RetuRO, the administrator of the Deposit-Return System, the largest circular economy project in Romania, announces record results ten months after implementation. In September, consumers returned 453 million containers, reaching a monthly collection rate of over 81 percent.
The Deposit-Return System has evolved considerably from month to month, with September’s results exceeding the previous record set in August, when the collection rate reached 78 percent.
In total, 2.32 billion containers were returned from December 2023 to September 2024. Since the system’s implementation in Romania, approximately 144,000 tonnes of packaging have been handed over by RetuRO to recyclers, thus ensuring the reintegration of materials into the economic circuit for the manufacture of new packaging, in line with the bottle-to-bottle principle.
“The remarkable results achieved by the DRS in such a short time reflect not only the necessity for this system but also the growing trust of Romanians, who consider the system a partner in efforts to reduce waste and promote recycling. The successful implementation of the Deposit-Return System in Romania is largely due to a solid legislative framework that has facilitated the engagement and cooperation of all actors involved – from authorities, producers, large and small retailers, and consumers. Without a clear legislative framework and the obligations stipulated by law, it is unlikely that the adoption of this system would have been as rapid and extensive. Equally, the support of the current government, which understood the importance of this project for the future of sustainability in Romania, was vital during the implementation phase of the Deposit-Return System, through its willingness to analyse and discuss proposals for adapting the legislative framework to ensure a better functioning of the system, so that it best meets the expectations and needs of all parties involved. This example highlights the fundamental role of regulation in catalysing positive market changes”, says Gemma Webb, CEO and President of RetuRO Board of Directors.
To ensure the proper functioning of the DRS in Romania, RetuRO has developed an extensive infrastructure, with seven regional counting and sorting centers already operational, located in the counties of Prahova (Ariceștii Rahtivani), Dolj (Almăj), Bacău (Nicolae Bălcescu), Brașov, Cluj (Bonțida), Ilfov (Otopeni) and Timiș (Giarmata). These, along with centers managed in partnership with other operators nationwide, allow for the processing of over 7 billion packages per year. At the same time, by expanding the infrastructure, RetuRO has created over 800 green jobs, consolidating its social and economic impact.
