The climate journalism activity is part of the "Youth For Climate" project and is aimed at encouraging young people in Romania to create content that raises awareness of climate and sustainable development issues.
Izabela says....

Romania remains at the bottom when it comes to waste recycling compared to the European Union. Even though recent programs like RetuRo have contributed to an increase in the recycling rates of plastic, glass, and metal containers, the country’s overall situation remains largely unchanged.

Specialized studies suggest that the use of recycled materials has a significant impact on reducing pollution and resource exploitation. This is self-explanatory: reusing an already existing material, which would likely end up as waste, is more efficient than producing new materials. In this context of overproduction, recycling remains one of the solutions that can mitigate its effects.

According to Eurostat data, Romania’s municipal waste recycling rate in 2023 was just 12%, compared to the European average of 48.6%. This significant gap between Romania and other EU countries has caught the attention of European authorities, leading to financial penalties worth millions of euros for inefficient waste management. Without substantial measures, Romania risks remaining at the bottom of the European recycling rankings.

What is RetuRo and how does it work?

Although the RetuRo system has been heavily promoted, many citizens are still unfamiliar with how it functions. RetuRo is a deposit return system for plastic, glass, and metal packaging. Here’s how it works: producers pay a 50-ban (Romanian currency) fee for each package, which they recover from retailers. Retailers, in turn, collect this amount from consumers when products are purchased, and consumers can get their money back by returning the packaging to collection centers. RetuRo’s tracking tool shows that in 8 months, 1.3 billion packages were recycled, a small number considering the target of 7 billion per year.

Consequences of inaction and possible solutions

Although RetuRo is a good start, the program covers only a fraction of recyclable waste. Without other urgent measures, Romania risks remaining one of the most polluted countries in Europe, unable to meet the environmental targets imposed by the EU. The lack of proper recycling education and inefficient infrastructure contribute to this issue.

In conclusion, recycling is a major challenge but also an opportunity for Romania. With programs like RetuRo and proper education for the population, Romania can make significant progress toward a greener future and a circular economy. Active citizen involvement is essential for the success of these initiatives. However, the burden should not fall solely on Romanian consumers while large polluters (e.g., major corporations) remain unsanctioned.

About the Author:

Izabela Manea, Sociology Student and active for human rights and environmental issues.

 

The project is coordinated by A.R.T. Fusion Association, in partnership with EN ROOT Association and co-financed by the Embassy of France and the French Institute in Romania.