02.07.2026 16:21
Citizens showed great interest in the Deposit Return System (DOA), implemented across Turkey as of July 1. Long queues formed in front of some deposit return machines in Istanbul.
Within the scope of the Deposit Management System implemented to prevent environmental pollution and promote recycling, citizens receive a 1 lira incentive payment for each plastic, glass, and aluminum beverage packaging returned. Under the application, packaging deposited into machines is integrated into the recycling chain, and the earned amounts are transferred to citizens' e-wallet accounts. Citizens can later withdraw these accumulated balances as cash through contracted banks.
QUEUE IN FRONT OF THE DOA MACHINE
With the system's activation, activity was observed at return stations in many districts of Istanbul. Citizens wishing to convert their waste into cash formed queues in front of the machines. Citizens scanned the plastic, glass bottles, and aluminum cans they brought with them one by one into the machines, integrating them into the system.
APPLICATION WILL GRADUALLY EXPAND
Meanwhile, while the installation of DOA machines has been completed at many points in Istanbul and they have started operating, it was noted that installation work has not yet been carried out in some districts. The application is expected to become more widespread in the coming days.
Abdülsamet Pekdemir, a citizen who came to the recycling point with two bags of packaging waste, stated that the system generally works successfully and drew attention to the hopper capacity. Pekdemir said, "The device works overall, but the hopper is small, causing partial issues. I brought two bags with me."
Pekdemir, who expressed that there is no machine in his own area yet and thus had to travel a distance, stated, "There are currently no devices in some districts. I came here from Bağcılar. I submitted a request for installation in my own district, hopefully it will be there soon too."