Who We Are
SDR Portugal is the licensed Managing Entity (Entidade Gestora – EG) designated by APA – Portuguese Environment Agency and DGE – Directorate-General for the Economic Activities, responsible for the implementation and management of the Deposit Return System (DRS) for single-use beverage containers up to 3 litres in Portugal. The license granted to SDR Portugal also extends to the Autonomous Region of Madeira and the Autonomous Region of the Azores, with the respective authorisation issued by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment of the Autonomous Region of Madeira and the Regional Secretariat for the Environment of the Autonomous Region of the Azores.
Origin
Founded in 2019 and formally established as a Non-Profit Association in 2021, SDR Portugal has, since its inception, carried out continuous work on the study, research, development, and evaluation of the model that led to the volta system, implemented in Portugal on April 10, 2026.
Why a Deposit Return System?
Because it enables the collection and recycling, with greater quality and efficiency, of billions of single-use beverage containers in Portugal.
The Deposit Return System model developed by SDR Portugal is based on a tested and proven solution, capable of achieving recycling rates of around 90%, contributing to the fulfilment of ambitious environmental targets at the European level.
The Deposit Return System developed by SDR Portugal significantly increases the collection and recovery of beverage packaging for high-quality recycling, strengthening the circular economy and its environmental benefits. The refund of the deposit paid at purchase encourages the return of single-use beverage packaging, ensuring the quality of the material for reintegration into the production cycle.
This model represents a more sustainable and efficient alternative for managing single-use beverage packaging, enabling it to be valued as raw material rather than treated as waste, as was previously the case.
Vision, commitment and ambition
From the very beginning, the associated entities of SDR Portugal have collaborated with various stakeholders in the waste management sector, including the Government, Public Administration, Waste Management Authorities, Municipalities, Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), among others.
Members
CIRCULAR DRINKS — 90% share of the soft drinks, water and beer industry
Founding Members
Members
SDRETALHISTAS — 80%+ share of food retail
Founding Members
Members
Partners
SDR Portugal has a group of partners who are aligned with the goal of collecting and recycling more effectively to contribute to achieving ambitious environmental objectives.
The SDR Portugal team
Board of Directors
General Assembly Board
Supervisory Board
Report and Accounts
Access the reports and financial statements that reflect the performance of SDR Portugal as the Managing Entity (EG) of the Deposit Return System (DRS).
Contact SDR Portugal
Contact SDR Portugal to clarify any questions or to start the process of joining the Deposit Return System (DRS).