Recycling initiative in Bucharest parks: Deposit bottles left behind for public reclamation by retro pilot program

In a bid to make recycling more accessible and promote urban solidarity, RetuRO, a not-for-profit company run by beverage producers, retailers, and the Romanian state, has launched a pilot project in Kiseleff and Bazilescu parks, Bucharest.

The initiative, inspired by similar projects in the Netherlands and Ireland, is operated by RetuRO, who are responsible for the Deposit-Return System (SGR) in Romania. The system allows passers-by to drop their packaging, such as bottles, PET containers, and cans, into special compartments attached to public trash bins. Others can then collect and reclaim the deposit (50 bani) from these compartments.

Iulian Hatmanu, Deputy Mayor of District 1, emphasises the importance of community involvement in keeping the city clean. He believes that simple gestures can generate real impact. Anca Marinescu, Corporate Affairs and Communication Manager at RetuRO, views the initiative as a form of solidarity expressed through daily actions, contributing to a circular economy.

The project aims to make recycling easier in areas without return points and is set to expand to other parts of Bucharest in collaboration with local authorities. RetuRO's initiative is designed to operate within the social realities in which it is implemented.

The national deposit-return scheme operated by RetuRO aims to ensure packaging transparency and help Romania meet EU recycling targets. The project encourages small acts of urban solidarity by allowing others to collect and reclaim deposits on discarded packaging. Each package left in a special compartment within the project is considered a conscious step towards the circular economy.

The project is part of RetuRO's efforts to promote recycling and reduce waste in Romania. For more information about the project, visit our website. The source of the photos in this article is RetuRO.

The Deputy Mayor of District 1, Iulian Hatmanu, sees this project as a significant step towards a cleaner and more sustainable Bucharest. Anca Marinescu, Corporate Affairs and Communication Manager at RetuRO, expresses her hope that the project will inspire similar initiatives across the city and the country, contributing to a circular economy and a cleaner environment for all.