Moldova adopts major Deposit Return Scheme to boost recycling
Beverage containers in Moldova will no longer be discarded; instead, they will be collected and recycled through a modern Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).
Starting in 2027, the Republic of Moldova will officially implement this nationwide DRS—a landmark measure designed to radically boost recycling rates, curb pollution, and fuel the local green economy.
Under the new deposit system, consumers will pay a refundable fee when purchasing a drink. This fee is recovered fully when the empty container is returned to designated collection points. Each piece of packaging will be distinctively marked and identified by a barcode to ensure efficient processing back into the recycling circuit.
The topic was recently discussed in Chișinău at a specialized environmental conference, attended by Minister of the Environment Gheorghe Hajder and State Secretary Grigore Stratulat. Government authorities, in collaboration with producers, importers, and retailers, analyzed the next critical steps for the 2027 implementation, covering legislative, logistical, and technical challenges.
Businesses are now required to organize themselves and establish the necessary infrastructure for collecting, sorting, and reintroducing correctly registered packaging into the country's circular economy.
"Developing the Deposit Return Scheme represents a strategic priority for Moldova," stated Minister Hajder.
"The deposit system is the engine for building a modern recycling industry right here in the Republic of Moldova," the Minister emphasized. "Every returned container means less garbage dumped in our scenic hills, rivers, and lakes. Crucially, it provides raw material for local factories, entrepreneurs, and innovators."
He added, "This means fewer imports of plastic, more local processing, and higher added value produced right here in Moldova."
State Secretary Grigore Stratulat underscored that the DRS should be viewed as a vital process of economic modernization.
"This scheme provides a clear opportunity to build modern infrastructure, develop robust local collection, sorting, and recycling capacities, and bring much-needed transparency to the market. By establishing a clear and fair mechanism, we create equal operating conditions for all industry players and stimulate healthy competition."
Authorities are confident that the DRS will significantly contribute to pollution reduction, increasing the national recycling rate, and environmental protection. By launching this mechanism, the Republic of Moldova is taking a decisive step toward consolidating its green economy goals.
The Ministry of the Environment reaffirms its commitment to supporting the DRS implementation through clear public policies, continuous dialogue with the business sector, and attracting the necessary investment to build a modern, job-generating, and value-adding recycling industry.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
