The Times described Türkiye’s Deposit-bearing Packaging (DOA) System, implemented nationwide on July 1, as one of the world’s most advanced deposit return systems. It was stated that the system, which operates through QR codes, digital tracking infrastructure and return machines, could process approximately 25 billion packages annually.
The report said that DOA is expected to contribute approximately $1 billion to reducing the current-account deficit and create employment for approximately 20 thousand people. COP31 President and Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum also said that well-designed deposit systems could increase collection and recycling rates, providing industry with high-quality recycled material.
Why it matters
The system’s impact lies in its capacity not only to collect packaging but also to make the return process measurable through QR codes and digital tracking infrastructure. This structure could increase industry’s access to higher-quality materials that can be used in recycling processes; thus, in addition to environmental gains, it is expected to produce results in terms of the current-account deficit and employment. The projected capacity of 25 billion packages indicates that the implementation requires extensive operations nationwide. However, the extent to which the system will actually recover packaging, the amount of material to be provided to industry, and how closely the economic contribution will approach the estimates will become clear as the results of the implementation emerge.
Background
Türkiye is not a new name in the FikirPilot archive: we have published 20 news reports mentioning the name in the past 90 days; the latest is dated August 31, 2026.