Q & A

The Deposit-Return System will be launched on 30 November 2023. From that date, for beverages sold in primary non-refillable PET, glass or metal packaging with volumes of between 0.1 liters and 3 liters, you will pay a 0.50 RON deposit on purchase. You will get this money back when you return the packaging at one of the collection points open at retailers nationwide. Don't worry, you won't have to show your receipt when you return it.

No, the Deposit-Return will be operational from the 30th of November. Although we have started the information campaign, you should know that returns before this date will not be eligible for a refund.

The Deposit-Return System is an initiative to refund the deposit for returned DRS packaging. This scheme will be operational from the 30th of November. The publicity before the official launch of the system is intended to inform and prepare the public for this major change. This will make you aware of the benefits of the system and how to participate correctly once it is launched.

The Deposit-Return System works similarly to the supermarket trolley system: you pay a deposit when you buy and get it back when you return it. This 0.50 RON deposit is not only a financial incentive but also a step towards a cleaner environment. By returning your packaging, you'll contribute to less waste and a greener Romania. Not participating means losing the deposit and a missed opportunity to protect the environment.

The packaging must be intact, undamaged and not deformed in any way (not broken, flattened or pressed), completely empty (any liquid remaining in these containers will affect the weight and there is a possibility that they will be rejected by the automated equipment when scanned and weighed) and, most importantly, with the label visible and intact, as it will have the DRS "Ambalaj cu garantie" symbol printed on it, which is essential for identifying the packaging as part of the Deposit-Return System.

Packaging that is part of the DRS system will be easy to identify thanks to the DRS "Ambalaj cu garantie" symbol. We will ensure constant communication through our official channels and through our trade partners to inform you about the availability of this packaging in stores. It is important to know that only packaging marked with the DRS symbol is eligible for the 0.50 RON refund. Packaging without this symbol can still be returned, but under the traditional selective packaging collection system.

Structural changes don't happen overnight. They require time, courage and persistence. Introducing billions of DRS symbol packaging in shops is a huge challenge and cannot be achieved instantly. Although DRS launches on 30 November, it is natural to have a transition period during which DRS packaging will be phased into stores.

Once the Deposit-Return System is launched, packaging that is eligible for return will be marked with a unique symbol. These packages are referred to as "DRS packaging".

Recognition of the DRS symbol will be essential. Everyone should look for this logo on the packaging. It is the symbol of a cleaner Romania.

No, only DRS packaging is eligible for the 0.50 RON refund. It is important to check the label or marking on the packaging before making a purchase. These markings will be clear and easy to identify. In addition, only for this packaging will you pay the 0.50 RON deposit.

As we introduce DRS packaging to the market, there will be a transition period where the same product will be available in both DRS and non-DRS packaging. This is due to existing stocks and the adaptation of producers to the new system. These stocks will be marketed until 30 June 2024.

Good to know! Only for products with the DRS symbol will you pay the 0.50 RON deposit and only these products will be eligible for the deposit refund.

To check whether a package you have bought is part of the Deposit-Return System, the most important thing to look for is the 'Ambalaj cu garanție' symbol. This symbol is the key indicator confirming that the packaging is included in the system and therefore eligible for a deposit refund.

Although DRS packaging may also have a new barcode that includes it in the system, as a consumer you will not be able to check this directly. Therefore, the easiest and safest way to identify DRS-eligible packaging is by looking for the 'Ambalaj cu garanție' symbol. If this symbol is not present on the packaging, then it is not part of the system and is not eligible for the deposit refund.

Yes, all DRS packaging carries a deposit and is eligible for a 0.50 RON refund when returned to the collection points.

It is important to understand that the Deposit-Return System (DRS) currently only applies to certain types of packaging. The system focuses on primary non-refillable beverage packaging, such as PET, glass or metal, with volumes between 0.1 liters and 3 liters.

Therefore, not all types of packaging will disappear or be replaced by DRS packaging. For example, products such as toothpaste do not fall into the category covered by the DRS system, so packaging for these products will not be affected by the implementation of the system. In essence, non-DRS packaging will continue to exist on the market for products that are not included in the DRS system.

Any remaining liquid in the packaging may affect its weight and there is a possibility that it will be rejected by the automatic equipment or when you choose manual return.
We recommend that the packaging is completely emptied to make sure you get your deposit back.

Most economic operators and retailers are obliged to set up a collection point for recyclable packaging subject to the DRS. There are exceptions for the HoReCa industry, online shops or small shops with sales areas under 200 square metres. These small shops can be associated
to form joint collection points. This way, you will have a collection point nearby where you can bring your DRS drinks packaging.

There is no specified maximum number of packaging returns. However, we recommend that you return packaging regularly to avoid a backlog of packaging and to receive your deposit refund as soon as possible.

Yes, you do not need to show your receipt to return the packaging. The Deposit-Return System is designed to be as accessible and easy to use as possible, regardless of where the product was purchased.

Packaging returned to stores will go to the RetuRO regional centers, where it will be counted and sorted and then sent to the recyclers. This step not only reduces waste, but also contributes to the circular economy by ensuring that resources are used efficiently and sustainably. The entire infrastructure for picking up packaging from shops will be organized by us.

When you return packaging that is part of the Deposit-Return System, you have the following options to get your deposit value back, depending on the collection method and your own preferences:
For manual collection, you can choose to receive the value of the deposit in cash, voucher or bank transfer.

For automatic collection, you will receive a voucher representing the value of the deposit. This voucher can be used for shopping in that shop or, if you prefer, can be exchanged for cash. There is also the option to receive the value of the deposit by bank transfer.

Yes, the voucher can be used as a discount for future purchases in the same shop where you made the return. However, you also have the option to exchange it for cash or receive the value of the voucher by bank transfer.