DRS has the potential to become a benchmark for other countries that want to implement this type of system. I am confident that, through our presence at the Climate Week NYC, the success of the DSR will cross many borders and influence other countries to join global initiatives to protect the environment. Bringing the Romanian DRS to this important international audience is a recognition of our country’s efforts towards a greener future and an important step that underlines Romania’s strategic position in the international discussions about sustainability and the transition towards sustainable solutions”, added Gemma Webb.
The collective effort and commitment to generating long-term impact were highlighted among the critical success factors. The progress of the DRS so far has decisively relied on the continued support and participation of all parties involved – consumers, producers, retailers, authorities, recyclers, setting an example of cooperation across industries and between various stakeholders for achieving a more sustainable future for Romania and leaving a lasting legacy for younger generations.
