New deposit return scheme for bottles begins today
A national deposit return scheme for single-use plastic and metal beverage containers up to three liters is now in effect. Consumers pay a 10-cent deposit per item at purchase, which is reimbursed when the empty, intact container is returned to designated collection machines. Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho described the initiative as a major environmental project for the country.
- Minister of Environment and Energy (2024–present)
- Party: Social Democratic Party (PSD), Partido Social Democrata
- Background: Mechanical engineer, academic, former MEP
Maria da Graça Carvalho (born 1955) is a Portuguese engineer and politician serving as Minister of Environment and Energy in the AD government. She holds a PhD in mechanical engineering and had a distinguished academic career at Instituto Superior Técnico, specializing in energy systems and building physics.
She served as a Member of the European Parliament (2009–2024), where she focused on research policy, innovation funding (Horizon 2020/Europe), and energy policy. Before entering politics, she was a scientific advisor to European Commission President José Manuel Barroso.
As Environment Minister, she oversees Portugal's energy transition, renewable energy expansion, water resources management, climate adaptation, and environmental regulation — portfolios that are central to issues like wildfire prevention, coastal erosion, and meeting EU climate targets.
