Frequently Asked Questions

SDA (Deposit Return System) is an economic mechanism where consumers pay a deposit when purchasing a packaged beverage (PET, metal or glass) and receive it back in full when returning the empty packaging to an authorized collection point.

The system is operated by Eco-Ret Moldova, the authorized administrator designated by the Government of the Republic of Moldova, and operates on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle.

Yes, the deposit is uniform — deposit value (Moldovan lei) per package, regardless of:

• Material type (PET plastic, metal/aluminium, glass)
• Package volume (from 0.2L to 3L)
• Product price
• Brand or producer

The deposit is displayed separately on the price tag and receipt.

Packaging can be returned at:

• Large stores (over 200m²) — mandatory collection point
• Small stores — voluntary, with system compensation
• Reverse Vending Machines (RVM) — available in high-traffic locations
• Dedicated collection centers — in every district

You don't need to return to the store where you bought — any collection point in the country accepts any packaging marked with the SDA logo.

No and no. Neither the receipt nor washing the packaging is required.

Minimum requirements for acceptance:

• Packaging must be empty
• Must not be excessively deformed (completely crushed)
• Barcode must be visible and scannable
• Must have the SDA marking on the label

Upon return, the deposit is refunded through one of the following methods:

• Cash — at the register, in small stores
• Discount voucher — applied to the next purchase
• Card transfer — via mobile app (in development)
• Value voucher — at reverse vending machines

It depends on the sales area:

• Over 200m² — mandatory. You must operate a collection point.
• Under 200m² — voluntary, but recommended. You receive compensation for each collected package.

Eco-Ret provides complete support: equipment, training, pickup logistics and financial compensation per collected unit.

Not included in SDA:

• TetraPak packaging (combined cardboard)
• Packaging under 0.2L or over 3L
• Dairy, oil or chemical product packaging
• Packaging without the SDA marking
• Packaging imported from other countries (without paid deposit)

Check for the SDA marking on the label — a circular symbol with green arrows.

The complete cycle of collected packaging:

• Collection — from return points in stores and machines
• Transport — to the sorting center, in scheduled batches
• Sorting — automatic by material type (PET, metal, glass)
• Processing — baling, compacting, washing
• Recycling — transformation into secondary raw materials

PET becomes textile fibers or new bottles, metal is melted and reused, glass is 100% recycled into new bottles.