From its launch in December 2023 through October 2024, Romanians returned 2.3 billion packages through the RetuRO Deposit-Return System. The collection rate rose from below 13% to 50%, and September 2024 was the best month, with a return rate exceeding 81% and over 450 million containers deposited.
Approximately 6 billion plastic, glass, and metal containers are placed on Romania's market annually, and the European Union requires Romania to recycle at least 4 billion of them.
The system faced difficulties in its early months, particularly in rural areas, where collection rates remain considerably lower and many localities lack collection stations. Nevertheless, RetuRO representatives anticipate a gradual increase in voluntary compliance among small retailers, following the pattern seen in other countries with similar systems.