Frequently asked questions about plastic waste return and DOA application in 11 questions

We have previously shared with you that the Deposit Field Management System, which is considered an important step in waste management and recycling, has been implemented in the pilot province of Sakarya and what you are wondering about the application. Now, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has answered questions about plastic waste return and DOA application in 11 questions with a post on social media.

• What is Deposit Management System (DYS)?

Deposit Management System is a system based on receiving a return and refunding the deposit amount after the consumption of the products put on the market by taking a certain deposit fee.

It contributes to collecting packaging separately at the source, preserving and increasing the recycling value, protecting natural resources by using it instead of primary raw materials, reducing energy consumption by using secondary raw materials, reducing carbon emissions and reaching the 2053 Net Zero Emission target, and supporting zero waste and circular economy.

• What is the application of Deposit Packaging (DOA)?

It is the mobile application that consumers will use during the return process. Consumers will make deposit refunds using the DOA mobile application at machines and manual return points registered by the Ministry.

• How does the DOA app work?

The application can be downloaded free of charge from Android and iOS stores. With the application, which works by scanning the QR code, the deposit fee for the packages left in the deposit return machines is accumulated in the consumer’s e-wallet. This balance can be used in all POS devices with QR code payment feature and in contracted restaurants and markets.

• Is DOA integrated into the banking system?

All financial flows are carried out through the infrastructure of Türkiye Emlak Katılım Bankası with e-wallet integration under the DOA mobile application. The accumulated balance can also be transferred to bank accounts.

• When will the application start across Türkiye?

The application, which was launched in Sakarya, will be implemented in every province and every district across the country by the end of 2025.

• Which institutions and organizations support DOA?

The deposit management system, in which the Turkish Environment Agency (TÜÇA) within the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change acts as the system manager, will be carried out in cooperation with the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) and the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK).

• How much packaging will be recycled annually?

It is anticipated that approximately 25 billion pieces of packaging will be collected annually in a geography of 783 thousand square kilometers throughout Türkiye.

• How many products have the DOA logo?

In cooperation with the Mint and the General Directorate of Stamp Printing House, 22 billion beverage packages have been marked and put on the market since August 1, 2023.

• How much annual income will be earned with DOA?

It is aimed to provide approximately 520 million euros of added value to the country’s economy annually.

• For which packages will a deposit be paid?

Disposable packages between 0.1 liters and 3 liters made of glass, plastic and aluminum materials are included in the mandatory deposit. A deposit fee will be paid for these packages with the deposit logo on them.

Although the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has answered many questions No information was shared about how much the deposit fee would be.

Image Source: Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change