Romania’s Container Deposit Success Driven by Sensoneo’s IT System

Romania

A large industrial sorting facility with multiple conveyor systems and workers handling bagged recyclables.

November 30, 2023

Launch date

Largest centralized container deposit system in the world

Customer

RetuRO is a nonprofit company appointed by law to manage Romania’s container deposit system. It was established by beverage producers, retailers, and the Romanian state. Its mission is to implement the country’s largest circular economy project, driving efficient collection and recycling to meet EU targets. With a vision of inspiring environmental responsibility, RetuRO reinvests all profits to support a cleaner, greener future.

Project description

Romania’s container deposit program is the largest centralized container deposit system in the world. Romania stands out in Europe for its high number of retailers relative to its population. If all beverage container sellers were integrated into the system, Romania would have the highest density of collection points in Europe – one for every 220 residents, far surpassing the 1,000 to 3,000 residents per point seen in other countries with established container deposit programs.

Impact

Romania has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past several months, benefiting from a cleaner environment, a growing recycling mindset, and environmentally responsible habits that support its path toward sustainability. The implemented container deposit program has exceeded expectations, reflecting citizens’ growing commitment to actively contributing to a greener future.

The impact of the program is undeniable, with key statistics underscoring its success. Today, 98% of Romanians are familiar with the container deposit program, 90% have returned beverage containers at least once, and six out of ten actively participate. In its first year of operation, the system collected more than 3.5 billion containers, significantly advancing Romania’s circular economy, environmental goals, and broader societal benefits.

Milestones achieved

(since launch on November 30, 2023, through January 31, 2025)

3.5 billion+

containers collected

230,000+ metric tons

of materials diverted for recycling

7 centers

established for counting and sorting

3.5 billion+

green jobs created, supporting local economies and communities

84%

record return rate in October 2024

Impact

A key factor behind these achievements is the IT system developed by Sensoneo, which serves as the backbone of the entire operation. By integrating all stakeholders and aggregating data from every stage of the process, the software ensures efficiency, transparency, and seamless coordination.

“The power of strong partnerships has been a key lesson learned from implementing the world’s largest integrated container deposit system. Our partnership with Sensoneo has been essential to the success of the program, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and unprecedented scale by integrating all stakeholders into a centralized platform. Our mission at RetuRO continues with a focus on optimizing operations and enhancing the experience of both consumers and retailers. With an innovative technology partner like Sensoneo by our side, we are confident that we are on the right path to becoming an international benchmark in the circular economy and setting a new standard for sustainability across Europe.”

Gemma Webb, CEO of RetuRO SGR

Martin Basila, CEO of Sensoneo, reflects on the successful partnership with RetuRO: “We truly appreciate the trust RetuRO placed in us and their decision to choose us as a partner for the IT system. This is especially significant given that, with up to 90,000 stakeholders, Romania’s container deposit program is the largest system in the world.”

With the collaboration of consumers, retailers, producers, industry partners, and technology providers like Sensoneo, RetuRO is setting a new benchmark for an efficient circular economy model, reinforcing Romania’s position as a leader in sustainability across Europe.