Shops across Istanbul have implemented a Mobile DOA system to increase recycling rates under Türkiye's Deposit Return System [1].
This shift represents a critical step in scaling the national recycling infrastructure by moving collection points closer to consumers. By integrating the system into daily commerce hubs, the city aims to reduce plastic waste and improve the efficiency of material recovery.
The Mobile DOA system is currently operating at various locations throughout Istanbul [1]. These include local markets, grocery stores, and small kiosks, allowing residents to return recyclable materials more conveniently than through centralized hubs.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand the reach of the Deposit Return System, known as DOA in Türkiye [1]. The system incentivizes the return of packaging by providing a deposit refund to the consumer upon the return of the item.
By leveraging existing retail networks, the program removes the logistical barriers that often hinder public participation in recycling schemes. The integration into kiosks and small shops ensures that the return process is accessible to a wider demographic of the urban population [1].
Local authorities and retail partners are focusing on the accessibility of these mobile units to ensure the system scales effectively across the metropolitan area [1].
“Istanbul shops have implemented a Mobile DOA system to increase recycling rates.”
The transition to a mobile-integrated Deposit Return System indicates a shift toward 'decentralized collection' in urban waste management. By turning retail kiosks into collection points, Türkiye is attempting to increase the volume of recovered materials by reducing the 'effort cost' for the consumer, which is often the primary barrier to high recycling participation rates in densely populated cities.
