Adela Smeu, RetuRo: DRS has changed behaviors and the culture of circularity in Romania

The Deposit-Return System (DRS) has changed behaviors and the culture of circularity in Romania, RetuRo General Manager Adela Smeu said on Wednesday at the “3 Years of DRS – Pria Circular Future Forum” event. She described the system as the country’s only major circular economy project and a foundation for the future development of recycling.

According to the RetuRo representative, the DRS has brought together authorities, producers, retailers and millions of consumers, demonstrating that public policies can be implemented quickly through collaboration and communication. The next stage is to consolidate the system by increasing efficiency and maintaining public trust.

RetuRo data show that more than 4.1 billion packages were returned in the first nine months of the year. The collection rate reached 85%, compared with 82% in the same period in 2025. In August and September, the rates were 93% and 97%, respectively, while Bucharest recorded the highest volume of returns.

State Adviser Mihaela Frăsineanu called the DRS the most important achievement in waste management over the past three years. The authorities are also analyzing a possible expansion of the system, based on studies.