Consumer Guide: Return Packaging and Recover the 2 MDL Deposit

01 What is the Deposit Return System (DRS)? expand_more

DRS is the national system where you pay a deposit when buying a drink in an eligible container and get the deposit back when you return the empty container.

02 Why is DRS introduced in the Republic of Moldova? expand_more

The goal is to increase beverage packaging collection and recycling, reduce abandoned waste, and return clean materials to the circular economy.

03 What is the refundable 2 MDL deposit? expand_more

The deposit is 2 MDL for each eligible DRS container. It is fully refundable: the consumer pays it at purchase and recovers it upon returning an eligible container.

04 Is the 2 MDL deposit a tax? expand_more

No. The 2 MDL represents a refundable deposit. You pay it at purchase and recover it in full when returning an eligible container.

05 For which products is the deposit paid? expand_more

The deposit applies to beverages sold in registered and marked DRS packaging, within the limits established by law.

06 How do I recognize a product that is part of DRS? expand_more

Look for the DRS official mark on the packaging. It indicates that the packaging is registered in the system and that the deposit can be recovered upon return.

07 What types of packaging can be returned? expand_more

DRS applies to beverage packaging made of glass, plastic, or metal, with capacities from 0.1 L up to 3 L inclusive, if registered in the system and bearing the DRS mark.

08 What packaging volumes are accepted in DRS? expand_more

The general range for DRS packaging is from 0.1 liters to 3 liters inclusive, subject to conditions applicable to each packaging category.

09 Are PET plastic bottles accepted? expand_more

Yes, if the packaging is eligible, registered in DRS, and bears the system mark. Always check the mark on the container.

10 Are metal cans accepted? expand_more

Yes, if the packaging is eligible, registered in DRS, and bears the system mark. Always check the mark on the container.

11 Are glass bottles accepted? expand_more

Yes, if the packaging is eligible, registered in DRS, and bears the system mark. Always check the mark on the container.

12 Are jars, canned food tins, or non-beverage containers accepted? expand_more

No. DRS is designed for eligible beverage packaging only, not for food jars, cans, or other containers outside the beverage scope.

13 Are containers purchased outside the Republic of Moldova accepted? expand_more

No, unless they carry the official national DRS mark. Packaging can only be returned if registered and recognized in Moldova's DRS.

14 Where can I return DRS containers? expand_more

Eligible containers can be returned at participating return points across the DRS network (RVMs or manual points), regardless of where you bought the beverage.

15 Can I return containers to a different store than where I bought them? expand_more

Yes. Eligible containers can be returned to any participating return point across the DRS network, regardless of where they were purchased.

16 Do I need a fiscal receipt to return packaging? expand_more

No, a receipt is not required. Packaging is accepted based on its valid DRS mark and barcode.

17 How does a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) work? expand_more

Insert containers one by one into the RVM. The machine verifies eligibility, counts accepted items, and prints a voucher/receipt to redeem your deposit.

18 How do I return containers at a manual collection point? expand_more

Hand over the clean, empty containers to the store staff. After verifying eligibility, the staff will refund your deposit in cash or according to the store's method.

19 Do I need to wash containers before returning them? expand_more

You do not need to wash them thoroughly, but they must be completely empty and reasonably clean with no residual liquid to ensure barcode readability.

20 Must the container be completely empty? expand_more

Yes. Before returning, ensure all liquid is emptied completely.

21 Can I crush or flatten PET bottles or cans before returning? expand_more

No. The container must keep its original shape undamaged so the RVM or staff can scan the barcode and verify dimensions.

22 Must I keep the label on the container? expand_more

Yes. The label and barcode must remain intact and legible for the container to be recognized.

23 What happens if the label or barcode is damaged? expand_more

The container must be identifiable. If the barcode or DRS mark cannot be read, the machine or cashier may refuse acceptance.

24 What should I do if the RVM does not recognize a marked bottle? expand_more

Check if the bottle is empty, uncrushed, and clean with barcode facing up. If it persists, ask store staff or report to Eco-Ret.

25 Why might a container be rejected at return? expand_more

A container may be rejected if it is not part of DRS, not empty, crushed/deformed, has an unreadable barcode, or is severely soiled.

26 Can I return a bottle without a cap? expand_more

Yes, but keeping the cap on is recommended as it gets recycled together and helps maintain bottle shape.

27 How many containers can I return at once? expand_more

There is no legal limit. However, at manual points or small stores, staff may process large volumes in batches.

28 How is the deposit refunded to the consumer? expand_more

At RVMs, you receive a voucher redeemable at checkout or for cash. At manual counters, you receive cash or a store voucher on the spot.

29 Can I use the voucher for shopping in the store? expand_more

Yes. The voucher issued by an RVM can be used as payment for purchases in that store.

30 Can I request cash instead of using the voucher for shopping? expand_more

Yes. By law, the consumer is entitled to receive the deposit in cash upon presenting the voucher at the store's cash register.

31 How long is an RVM voucher valid? expand_more

Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue in accordance with the regulatory framework.

32 Can I use a voucher in a different store than where it was issued? expand_more

Vouchers issued by an RVM are redeemed at the retail location or chain that issued them.

33 What if a store refuses to accept eligible containers? expand_more

Stores obligated by law to operate collection points must accept eligible containers. Violations can be reported to Eco-Ret Moldova.

34 What should I do if the RVM is full or out of order? expand_more

Inform store staff so they can empty/service the machine or offer alternative manual collection.

35 Do online beverage purchases include the deposit? expand_more

Yes. Beverages sold online in eligible packaging include the 2 MDL deposit and can be returned at any physical collection point.

36 Is the deposit charged for drinks consumed in restaurants/cafes? expand_more

For beverages consumed on-premises where packaging is retained by the establishment, the deposit is handled by the venue.

37 What if I take a beverage to go from a cafe/restaurant? expand_more

If sold to-go in an eligible container, the deposit applies and the packaging can be returned at any DRS collection point.

38 How does returning containers help the environment in Moldova? expand_more

DRS ensures clean, high-grade sorting of plastic, glass, and aluminum, preventing litter in parks, rivers, and landfills.

39 What happens to packaging after collection? expand_more

Containers are collected by Eco-Ret Moldova logistics, transported to regional counting/sorting centers, and sent to certified recyclers.

40 Where can I find the nearest return point? expand_more

Eco-Ret Moldova will provide a national interactive map of collection points on www.ecoretsda.md prior to full operational rollout.

41 Who administers the Deposit Return System in Moldova? expand_more

AO 'ECO-RET MOLDOVA' is the non-profit national administrator appointed by the Government under GD no. 379/2025.

42 What legislation governs DRS in Moldova? expand_more

Law no. 209/2016 on waste (art. 54¹-54⁴) and Government Decision no. 379/2025 on the Deposit Return System.

43 When does DRS become mandatory for all consumers? expand_more

System operational milestones and consumer launch dates will be publicly announced by Eco-Ret Moldova and the Ministry of Environment.

44 Where can I learn more about educational programs? expand_more

Educational campaigns, guides, and school materials are published in the 'Consumer' and 'Documents' sections on www.ecoretsda.md.

45 How can I contact Eco-Ret for consumer questions or assistance? expand_more

You can email [email protected], call +373 69 41 4444, or use the contact form on www.ecoretsda.md.