DRS, the national program that motivated Romanians to recycle: over 3 billion containers collected in the first year

RetuRO, the administrator of the Deposit Return System, marks on November 30 one year since the implementation of the largest circular economy project in Romania, aimed at improving national recycling rates in line with the targets set by the European Union for member states. 12 months after the launch of this national program, the results confirm the success of the system, with over 3 billion DRS containers returned by consumers so far, revolutionising the management of packaging waste and motivating citizens to contribute to protecting the environment.

Since its launch, the Deposit Return System has seen results increase monthly. In October this year, the DRS reached a new record, with a monthly collection rate of 84%, up from September (80%) and August (78%). RetuRO has handed over to recyclers more than 200,000 tonnes of sorted and processed containers in RetuRO centres across the country, stimulating the recycling industry and supporting the reintegration of packaging materials back into the economic cycle.

“We are happy to celebrate a year of real change for Romania in embracing sustainable practices. With over 3 billion containers returned during its first year of operation and collection rates of over 80% in September and October, the Deposit Return System has demonstrated that a bold vision can become a reality when civil society and business community share the same goal. This success is made possible thanks to the consumers, producers, retailers and authorities who have worked hard to make this program work. The remarkable figures achieved in these 12 months reflect both environmental benefits and cultural change. This first year is just the beginning of a success story. The future of sustainability is taking shape, and Romania has a great chance of becoming a best practice example of the circular economy”, said Gemma Webb, CEO and Chairman of the Board of RetuRO.

To finance implementing and developing the Deposit Return System, the company secured a green loan of 85 million euros in the summer of 2023, guaranteed by the shareholder-producers through corporate guarantees. This year, RetuRO invested 60 million euros from the budget dedicated exclusively for investment in infrastructure development to support the system’s operations: a network of seven operational DRS packaging counting and sorting centres strategically located in the country – in Prahova, Dolj, Bacău, Brașov, Cluj, Ilfov, and Timiș counties, with an annual processing capacity of over 7 billion containers. Plans to expand the regional centres involve opening two more units in the coming months, thus strengthening the system’s capacity.

In addition to contributing to a cleaner environment, RetuRO DRS has created more than 800 green jobs nationwide, both through its headquarters operations and its regional centres, contributing significantly to the social and economic development of local communities. The whole system, however, has a much broader impact on the labour market, as it involves numerous third-party providers who recruit staff dedicated to the DRS operations. The DRS thus indirectly impacts various industries such as logistics, transportation, and the recycling sector.