Turkey's Deposit Return System for Packaging (DOA), implemented in the field of recycling, continues to attract international attention. An analysis published in Forbes magazine stated that the system, built on barcode-based digital infrastructure and a private sector-focused financing model, could serve as an example for Western countries, particularly the United States.
Turkey's Model Highlighted
According to a statement from the Turkish Environment Agency (TÜÇA) under the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the Forbes analysis drew attention to the fact that recycling is not only an environmental practice but has also become a strategic element in terms of industrial production, national security, and access to critical raw materials.
No Additional Burden on Taxpayers
The analysis reminded that many US states and European countries have deposit return systems in place, and noted that Turkey's DOA System is among the strong models that can be implemented on a national scale. The Forbes analysis emphasized that the system in Turkey is based on private capital and extended producer responsibility rather than the public budget.
The analysis stated: "Thanks to this approach, the system was implemented without creating an additional burden on taxpayers. The barcode-based digital infrastructure, end-to-end tracking mechanism, deposit return machines, and the technology that allows citizens to transfer their returns to mobile wallets are among the system's strongest aspects. This structure facilitates citizen participation, increases collection efficiency, and ensures that used beverage packaging is reintegrated into the economy."
The assessment also noted that the system is not only an environmentally friendly practice but also provides a modern industrial infrastructure that strengthens domestic supply chains, and suggested that the US could establish a deposit return system similar to the "Turkey model" to strengthen its recycling and critical raw material policies.
Domestic Producers Prepare for Export
TÜÇA President Nurullah Öztürk, whose views were included in the statement, said that Turkey has created a model that is not dependent on a single equipment supplier and is open to competition.
Öztürk noted that in the last two years, various Turkish companies have completed the necessary certification processes and started producing domestic deposit return machines, and that these producers are also targeting export markets.
Öztürk stated that the new industrial ecosystem emerging in the field of recycling technologies will contribute to Turkey's value-added production, and that keeping valuable raw materials within the national economy will help reduce the current account deficit.
Annual Contribution of $1 Billion Expected to Economy
TÜÇA President Öztürk stated that if the Deposit Return System for Packaging becomes fully operational, it is expected to contribute approximately $1 billion annually to the Turkish economy.
