Romania operates a successful Deposit-Return System, the world’s largest fully integrated DRS, administered by RetuRO and covering PET, metal, and glass containers.
Launched in November 2023, the DRS already delivers measurable economic, social, and environmental results starting with 2024, first full year of operation: 300 million euros contribution to Romania’s economy, over 2,200 new jobs created and high recovery rates in 2025 so far, around 84%, meaning that 8.4 out of 10 DRS beverage packaging put on the market have been collected this year.
Romania has built one of the fastest-maturing DRS systems in Europe, delivering solid performance and offering a clear example of how a large-scale, integrated system can generate environmental, economic and social benefits in a short timeframe - Gemma Webb, CEO of RetuRO
To share these insights and best practices, CES Bucharest organized a dedicated event at the European Parliament in Brussels. The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders and experts to discuss the benefits of DRS and explore actionable implications for wider European context.
Countries with DRS achieve high recycling rates
The data analysed by CES Bucharest shows that DRS significantly boosts return and recycling rates. In Norway, Sweden and Germany, where DRS is long-established, return rates for beverage containers reach 85–98%, among the highest in Europe. These examples highlight the proven effectiveness of deposit-return systems in achieving EU recycling targets of 70% for all packaging by 2030.
Romania implemented its DRS voluntarily, ahead of the EU’s 2029 deadline, which helped avoid last-minute pressure and ensured that a robust governance model was established from the outset. - Gemma Webb, CEO of RetuRO
In this context, Romania is actively promoting its DRS success to showcase a model of good practice and stimulate EU-wide dialogue. The DRS system offers concrete lessons on designing and scaling large-scale circular economy initiatives.
By providing a fact-based review of implementation progress, operational milestones, and market performance indicators, the example demonstrates how national authorities, producers, and retailers can coordinate effectively to maximize collection rates, enhance compliance, and reduce waste management costs. Such practical insights are particularly relevant for countries that are preparing their own systems and navigating the complexities of multi-stakeholder deployment.
With the expertise, results and insights gained, Romania stands ready to contribute constructively to the EU’s wider discussions on DRS implementation and alignment - Gemma Webb, CEO of RetuRO
The DRS has built stable “behavioural capital” across social segments, turning environmental intentions into action. Young people (18–30) are motivated by financial incentives (94%) and environmental concern (93%), adopting other eco-friendly behaviours (80%) and preferring automated return machines (90%). Families with children use the system as an educational tool, with 97% driven by environmental protection and 94% teaching responsibility to children, while 76% report increased family cohesion, according to Romanian DRS data analysed by CES Bucharest.
Seniors (60+) value both financial recovery (97%) and moral satisfaction (88%), with 80% highly satisfied. The DRS also promotes economic inclusion for vulnerable groups, providing full participation and a stable monthly income of around 100 euros (520 lei), reducing reliance on informal activities and offering dignified earnings.
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