20.07.2026 21:21
In Turkey, following the implementation of the Deposit-Bearing Packaging System (DOA) as of July 1, it was claimed on social media that the income of street collectors was negatively affected. Street collector Sıdık Haytar, stating that they have benefited more after the system came into effect, said: 'We used to sell PET bottles for 23 lira per kilogram; now it's around 70 lira. As for glass bottles, no one used to buy them before, but now we sell them for 1 lira each.'
Collectors responded to claims that the Deposit-Bearing Packaging System, which started on July 1, has harmed street collectors. They stated that their income has increased, with the kilogram price of PET bottles rising from 23 lira to 70 lira.
It was claimed on social media that the Deposit-Bearing Packaging System (DOA), implemented in Turkey as of July 1, has negatively affected the income of street collectors. In a statement from the Turkish Environment Agency, it was noted that, based on field observations and interviews, the President of the Street Collectors Association and many street collectors support the DOA System, expressing belief that the system will create a registered, sustainable, and safer structure.
"'CLAIMS THAT THE SYSTEM HARMED US ARE NOT TRUE"
Street collector Sıdık Haytar said, 'We have been in this industry for about 26 years. However, the deposit system now in place has been very advantageous and beneficial for us. Previously, this bottle you see in my hand was trash; no one paid attention to it. Now, we sell each one for 1 lira. I collect an average of 500 bottles daily. This means 500 lira per day, or about 15 thousand lira per month in income. It contributes to our children's school expenses. Previously, we sold PET bottles for 23 lira per kilo; now it corresponds to about 70 lira. As for glass bottles, no one used to buy them; now we sell them for 1 lira each. After this implementation came into effect, we became more advantaged and benefited more. We collect more easily from the streets. The claims that 'the system harmed us' are not true; there is absolutely no such thing.'
'OUR BUSINESS HAS BECOME EVEN BETTER AFTER THIS IMPLEMENTATION'
Street collector Abuzer Aytaç said, 'Previously, each of these was trash; no one took them. Now, since each is worth 1 lira, we collect about 2,000 pieces per day. Our monthly income reaches about 60 thousand lira. After this implementation, our business has become even better. Packaging that had no value before has now become a source of income. Since each is worth 1 lira, everyone has started collecting them.'