Claim of price hikes on products with the DOA system becomes a topic of discussion

The Deposit Return System (DOA), implemented nationwide as part of the Zero Waste Movement, was officially put into practice as of yesterday. The main objective of the system, managed by Türkiye Çevre Ajansı (TÜÇA), was explained as including beverage packaging in the recycling chain without being thrown into the trash and reintegrating them into the economy. While this new regulation aims to prevent environmental pollution and use resources efficiently, the process is being closely followed by citizens. As required by the system's operation, consumers are expected to get back the deposit fee they paid if they return the packaging.

However, starting from the first day following the system's entry into force, certain complaints and claims voiced by citizens on social media came to the agenda. In particular, a video shot and shared by a social media user resonated widely. In the share, it was claimed that the price of water purchased from a market chain increased significantly overnight. The citizen stated that they bought the product for 5,75 TL yesterday but it is sold for 7,25 TL today, claiming that they linked this price increase to the newly started deposit system.

According to the claim, firms have directly increased the label prices of products using the start of the deposit return system as an excuse. In the social media post in question, the citizen expressed that the system was presented to the public with the promise of getting back 1 lira if they return the bottle, but in reality, this 1 lira is incorporated into the price. Accordingly, the consumer has deposited the fee into the system, and if they do not return the packaging, they are considered to have bought the water 1,5 lira more expensive than the normal price. This situation sparked a debate that the system is being used as a tool to charge fees from citizens.

The citizen's harsh criticisms in this direction and the question 'Did DOA win or did we lose?' found support from other users on social media and led a large segment to voice similar concerns. Users stated they were concerned that this sudden rise in price tags would create a perception that a hidden hike was made under the name of the deposit system. Following this development, whether the situation has a legal dimension and whether official authorities will step in to prevent consumer grievances has become a matter of curiosity.

Upon this, after the claims circulating on social media, many citizens tagged the official accounts of the Ticaret Bakanlığı and requested them to address the issue. Citizens asked for an explanation on whether the price increases in the market have anything to do with the DOA system and, if necessary, for the prevention of unfair price hikes. This uncertainty in the market and mutual accusations have also brought along discussions about the economic reflections of recycling systems. While an official statement on the subject is awaited, consumers continue to closely monitor market prices.