The Deposit-Return System for Recyclable Packaging (DRS) has recently been implemented in many countries to improve packaging waste management and support circular economy objectives. However, this mechanism has encountered many difficulties. The present study analyses the effectiveness of the DRS in the first 10 months of its operation in Romania, focusing on the spatial inequalities in recycling behaviour, the socioeconomic factors that influence the level of user participation, and user perceptions of waste management effectiveness. Combining cartographic analysis, socioeconomic indicators correlations, and media sentiment analysis, we discover key barriers to DRS implementation in rural areas, infrastructure limits, and public trust challenges. The results show a correlation between recycling rates and factors such as educational attainment, economic well-being, and urbanisation. The study also points out waste management inefficiencies related to poor infrastructure, costs to retailers, and operational difficulties of the recycling system. To enhance DRS performance, we suggest expanding the collection infrastructure in uncovered areas, providing dedicated financial assistance to retailers, and increasing transparency communication in waste processing outcomes. These findings contribute to discussions on optimising deposit-return schemes, reducing waste generation, and improving recycling efficiency in emerging circular economies.

Uncontrolled urban sprawl represents a significant challenge for many countries worldwide. This article analyzes discussions sparked by increased land consumption driven by urban sprawl in Timișoara’s peri-urban area, Romania. In this context, the objective is to identify the processes of transformation and dysfunction of spaces under the effect of peri-urban expansion. Methodologically, geospatial and satellite data were utilized to assess the evolutionary trend of peri-urbanization. Secondly, an evaluation of land-use types at the level of peri-urban sub-neighborhoods was conducted. Furthermore, an analysis of the online reactions of the inhabitants of these spaces was conducted. The results demonstrate differentiated urban growth patterns in the spatial expansion dynamics of peri-urban spaces, which have emerged along major communication axes and in response to the configuration of available land and proximity to the urban core of each locality. Based on LCR/PGR indicators, these patterns can be further categorized into compact and expansive growth models. Furthermore, deficiencies in fundamental infrastructure pose a significant challenge for a considerable proportion of the local population. The study provides authorities and urban planners with reflective analyses on how to better manage peri-urban development. The results of the study support coherent, preventive, and sustainable urban development to avoid replicating the dysfunctions observed in the studied areas in other peri-urban areas.