Recycling news in Portugal

Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas has formally requested that the government immediately cancel the Volta packaging deposit system. The program, which refunds 10 cents for returned single-use containers, has been criticized by the mayor as an environmental policy that has devolved into an unprecedented social drama for the city's residents.

Starting August 10, retailers in Portugal are prohibited from selling single-use beverage containers that are not part of the national deposit return system known as Volta. Consumers will pay an additional 0.10 euro deposit per eligible plastic bottle or metal can, which can be reclaimed upon returning the packaging. Some restaurants have criticized the system, with some establishments opting to switch to glass bottles to avoid the new requirements.

The Deposit and Refund System (Sistema de Depósito e Reembolso or SDR), known as Volta, has collected over 10 million containers in its first two months of operation. Consumers pay a €0.10 deposit per container at the time of purchase, which is refunded when they return the empty items to one of the 2,500 collection points nationwide.

The Volta system, a new deposit-refund scheme for plastic and metal bottles, collected 400,000 units during its first month of operation. Launched on April 10, the initiative allows consumers to recover a ten-cent deposit by returning intact containers to participating locations. Despite some criticism regarding the effort required, the Portuguese Association of Distribution Companies (Associação Portuguesa de Empresas de Distribuição or APED) considers the initial rollout a success.

One month after the launch of the 'Volta' deposit and refund system, many consumers report confusion as a large portion of packaging remains incompatible with the new machines. While the managing entity claims the collection network is nearly complete, supermarkets are still navigating the transition phase for the mandatory system seals.

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.

Portugal is launching a national deposit and refund system for beverage containers, branded as Volta, on April 10. Consumers will pay a ten-cent deposit on single-use bottles and cans, which is refundable upon returning the empty containers to one of over 2,000 collection points. During a four-month transition period, containers with and without the Volta symbol will coexist on store shelves.

The sector regulator says Portugal's recycling performance is 'insufficient', with median collection rates near unsatisfactory levels and poor access to recycling points. It called on municipalities to 'get their house in order', highlighting that ease of access to containers and participation must improve to meet targets. People should report badly serviced areas to their local council as municipalities face pressure to expand and improve pontos de reciclagem (recycling points).