The scheme, known as “Volta”, launched in April and allows consumers to recover a €0.10 deposit paid when purchasing eligible single-use beverage containers. The initiative is designed to encourage recycling and help Portugal meet ambitious European waste collection targets.

According to SDR Portugal, the non-profit organisation responsible for managing the system, more than 10 million containers had been returned by early June through a network of over 2,500 collection points located across mainland Portugal, Madeira and the Azores.

Encouraging sign

The organisation described the figure as an encouraging sign of early public participation, particularly as the programme remains in a transitional phase while new packaging carrying the Volta logo gradually enters the market.

Consumers can currently return eligible plastic, aluminium and metal beverage containers of up to three litres in capacity at participating supermarkets, hypermarkets and dedicated collection kiosks.

The network is expected to continue expanding, with more than 3,000 collection points planned in the coming months. Around 50 dedicated Volta kiosks have also been installed, particularly in areas with a strong concentration of restaurants, cafés and hospitality businesses.

Different ways of refunding

Under the system, returned containers can generate a refund in several ways, including cash vouchers, store discounts, loyalty card credits and, in some cases, donations to charitable organisations.

SDR Portugal said collection activity has been strongest at weekends, particularly on Sundays, suggesting consumers are increasingly incorporating the system into their regular routines.

The deposit scheme remains in a transition period until 9 August. During this time, products carrying the Volta symbol will gradually replace older packaging. Containers without the symbol are not subject to the deposit charge and cannot be returned through the scheme.

To qualify for a refund, containers must display the Volta logo, have a readable barcode, be empty and undamaged, and bottles must still have their caps attached.

Portugal introduced the system as part of wider efforts to improve recycling performance and meet European environmental targets, including a requirement to collect 90% of eligible beverage containers by 2029.

SDR Portugal believes the strong early participation suggests consumers are responding positively to the initiative and could help accelerate the country’s transition towards a more circular economy.