volta Kiosks strengthen packaging collection and play a key role in handling large-volume returns across municipalities

SDR Portugal highlights the benefits that volta Kiosks bring to municipalities by increasing packaging collection capacity, facilitating the return of large quantities of containers and helping to reduce improper disposal in recycling bins and general waste. The installation of the 38 remaining Kiosks planned across 26 municipalities, fully financed by SDR Portugal, will extend these benefits to more areas and strengthen the system’s collection capacity.

The legal framework of the Deposit Return System (DRS) establishes different components of the collection network: the Mandatory Network, which includes return points available in supermarkets and hypermarkets; the Supplementary Network, which includes volta Kiosks; and the Voluntary Network, which allows coverage to be expanded through the participation of organisations that provide return facilities on their premises.

volta Kiosks, entirely financed by SDR Portugal, are automated facilities capable of collecting approximately 120 containers per minute, making returns faster and more convenient for users who need to return large quantities, such as restaurants, cafés and hotels. These dedicated facilities provide an alternative to smaller automated volta Collection Points located in retail establishments, which are designed for consumers who incorporate packaging returns into their everyday routines.

By accommodating large-volume returns, the Kiosks help prevent unnecessary difficulties, such as machines reaching capacity quickly or long waiting times. volta Kiosks also directly contribute to reducing improper disposal of packaging in recycling bins and general waste, discouraging the search for containers in these locations and improving the volta experience for consumers.

Currently, 8 volta Kiosks are operational in Albufeira, Almada, Barcelos, Cascais, Funchal, Ponta Delgada, Portimão and Vila Nova de Famalicão. Another 4 have already been contracted in Mafra, Oeiras, Aveiro and Vila do Conde and are expected to become operational in the coming weeks. In the 8 municipalities where Kiosks are already installed, operational results have been positive, with growing usage.

SDR Portugal clarifies that requests to install 50 volta Kiosks across an initial group of 38 municipalities were submitted starting in the final quarter of 2025, several months before the system became operational. These installations were specifically planned to strengthen the existing mandatory collection network, which currently includes more than 3,000 automated volta Collection Points in supermarkets and hypermarkets.

SDR Portugal does not have the authority, responsibility or mandate to intervene directly in public spaces and therefore cannot install equipment without express authorisation, which depends exclusively on the municipalities concerned. The System Operator therefore considers it essential that these 26 local authorities prioritise the assessment of pending requests and make the necessary locations available, in coordination with SDR Portugal, particularly in urban areas where demand for large-volume return solutions is highest.

Requests for authorisation to install volta Kiosks have been submitted to municipalities since the final quarter of 2025, before the system began operating. A total of 38 installations across 26 municipalities remain pending.

Completing this infrastructure represents an opportunity for municipalities to strengthen collection capacity in their areas through equipment fully financed by SDR Portugal. These facilities make it easier to return large quantities of packaging and help reduce improper disposal in recycling bins and general waste.

They will also allow more businesses and residents to actively participate in this transformation through simpler and more accessible return options. This change will contribute to a better quality of life, a cleaner and healthier environment, and a more engaged community.

Completing the planned network is therefore important for strengthening collection capacity, contributing to the achievement of established targets and evaluating the results of its operation alongside additional measures.

More than 470 million beverage containers returned in less than six months

Since the system’s launch on 10 April, more than 470 million beverage containers have been returned, corresponding to a current collection rate of 44%, already exceeding the 40% collection target established for 2026.

SDR Portugal is also accelerating the development of the Voluntary Collection Network, aiming to expand the system’s reach in high-traffic locations such as airports, schools, business campuses and wholesale establishments. This network complements the Mandatory Network and volta Kiosks, which form part of the Supplementary Network.

The System Operator acknowledges the concerns raised regarding urban cleanliness and considers that the situations observed require a coordinated response. According to SDR Portugal’s assessment, some of the issues currently being reported could have been prevented or mitigated if the planned infrastructure had been authorised and implemented in a timely manner.

Without prejudice to the assessment of mitigation measures and the necessary responses to immediate problems, as well as the preparation of the plan requested by the Minister of Environment and Energy on 30 September, which will be submitted on the 16th of this month, SDR Portugal considers it important to complete the planned volta Kiosk network.

At the same time, the organisation will continue to evaluate other solutions capable of addressing the identified challenges and strengthening the effectiveness of the system.

List of municipalities with pending authorisations, in alphabetical order

1. Amadora
2. Barreiro
3. Braga
4. Coimbra
5. Faro
6. Gondomar
7. Guimarães
8. Lagos
9. Leiria
10. Lisboa
11. Loures
12. Loulé
13. Maia
14. Matosinhos
15. Odivelas
16. Palmela
17. Porto
18. Santa Maria da Feira
19. Seixal
20. Sesimbra
21. Setúbal
22. Silves
23. Sintra
24. Vila Franca de Xira
25. Vila Nova de Gaia
26. Viseu