Organization Plan
System structure, collection, transport and recycling at national level.
GD 379/2025
First in Moldova
Deposit Return System for Packaging
Eco-Ret Moldova administers the first modern collection and recycling system for beverage packaging, based on the Return-to-Retail principle and aligned with national legislation.
2 MDL
Refundable deposit
90%
Collection target
3
Packaging types
0.1–3L
Accepted volume
100%
National coverage
2026
Official launch
Participants
Who is the DRS for SDA?
The system works through close cooperation between consumers, retailers and producers.
01
Consumers
You pay the deposit when purchasing and recover it in full when you return the empty packaging, either at an RVM or manually at a retailer.
Procedure details02
Retailers
You organize return points. EcoRet ensures cost compensation, logistics and staff training.
Retailer guide03
Producers
You register in the DRS register, report quantities and pay contributions according to the EPR principle.
Producer guide
SIMPLE AND FAST
How it works in 4 steps
The process is designed to be as easy as possible for every consumer.
01
Buy
You buy a beverage marked with the DRS logo and pay the 2 MDL deposit.
02
Keep
You consume the beverage and keep the packaging intact, with the label readable.
03
Return
You bring the packaging to any authorized collection point in the country.
04
Get your money back
You recover 2 MDL on the spot, in cash or as a voucher.
THE DRS PROCESS
Detailed flow by participant
Select your role to view the steps within the system.
Consumer cycle
The most important link in recycling. The mechanism directly rewards responsible citizens.
1
Product purchase
You pay the beverage price plus the 2 MDL refundable deposit at checkout.
2
Keeping the packaging
You keep the empty container undeformed, with the original barcode intact.
3
Return and refund
You return the container to any participating shop and receive 2 MDL back in cash or as a voucher.
Retailer cycle
Stores are local collection hubs. Eco-Ret supports retailers with logistics and financing.
1
Return point setup
You prepare a manual collection area or install an RVM machine.
2
Collection and refund
You accept eligible packaging and refund the 2 MDL deposit to the customer.
3
Settlement
Eco-Ret collects the packaging, reimburses deposits and pays the handling fee.
Producer cycle
Under extended responsibility, brands contribute to reducing their packaging footprint.
1
Registration
You register beverages placed on the market in the Eco-Ret Moldova database.
2
Reporting and financing
You report monthly volumes sold and pay the administration fee.
3
Guaranteed recycling
Eco-Ret handles collection and recycling, meeting the legal targets.
PACKAGING GUIDE
Which packaging is included?
Single-use primary packaging, 0.1-3 litres, marked with the DRS logo.
Plastic (PET)
Plastic bottles for water, soft drinks, beer or cider.
- Sparkling / still water
- Energy drinks / juices
- Oils, dairy products, detergents
Metal (Aluminium)
Metal cans for soft drinks, beer, cider or juices.
- Beer or cider cans
- Juice / mineral water cans
- Canned food, sprays
Glass
Single-use glass containers for various beverages.
- Beer, wine and spirits bottles
- Soft drink / water bottles
- Jars, crystal, ceramics
Official documentation
Mandatory public documents
Published under Law 209/2016 and GD 379/2025.
Financing Scheme
Economic principles and financial sustainability of the DRS.
Education Program
The strategy for informing and raising public awareness about separate collection.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2 MDL deposit and how do I get it back?
The deposit is an amount you pay in addition when buying an eligible packaged beverage. It is not a tax: you receive it back in full when you return the empty packaging to any participating shop.
Do I need to wash bottles before returning them?
They do not need to be perfectly washed, but they must be completely empty, clean on the outside and undamaged so the scanner or retailer can read the DRS barcode.
Where can I return empty packaging?
At any grocery store in the Republic of Moldova that sells beverages covered by the DRS, regardless of where they were originally purchased.
What types of packaging are accepted?
PET bottles, metal cans (aluminium) and single-use glass bottles, with volumes between 0.1 and 3 litres, marked with the DRS logo.
News
Press releases and updates
Eco-Ret Moldova Launches International Tender for Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) Solutions
NCO Eco-Ret Moldova announces the launch of an international tender for the selection of supplier(s) of Reverse Vending…
What is the Deposit Return System (DRS) and how does it work in Moldova
Understanding the Deposit Return System in Moldova The Deposit Return System (DRS), known in Romanian as Sistemul de…
Benefits of the Circular Economy: Why Packaging Recycling Matters
The Circular Economy: A New Model for Packaging The linear economy model of "take, make, dispose" has dominated…
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