Introduction
Deposit machine problems are among the most common issues consumers experience when returning plastic bottles, glass bottles and aluminium cans. A container placed inside a deposit return machine may sometimes be rejected, even though it appears suitable for recycling. However, rejection does not always mean that the machine is faulty.
Several factors determine whether a beverage container can be accepted. The machine checks the barcode, material, volume, physical shape and deposit mark of the packaging. If the bottle is crushed, the barcode is damaged or liquid remains inside, the system may not recognise the container correctly.
Containers must generally remain empty, identifiable and close to their original physical condition. In addition, they must be registered in the Deposit Management System and carry the relevant deposit symbol.
This guide explains why deposit machines reject certain containers, how common rejection issues can be solved and what consumers should check before visiting a return point.
Table of Contents
- Why Do Deposit Machine Problems Occur?
- Containers Without the DOA Deposit Mark
- Crushed or Deformed Containers
- Unreadable Barcodes
- Liquid Remaining Inside the Packaging
- Incorrect Container Type or Volume
- Technical Deposit Machine Problems
- How to Return Containers Correctly
- Burkasan’s Waste Management Approach
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Why Do Deposit Machine Problems Occur?
Most deposit machine problems occur when the system cannot identify the container correctly. Deposit machines do not automatically accept every plastic bottle, glass bottle or metal can inserted into them. First, the machine checks whether the packaging is registered in the deposit return system.
It then analyses the container’s barcode, material type, size, shape and deposit symbol. When one of these details cannot be verified, the machine may return the packaging to the user.
The most common reasons for rejection include:
- The container does not carry a DOA deposit mark.
- The barcode is torn, faded or unreadable.
- The bottle or can has been crushed.
- The glass bottle is cracked or broken.
- Liquid remains inside the container.
- The packaging is outside the accepted volume range.
- The product is not registered in the deposit system.
- Several containers are inserted at the same time.
According to the information provided by the Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, the deposit system aims to collect eligible beverage containers through approved return points and transfer the deposit value back to consumers.
Containers Without the DOA Deposit Mark
Eligible beverage packaging in Türkiye must carry the DOA deposit mark. This symbol indicates that the product has been registered in the Deposit Management System and that a deposit fee has been applied to the packaging.
A plastic bottle, aluminium can or glass bottle may still be recyclable without the DOA mark. However, recyclability does not automatically make the container eligible for a deposit refund.
Consumers should check the product label before purchasing or storing beverage containers. The DOA mark may appear near the barcode, recycling symbol or product information section.
Packaging without the DOA mark should be placed in the appropriate recycling collection system instead of being inserted repeatedly into a deposit return machine.
Crushed or Deformed Containers
Crushing bottles and cans can help save space in household recycling bins. However, deposit containers should not be crushed before they are returned.
Deposit machines compare the physical shape and dimensions of the container with the product information recorded in the system. A heavily crushed PET bottle or aluminium can may no longer match the registered packaging profile.
Glass bottles must also remain intact. Cracked or broken glass creates a safety risk and may prevent the machine from identifying the container.
To protect deposit containers before returning them:
- Do not step on plastic bottles or cans.
- Avoid placing heavy objects on stored packaging.
- Keep glass bottles in a stable box or bag.
- Protect containers from excessive heat and moisture.
- Do not remove or damage product labels.
Keeping packaging close to its original form can prevent many common deposit machine problems.
Unreadable Barcodes
Unreadable barcodes are one of the leading causes of deposit machine problems. The barcode allows the machine to identify the product, container material, volume and deposit registration.
If the label has been removed, torn, folded or faded, the scanning system may not be able to match the container with the information stored in the database.
Barcodes can also become damaged when bottles are washed with hot water, exposed to moisture or stored outdoors for long periods. Consumers should therefore avoid removing labels or using harsh cleaning methods.
If the barcode appears undamaged but the machine still rejects the bottle, remove it and insert it again slowly. Rotating the container slightly may help the scanner recognise the barcode. However, users should never place their hands inside the machine or interfere with its internal mechanism.
Liquid Remaining Inside the Packaging
Deposit containers must be completely empty before they are returned. Liquid remaining inside bottles or cans may cause hygiene problems, damage the machine and reduce the quality of collected recycling materials.
Before visiting a return point, empty the beverage completely. If necessary, rinse the container with a small amount of water and allow it to drain.
The container does not need to be cleaned extensively. The main objective is to remove liquid without damaging the label, barcode or physical structure of the packaging.
Returning empty containers also makes collection, transportation and separation processes more efficient.
Incorrect Container Type or Volume
Not every recyclable package is included in the deposit return system. Eligible packaging generally consists of single-use PET, glass and aluminium beverage containers within the specified volume range.
Containers used for cleaning products, liquid oils, cosmetics, detergents or chemical products should not be placed inside beverage deposit machines.
Before inserting a package, check the following points:
- Is it a beverage container?
- Does it carry the DOA deposit mark?
- Is the barcode clearly readable?
- Is the packaging empty?
- Is the container undamaged?
- Is its volume within the accepted range?
A package may be recyclable but still remain outside the deposit return system. In such cases, it should be separated through the appropriate municipal or commercial recycling channel.
Technical Deposit Machine Problems
When several eligible containers are rejected consecutively, deposit machine problems may result from a full collection unit, connection failure or temporary technical malfunction.
Users should first check the machine screen. It may display messages such as “out of service,” “container full,” “maintenance required” or “connection error.”
If the machine is temporarily unavailable, wait briefly and try the process again. When the problem continues, use the official DOA mobile application or return-point map to find another nearby machine.
Technical problems should be reported through the contact information displayed on the machine or within the official application. Consumers should not attempt to open or repair the equipment themselves.
How to Return Containers Correctly
Correct preparation can prevent many rejection issues. Before leaving home, check that every container is empty, undamaged and marked with the DOA symbol.
At the return point, open the DOA application and scan the QR code shown on the machine screen. Insert each bottle or can separately and wait for the machine to process it before adding the next container.
For a successful return:
- Keep the original shape of the packaging.
- Do not remove the product label.
- Protect the barcode from damage.
- Empty all remaining liquid.
- Check for the DOA deposit mark.
- Insert containers one at a time.
- Follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
These steps reduce deposit machine problems and help the return process continue without interruption.
Burkasan’s Waste Management Approach
The deposit return system is not limited to refunding a financial value to consumers. It also creates a controlled collection model that allows valuable packaging materials to be separated at their source.
For detailed information about the structure and operation of the system, read Burkasan’s guide on the Deposit Management System.
Burkasan supports the recovery of waste through professional collection, separation and recycling processes. Protecting the physical integrity of deposit containers helps recyclable materials move through these processes more efficiently.
Clean and correctly separated PET, glass and aluminium packaging can maintain a higher recycling value. Source separation also reduces contamination, improves material quality and supports the circular economy.
Through its experience in waste management and recycling, Burkasan contributes to the controlled recovery of materials and the responsible use of natural resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes deposit machine problems?
Deposit machine problems are commonly caused by crushed containers, unreadable barcodes, missing deposit marks, liquid residue or packaging that is not registered in the system.
Why does the machine reject an undamaged bottle?
The bottle may not carry the DOA deposit mark, or its barcode may not be registered. The container may also be outside the accepted material or volume range.
Can a crushed plastic bottle be returned?
Heavily crushed bottles may be rejected because the machine needs to recognise the original shape and dimensions of the packaging.
Should deposit bottles be washed?
Detailed washing is usually unnecessary. The container should be emptied completely and lightly rinsed when needed. The label and barcode must remain undamaged.
Can glass bottles be returned?
Eligible glass beverage bottles can be returned when they carry the required deposit mark and remain unbroken. Cracked or broken glass bottles may be rejected.
Can bottles without labels be returned?
Containers without labels may not be accepted because the machine cannot scan the barcode or verify the deposit registration.
What should I do if the deposit machine is full?
Check the screen for instructions and find another nearby return point through the official application or return-point map.
Can non-beverage containers be returned?
Cleaning product, cosmetic, chemical and cooking oil containers are generally not accepted by beverage deposit return machines, even when they are recyclable.
Conclusion
Most deposit machine problems can be prevented by protecting the barcode, preserving the original shape of the container and checking the DOA mark before returning it.
Consumers should keep bottles and cans empty, avoid removing labels and insert each package separately. These practices allow the machine to recognise containers more accurately and help the deposit process operate efficiently.
With its experience in waste management and recycling, Burkasan supports the responsible collection and recovery of packaging materials. Correctly returned containers contribute to resource efficiency, reduce waste and strengthen the circular economy.