Green city — Moldova's sustainable future
Consumer returning packaging
Collection point in store
The Deposit Return System in Moldova

Return. Recycle.
Protect Moldova.

The Deposit Return System (SDA) transforms how we manage packaging. Every returned bottle is a step towards a cleaner Moldova.

Discover SDA Official Documents

Consumers

Return packaging at any collection point and get your deposit back.

Learn more

Retailers

Become a collection point and contribute to the circular economy. Full support from us.

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Producers

Register your packaging in the system and comply with extended producer responsibility obligations.

Learn more
0%
Return Rate
Target by 2030
0
Packages Annually
Processing capacity
0
CO₂ Saved
Annual emission reduction
0
Collection Points
Across the country
How it works

The Deposit Return Cycle

A simple and efficient system that benefits everyone — from consumers to the environment.

Consumer returning packaging

The Consumer's Role

You buy a packaged product, pay a deposit included in the price, then return the empty packaging at any collection point and get your deposit back.

  • Deposit value guarantee per package
  • Return at any partner store
  • Money back instantly or by card
  • No need to wash the packaging
Store with collection point

The Retailer's Role

Retailers with an area over 200m² are required to accept returned packaging. They receive compensation for the collection service.

  • Collection equipment provided
  • Compensation per collected package
  • Scheduled packaging pickup
  • Technical and logistic support
Producer registered in SDA

The Producer's Role

Producers and importers pay a contribution to the system for each package placed on the market, according to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle.

  • Simple online registration
  • Digital reporting
  • EU legislation compliance
  • Consulting and assistance
Recycling process

Complete Recycling

Collected packaging is sorted, processed and transformed into secondary raw materials, closing the circular economy loop.

  • Automatic sorting by material type
  • Local processing and recycling
  • 90% waste reduction
  • Positive environmental impact
Step by Step

How to Return a Package

The process is simple, fast and accessible to everyone.

1

Buy the product

At purchase, you pay a deposit included in the product price. It is refundable.

2

Keep the packaging

No need to wash it. It just needs to be empty, undamaged and with the label/barcode visible.

3

Return to a collection point

Bring the packaging to any of the 3000+ collection points — stores, reverse vending machines or dedicated centers.

4

Get your deposit back

Get the deposit value back instantly per package — in cash, voucher or bank card.

What you can return

Packaging Guide

Three types of packaging are accepted in the Deposit Return System.

PET Bottles

PET (Plastic)

Water, juice, carbonated beverage PET plastic bottles.

Deposit: deposit value

0.25L — 3L

Metal cans

Metal (Aluminium)

Beer, energy drink, juice cans made of aluminium or tin.

Deposit: deposit value

0.2L — 1L

Glass bottles

Glass

Beer, wine, water, juice bottles made of clear or colored glass.

Deposit: deposit value

0.2L — 3L

Official Documents

Resources & Legislation

Download the official SDA system documents.

Organization Plan

Complete document on the organization and operation of the Deposit Return System.

Download PDF

Financing Scheme

The financial model and deposit flows between SDA system actors.

Download PDF

Education Program

Communication and public education strategy regarding packaging return.

Download PDF
Frequently Asked Questions

Have Questions?

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the SDA system.

SDA is a system where consumers pay a deposit when purchasing a packaged product (glass, PET, metal can) and receive it back when returning the empty packaging to an authorized collection point.
The deposit is the same value per package, regardless of material type (PET, metal, glass). You get it back when returning the packaging at any collection point — in cash, discount voucher or card transfer.
At any of the over 3,000 collection points in the country: large stores (mandatory), small stores (voluntary), reverse vending machines (RVM) and dedicated collection centers.
No. The packaging just needs to be empty and undamaged. The label and barcode must be visible for scanning. Washing is not required.
Yes, retailers with a sales area over 200m² are required to operate a collection point. Smaller retailers can participate voluntarily and receive compensation for the collection service.
Packaging is collected from return points, sorted by material type, then processed and recycled. PET becomes textile fibers or new bottles, metal is melted down, and glass is fully recycled.
News

Latest News

Stay up to date with the SDA system development in Moldova.

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