Moldova adopts EU standards: Consumers will earn money by returning beverage packaging
Starting January 1, 2026, consumers in the Republic of Moldova will be able to return empty beverage packaging—whether made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), glass, or aluminum—and receive a financial refund that was paid at the time of purchase. This initiative is part of the Deposit Refund Systems (DRS), which will be mandatory at the national level. The goal of this system is to reduce pollution and encourage recycling, as announced by the National Environmental Center.
The new system encompasses a wide range of products, including water, juices, soft drinks, beer, and other alcoholic beverages, which are all packaged in single-use containers. Producers and importers will be required to join this system, label their packaging, and report the volumes they place on the market.
“Commonly referred to as the system where you receive money for returned packaging, the DRS represents a revolutionary step forward for the recycling industry in the Republic of Moldova,” stated Iuliana Cantaragiu, former Minister of Environment.
Moldova aligns with european standards
By implementing this system, the Republic of Moldova is aligning itself with EU standards as part of the accession process.
“The deposit-return system is not merely a bureaucratic formality; it is an investment in a sustainable future for the country. We are transforming waste into resources and adopting a circular economy model,” said Grigore Stratulat, State Secretary at the Ministry of Environment.
To prepare economic stakeholders, the Ministry of Environment and the National Environmental Center, with support from the Soros Foundation Moldova, organized an informative seminar featuring local and international experts who discussed the advantages of the system and shared lessons learned from other countries.
Success stories from Romania and Lithuania
Experts from Romania and Lithuania, where the DRS has already been successfully implemented, participated in the event. According to Mircea Fechet, former Minister of Environment of Romania, the system has generated environmental as well as economic benefits.
“In Romania, we recover hundreds of millions of packaging pieces every month. Thousands of jobs have been created, and investments in recycling plants have been attracted. The Republic of Moldova has the opportunity to adopt a functional and efficient model," noted the former official.
Romanian experts also pointed out a significant challenge: the low level of environmental education in rural areas and the lack of infrastructure. However, through effective communication campaigns, Romania managed to collect approximately 3.5 billion packages in the first year, with 9 out of 10 citizens participating in the guarantee-return system.
The DRS is one of the key measures of the European Green Deal, which the Republic of Moldova is pursuing in its efforts to join the European Union. This seminar is part of the project "Strengthening the capacities of target groups on certain aspects of environmental policies,” organized by the National Environmental Center with support from the Soros Foundation Moldova.
