Deposit Refund Systems as effective tools for the circular economy transition: Evidence from the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

In the context of Moldova’s EU accession process, aligning with European environmental policies has become a priority. One of the most effective instruments for advancing the circular economy is the Deposit Refund System (DRS), which encourages the collection and reuse of packaging. Despite its proven efficiency in EU Member States, Moldova is still in the preparatory phase of implementing such a system. Understanding consumer perceptions is essential, since public acceptance and participation determine the system’s overall effectiveness.