volta: Citizens return over 10 million beverage containers in the first two months of the Deposit Return System

In just two months of operation, citizens have already returned 10,006,067 volta beverage containers – single-use plastic, metal and aluminium bottles and cans with a capacity of up to 3 litres – covered by the Deposit Return System (DRS), implemented in Portugal on 10 April. Operating under the volta brand, the system allows consumers to recover the €0.10 deposit paid per container at the time of purchase by returning eligible packaging to more than 2,500 volta Collection Points across mainland Portugal and the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira.

This achievement is particularly significant given that the system is still in a transition phase, with packaging bearing the volta symbol being progressively introduced to the market. The milestone of 10,006,067 containers collected in just two months reflects strong consumer participation and the commitment of the organisations involved in the DRS to establishing a nationwide collection network that is operational and efficient.

Leonardo Mathias, President of SDR Portugal, the organisation responsible for managing the DRS, states: “The first two months of implementation demonstrate clear consumer engagement. The return of 10,006,067 containers, at a stage when the system is still expanding and deposit-bearing packaging continues to enter the market progressively, confirms public confidence in the DRS. This figure represents, on average, approximately one container returned per citizen, but it is much more than a statistical milestone. We are witnessing the beginning of a change in behaviour and are confident that Portugal will follow the path of Europe’s most successful deposit return systems, contributing to the achievement of the European Union’s ambitious circularity and sustainability targets. We thank all citizens whose participation has made this result possible.”

Operational data also shows that returns occur more frequently at weekends, particularly on Sundays, highlighting the system’s gradual integration into people’s routines. Returning volta packaging is becoming part of regular shopping trips, reinforcing the convenience of a collection network designed to fit into consumers’ everyday lives.

Until 9 August, volta remains in its transition period, during which packaging with and without the volta symbol will coexist on the market, as currently available products are progressively replaced by new packaging included in the system. Packaging without the volta symbol is not subject to a deposit at the time of purchase and will not be accepted by the system. It should therefore continue to be disposed of in the appropriate recycling bins.

The DRS is an essential tool for Portugal to meet European targets for the separate collection and recycling of single-use beverage packaging, including the objective of achieving a 90% collection rate by 2029. With volta, packaging is no longer treated simply as waste but is valued as high-quality recyclable raw material, allowing a bottle to become a bottle again and a can to become a can again.

About the Deposit Return System

How does volta work?

When purchasing a beverage, consumers are charged a deposit of €0.10 per container, which is refunded when the packaging is returned in the required condition. volta automated Collection Points, located in supermarkets and hypermarkets, and volta Kiosks recognise eligible bottles and cans – made of plastic, aluminium or metal, with a capacity of up to 3 litres – and allow the deposit to be refunded in several ways: through a voucher redeemable for cash, a discount voucher at the point of sale, credit added to a loyalty card, or other digital solutions currently under development. Alternatively, the deposit can be donated to charitable organisations.

Where are volta Collection Points and Kiosks located?

Since 10 April, approximately 2,500 volta Collection Points have been available in supermarkets and hypermarkets, with the network expected to expand to more than 3,000 over the coming months. These are complemented by 50 volta Kiosks, particularly in areas with a strong presence of HORECA establishments.

Packaging can be returned at any volta Collection Point or Kiosk, regardless of where it was purchased. A map showing all locations is available on the volta website – www.volta.com.pt.

Additionally, citizens can download the volta app, which allows them to check packaging acceptance criteria, verify eligibility by scanning barcodes and locate the nearest volta Collection Point or Kiosk. The consumer app is available for download from the App Store and Google Play Store.

Packaging purchased at establishments such as cafés, restaurants or bars may also be returned at these locations, subject to the applicable conditions.

Which packaging is accepted by volta?

To be included in the system, bottles and cans must display the volta symbol, have a legible barcode, be empty and free from dents or crushing, and, in the case of bottles, include their caps.

Until 9 August 2026, a transition period will remain in effect, during which packaging with and without the volta symbol will coexist on the market. Only packaging displaying the symbol is subject to the deposit at the time of purchase, which is refunded when the packaging is returned through the system. All other packaging should continue to be disposed of in the yellow recycling bin.

From 10 August onwards, all plastic, metal and aluminium bottles and cans with a capacity of up to 3 litres will display the volta symbol and become part of the Deposit Return System.

What happens to packaging bearing the volta symbol after collection?

Once returned, the packaging enters a dedicated waste stream, where its materials are valued as high-quality raw materials. The packaging is then transported to the two volta Counting and Sorting Centres (in Greater Lisbon and Greater Porto) before being sent to recyclers for processing into new materials.

Through this process, the materials are transformed into new packaging – a bottle can become a bottle again, and a can can become a can again.