With the growing adoption of deposit management systems, increasing the number of locations where deposit-bearing packaging can be returned is becoming increasingly important. In this context, Manual Return Points are emerging as accessible locations where consumers can return their deposit-bearing packaging.
So, what is a Manual Return Point, who can operate one, and how can a business join this system?
A Manual Return Point is a location where consumers can return their deposit-bearing packaging to receive a deposit refund, with the refund processed manually by staff.
Return points established under the Deposit Management System support the inclusion of deposit-bearing packaging in the collection process and its transfer to the recycling process.
Manual Return Points enable deposit refunds to be processed at retail and service locations that are easily accessible to consumers in their daily lives.
Businesses and organizations that can be included in the system as Manual Return Points may include various locations where consumers are concentrated.
The main locations that can serve as Manual Return Points include:
At a Manual Return Point, the process is carried out by staff members.
Generally, the process proceeds as follows:
The consumer hands over their eligible deposit-based packaging, which is part of the system, to the Manual Return Point.
The returned packaging is checked to determine whether it falls under the deposit system and meets the specified return criteria.
The return process for eligible packaging is carried out through the system, and the deposit is refunded to the consumer.
The returned packaging is transferred to the deposit system’s collection and recycling processes.
Through this structure, Manual Return Points contribute to the systematic collection of deposit-based packaging within the system.
Being a Manual Return Point does not simply mean that a business becomes a location that accepts deposit-bearing packaging. It also enables businesses to play an active role within the Deposit Management System.
Allowing consumers to receive their deposit refunds right where they’re already shopping—at businesses such as supermarkets, grocery stores, or convenience stores—helps make the refund process a natural part of daily life.
You Can Contribute to the Recycling Process
Including eligible deposit-bearing packaging collected at your business in the system helps ensure that more packaging is channeled into the recycling process.
As a Manual Return Point, your business becomes a key part of the system—from collecting deposit-bearing packaging from consumers to transferring it to the collection process.
Businesses and organizations wishing to become Manual Return Points must complete the relevant application and procedures through authorized operators under the Deposit Management System.
Following the application, the eligibility of the location and compliance with the conditions required under the system are evaluated. Locations operating as Manual Return Points must adhere to the established rules and operational requirements to ensure the deposit return process runs smoothly.
One of the primary goals of the deposit system is to ensure that returnable packaging is collected separately after use—rather than ending up in the trash—and incorporated into the recycling process.
For this to happen, it is important to have a sufficient number of return points that are easily accessible to consumers.
Manual Return Points contribute to the widespread adoption of the deposit system by enabling consumers to return their deposit-bearing packaging at more locations they encounter in their daily lives.
REVEGO is a Deposit Field Management System Operator authorized by the Turkish Environment Agency. Within the scope of the Deposit Management System, it carries out field operations, tracking, and process management activities.
Within the scope of Manual Return Points, it also manages operations to ensure that deposit return processes are carried out in the field in an orderly, planned, and traceable manner.
