In 2026, Romania dramatically reduced visible litter through a nationwide deposit return scheme that rewards recycling and strengthens circular economy practices.
“It was the impossible made possible. Everybody’s very proud,” said Gemma Webb, CEO of RetuRO.
Launched in 2023, the scheme charges a small refundable deposit on bottles and cans, encouraging returns through reverse vending machines and retailer collection. More than 8 billion containers have already been recovered, including 4.5 billion plastic bottles, generating over 500,000 tonnes of high-quality recycled material. Around 90% of residents have used the system, with 60% participating regularly, while full traceability ensures materials are genuinely recycled back into new products, offering a scalable model now being considered by other countries.
