volta surpasses 305 million beverage containers returned in five months

Five months after consumers began returning their beverage containers through volta, SDR Portugal has recorded more than 305 million containers returned. This milestone comes at a time of strong growth in the use of the collection network, with the number of returned containers tripling over the past two months, after reaching 100 million in July.

Since the launch of the Deposit Return System (DRS) on 10 April, an average of nearly 5 million containers are now being returned every day. This corresponds to more than 3,400 containers per minute and approximately 57 containers every second.

The figures reflect significant growth throughout the first five months of operation. During the first two months, more than 10 million containers were returned. In July, just over three months after the launch, volta reached 100 million. Now, five months after becoming operational, the system has reached 305 million.

Collection network expands alongside growing participation

The increase in packaging returns has been accompanied by the expansion of the volta collection network, which currently includes more than 3,000 automated volta Collection Points in supermarkets and hypermarkets, as well as manual volta Collection Points. These provide collection solutions for smaller establishments, such as local shops, minimarkets and neighbourhood supermarkets without reverse vending machines (RVMs).

The network is also being strengthened through volta Kiosks, designed primarily to accommodate the return of large quantities of packaging at once. Of the 12 Kiosks already contracted, 7 are currently operational in Albufeira, Barcelos, Cascais, Funchal, Ponta Delgada, Portimão and Vila Nova de Famalicão. The remaining 5 are being implemented in the municipalities of Almada, Aveiro, Mafra, Oeiras and Vila do Conde. The objective is to reach 50 Kiosks nationwide.

With the capacity to collect approximately 120 beverage containers per minute, the Kiosks allow large volumes of packaging to be returned at a single location, making them particularly relevant for cafés, restaurants, hotels and other similar establishments.

For cafés, restaurants, hotels and other similar establishments that accumulate large quantities of packaging, SDR Portugal also provides a Direct Collection service, allowing them to request collection directly from their premises, subject to an agreement with the System Operator.

Leonardo Mathias, President of SDR Portugal, states: “Reaching 305 million containers returned in just five months is an extraordinary milestone and demonstrates, in very concrete terms, the strong participation of citizens in volta. We are talking about millions of containers that have been returned and can be transformed into new bottles or cans. Participation has grown significantly since the launch, and the figures reveal a development worth highlighting: we went from 100 million containers returned at the end of July to 300 million in September. In other words, the number of returned containers tripled in less than two months. This clearly demonstrates the mobilisation of citizens and volta‘s ability to encourage new habits and contribute to a real change in how we view beverage packaging after consumption.

In this context, SDR Portugal would like to thank all citizens who have embraced volta and whose participation in returning their packaging has been essential to achieving this result. We must also acknowledge the commitment of SDR Portugal’s members — producers, distributors, packagers and retailers — whose collective efforts were decisive in implementing an infrastructure of this scale across the country, including its IT, technical and logistics systems, as well as employee training. Without their contribution, achieving these figures would not have been possible.

This result therefore gives us confidence while also increasing our responsibility. Our ambition is to continue growing, consolidate this level of participation and make returning packaging an increasingly established part of everyone’s daily routines. This is a highly significant milestone, but we want it to be just another stage in a journey aimed at continuously increasing collection rates and ensuring that more and more packaging returns to the circular economy,” concludes Leonardo Mathias.

volta covers single-use beverage packaging – plastic, aluminium and steel bottles and cans with a capacity of up to 3 litres. Each eligible container carries a deposit of €0.10, which is fully refunded when the packaging is returned in accordance with the established requirements.

Packaging return options

Where can I return my packaging?

Packaging covered by volta can be returned at automated volta Collection Points, available in supermarkets and hypermarkets, at manual volta Collection Points and at volta Kiosks.

HoReCa establishments that meet the necessary requirements can also use the Direct Collection service, subject to registration and an agreement with SDR Portugal.

What is the difference between an automated volta Collection Point and a volta Kiosk?

Automated volta Collection Points allow consumers to return packaging through reverse vending machines installed in supermarkets and hypermarkets.

These are complemented by manual volta Collection Points, generally located in smaller supermarkets, which allow consumers to return packaging when automated volta Collection Points are not available nearby. This ensures that return options remain accessible even in more remote areas.

volta Kiosks are designed to receive large quantities of packaging at once, with the capacity to collect approximately 120 containers per minute. They are installed in easily accessible locations and offer opening hours adapted to local needs, providing a convenient and efficient solution.

Are volta Kiosks exclusively for restaurants and cafés?

No. volta Kiosks can be used by both individual consumers and businesses, although they are particularly useful in situations where large quantities of packaging need to be returned, especially by HoReCa establishments.

What is the Direct Collection service?

The Direct Collection service is a solution designed for HoReCa establishments, allowing packaging to be collected directly from their premises. This means businesses that accumulate significant volumes of packaging can request collection without having to transport it to a volta Collection Point or Kiosk.

To join the service, establishments must register as volta Collection Partners and enter into an agreement with the System Operator, SDR Portugal. Registration is subsequently validated to ensure that the establishment meets the necessary requirements, particularly having a sufficient volume of packaging to justify direct collection. This ensures the efficiency and sustainability of the service.

Direct Collection is free for establishments with at least 4 full bags, each with a capacity of 240 litres, ready for collection. For collections of up to 3 bags, a fee of €13 + VAT applies.

How is the deposit refunded?

The deposit is €0.10 per container and is refunded after the packaging has been returned, provided it meets the requirements established by volta.

At automated volta Collection Points, the deposit can be recovered through several refund methods, including a voucher that can always be redeemed for cash, an in-store discount voucher, a loyalty card or digital solutions. Depending on the options available at each volta Collection Point, the deposit may also be donated to a charitable organisation.

At volta Kiosks, deposits can be recovered through the App volta€, which allows users to transfer their accumulated balance to a linked bank account. Alternatively, users can choose to donate their deposits to one of the charitable organisations available through this solution.

Refunds through MB WAY will be available soon.

What requirements must packaging meet to be accepted?

Containers must be empty, uncrushed, have their caps attached and display the volta symbol and a legible barcode.

The DRS covers single-use beverage packaging made of plastic, aluminium and steel, with a capacity of up to 3 litres.

Where can I find collection locations?

The locations of volta Collection Points and Kiosks are available at https://volta.com.pt/onde-devolver/.