The study conducted by InfoClima reveals that Romanians have returned over 266 million packages through the Deposit-Return System (SGR) in the first four months of 2024. However, there are several complaints and difficulties encountered by consumers:
Return Difficulties: 30% of Bucharest residents reported encountering difficulties when returning packages. Complaints include the inability to recycle a significant number of packages and insufficient staff training.
Lack of Space and Technical Issues: Many consumers reported that the staff at collection points could not explain equipment malfunctions or mentioned a lack of storage space.
Staff Training: There are complaints about the lack of adequate training for staff, which affects the system's efficiency and trust.
Varied Levels of Trust: Trust in the SGR is divided, with 51% of respondents expressing little or very little trust in the system, while 49% have great or very great trust.
Despite these issues, there is a general acceptance of the SGR at both local and national levels, and a recognition of the need for a more intense promotional and educational campaign to improve participation and system efficiency.
The implications of the findings from the InfoClima study on the Deposit-Return System (SGR) in Romania are multifaceted, touching on environmental, operational, and social aspects. Here are the key implications:
Environmental Impact: The return of over 266 million packages indicates a significant positive impact on the environment through increased recycling and reduced waste. However, the challenges faced by consumers could hinder further progress and the overall effectiveness of the system.
Operational Challenges: The reported difficulties in returning packages, including equipment malfunctions and lack of storage space, suggest that there are operational inefficiencies that need to be addressed. Improving these aspects is crucial for enhancing the user experience and ensuring the smooth functioning of the SGR.
Need for Better Training: The complaints about insufficient staff training highlight the need for better education and preparation of personnel involved in the SGR. Adequate training can improve the system's efficiency, reduce consumer frustration, and build trust in the system.
Trust and Participation: The divided levels of trust in the SGR indicate that while there is a base level of acceptance, there are significant concerns that need to be addressed to increase public confidence. Effective communication and transparency from authorities and companies involved in the SGR are essential to build and maintain trust.
Promotion and Education: The study points to a need for more intensive promotional and educational campaigns. Increasing public awareness and understanding of the SGR can drive higher participation rates and more consistent recycling practices among consumers.
Policy and Infrastructure Development: The findings suggest that there may be a need for policy adjustments and infrastructure improvements to support the SGR. This could include expanding the network of collection points, ensuring adequate storage facilities, and investing in reliable equipment.
Broader Adoption: Given the success and challenges observed in Bucharest, there is potential for broader adoption of the SGR across Romania. Learning from the issues faced in the capital can inform better implementation strategies in other regions.
Sustainability Culture: Addressing these challenges and improving the system can contribute to fostering a stronger culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility among Romanian consumers. This cultural shift is crucial for long-term environmental benefits and the success of recycling initiatives.
In Bucharest, 57.8% of residents have adhered to the Deposit-Return System (SGR), and 64% are familiar with it.
Nationally, over 50% of Romanian consumers have joined the SGR, according to a study by Kantar.
To estimate the number of Romanians using the system, we can consider the population figures:
Bucharest: As of 2024, Bucharest has a population of approximately 2 million people.
57.8% adherence means about 1,156,000 residents are using the SGR.
64% familiarity means about 1,280,000 residents are familiar with the system.
National Level: Romania's population is approximately 19 million people.
Over 50% adherence means over 9.5 million people are using the SGR.
These figures suggest significant engagement with the SGR both in Bucharest and nationwide.
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