Environment: Consumer rights news in Portugal

Too many machines for too few packages: the refund scheme for returning cans and bottles begins

Volta system website is outdated

Volta system: Website indicates 16 municipalities without collection points

There are 16 municipalities without collection points on the Volta website, but the SDR claims there are only five. In Oleiros, the mayor contradicts the entity: there is no machine at all, and the nearest one is 50 km away.

Why some Volta machines refund your deposit to a bank card – and others don’t

Home News Why some Volta machines refund your deposit to a bank card – and others don’t Why some Volta machines refund your deposit to a bank card – and others don’t The Volta deposit-return scheme in Portugal has already seen millions of bottles and cans returned, but consumers may have noticed

Greenwashing is becoming expensive. Portuguese companies should act as if the clock is already ticking

In a 2020 study, the European Commission analysed a sample of 150 environmental claims made by companies across the EU. More than four out of every ten were classified as exaggerated, false, or impossible to prove. The number was not forgotten in a technical report; it became the basis for a European regulatory framework that is about to...

Bottles and cans without the Volta symbol can continue to be sold until stock runs out

Retailers are permitted to sell existing inventory of beverage containers that do not feature the new Volta recycling symbol until current supplies are exhausted.

Portugal misses European deadline again and delays right to repair goods

Portugal has failed to meet another EU deadline, resulting in a delay for the implementation of the right to repair legislation for consumer goods.

Jornal de Negócios4 Aug

Sale of bottles and cans without the 'Volta' symbol prohibited from the 10th

The ban on selling packaging that is not part of the system begins on Monday.

From the 10th, bottles and cans must feature the 'Volta' symbol

The ban on selling packaging that is not part of the system begins on Monday.

Environmentalists warn of failed directive transposition

The deadline was July 31, 2026. Quercus, Zero, and Circular Economy Portugal criticise the delay, which leaves consumers without legal protection to repair household appliances and mobile phones.

European Union bans the destruction of unsold clothing

According to the new rules, companies will have to prioritise keeping products in use through sales, donations to social welfare institutions, or social enterprises.

European Union bans destruction of unsold clothing starting Sunday

New rules come into effect under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, with medium-sized enterprises required to comply with these obligations starting in July 2030.

Lisbon struggles with 'Volta' system following phenomenon of scavenging for packaging in bins

In operation for three months, specifically since April 10, the 'Volta' system allows consumers to recover the 10-cent deposit value per package paid at the time of purchasing single-use bottles and cans.

Consumers advised to check for “Volta” symbol before paying the deposit in Portugal

Home News Consumers advised to check for “Volta” symbol before paying the deposit in Portugal Consumers advised to check for “Volta” symbol before paying the deposit in Portugal Consumers are being advised to look for the “ Volta” symbol on drinks packaging before paying the 10-cent deposit intro

Volta deposits must always be refundable in cash

Consumers who return drinks containers through Portugal’s new Volta deposit-return scheme must always be able to recover their 10-cent deposit in cash if they wish, according to the organisation managing The post Volta deposits must always be refundable in cash appeared first on Portugal Resident.

Volta system moves forward, but Deco says there is a lack of information on return rules

The manager of the Deposit and Refund System reports a positive start and is preparing solutions for airports. Deco highlights concerns regarding improper charges and return rules.

Cash refund for 'Volta' packaging deposits must always be possible

Alternatively, consumers may choose to receive a voucher or loyalty card credit to be redeemed at retail establishments, or donate the amount to a charity.

Volta: Deposit for unreturned packaging is reinvested

The managing entity advises consumers to check if packaging bears the Volta symbol when paying the deposit. The value of unreturned deposits is reinvested into the system.

Volta manager makes positive assessment, but Deco points out flaws

The entity managing the Deposit and Refund System (SDR) reports a 'very positive' start to operations, but the consumer protection association Deco claims consumers remain poorly informed about how to reclaim deposits paid for beverage containers. While SDR Portugal highlights the successful rollout of over 2,500 collection points, Deco argues that poor communication has led many consumers to perceive the deposit as an additional tax rather than a refundable incentive.

Manager of 'Volta' gives positive assessment, but Deco points to lack of information

The president of SDR Portugal highlighted that 'Volta' launched 'with a very robust infrastructure, with more than 90% of the network of automatic points already installed from the first day.'

The footprint that does not lie about products

From carbon footprints to EPDs, new environmental labels are exposing the real impact of products, curbing greenwashing, and making transparency a competitive advantage for companies.

10 million containers have already been returned in Portugal: find out how to get your 10 cents back

An update on the deposit return scheme in Portugal, explaining the process for consumers to reclaim their 10-cent deposit per container.

Away - IOL11 Jun

VOLTA recycling system hailed major success

The VOLTA recycling system taking Portugal by storm – and adding 10 cents to almost every single drinks bottle and can – is being hailed as a major success today. The post VOLTA recycling system hailed major success appeared first on Portugal Resident.

President of the Republic enacts legislation to accelerate renewables and strengthen consumer rights

Among the planned measures is the creation of Renewable Energy Acceleration Zones, where projects benefit from shorter and simplified licensing procedures.

Question: why can't dented packaging be returned to the Volta system?

The deformation of cans or bottles compromises the reading and identification of these containers, preventing reimbursement and the monitoring of the recycling circuit, explains the Deposit and Refund System.