volta surpasses 400 million beverage containers returned and launches public counter on its website

SDR Portugal, the non-profit System Operator licensed by APA – the Portuguese Environment Agency – and DGE – the Directorate-General for Economic Affairs – to implement and manage Portugal’s Deposit Return System (DRS) for single-use beverage containers with a capacity of up to 3 litres, announces that more than 400 million beverage containers have been returned through volta since the system’s launch on 10 April this year.

This milestone, which continues to grow, is now publicly visible on www.volta.com.pt, where a counter on the homepage allows visitors to continuously monitor the number of containers returned, making the system’s results accessible to everyone.

The counter is based on the cumulative number of containers returned up to the previous day, updated daily. Between updates, the second-by-second progression displayed is estimated using the average daily number of returns recorded over the previous week. The methodology is explained alongside the counter, allowing visitors to interpret the figures accurately.

According to Leonardo Mathias, President of SDR Portugal, “The return of more than 400 million beverage containers in less than six months of volta‘s operation clearly demonstrates that the system works and that we must continue to accelerate towards our goal of collecting 90% of eligible containers by the end of 2029. This figure speaks for itself, reflecting growing public participation and confirming the effective operation of the network of 3,000 Collection Points and all the partners involved.

Completing the supplementary collection network, with the installation of 42 additional Kiosks whose authorisation depends exclusively on municipalities, alongside the development of the voluntary collection network, which extends the system to locations beyond those legally required, will allow the number of returns to increase.

Every return represents a container entering a separate collection stream designed for recycling and material recovery. We are grateful to all citizens for embracing this national initiative, which will contribute to a better environment and a better future for current and future generations. We once again call on municipalities, which play a key role in the system’s success, to accelerate their decisions regarding the authorisation of Kiosk installations. These facilities are essential to reducing the challenges that have been publicly raised about the system.”

Completing the planned infrastructure, finalising the supplementary collection network and developing the voluntary collection network, alongside a commitment to continuous improvement, are essential to accelerating returns and mitigating the challenges that have been publicly identified.

The volume of returns achieved demonstrates that volta is being used and is collecting beverage containers on a large scale. This is a tangible result that deserves recognition, but it must also be accompanied by equally high standards of service quality. Each consumer’s experience, the availability of Collection Points and the ease of returning containers are essential to sustaining participation.

The difficulties experienced by people trying to return their packaging deserve attention and effective responses. Acknowledging these challenges while recognising the results already achieved are two aspects of the same responsibility reflected in SDR Portugal’s commitment: to build an increasingly simple, accessible, functional and reliable system.

SDR Portugal therefore reiterates its commitment to continuously improving and developing the volta experience.

By making this counter available, volta facilitates public monitoring of packaging returns and provides consumers with a tangible way to follow the system’s progress and performance to date. The 400 million milestone demonstrates the scale already achieved and reinforces the importance of completing the planned infrastructure and continuing to make packaging returns part of everyday habits.

volta Kiosks

volta Kiosks, fully financed by SDR Portugal, were designed before the system’s launch to complement the volta Collection Point network and facilitate the return of large quantities of packaging, particularly for HoReCa operators (Hotels, Restaurants and Cafés) and other consumers handling high volumes.

They provide a simple and fast return process, without requiring containers to be inserted individually. With a collection capacity of approximately 120 containers per minute, the Kiosks significantly reduce the time needed for returns. A member of staff is also permanently available to provide assistance when required.

The installation of Kiosks complements the mandatory network of reverse vending machines and will significantly strengthen collection capacity and efficiency, reducing the improper disposal of volta packaging in recycling bins and general waste, while minimising negative impacts on urban cleanliness.

During the system’s preparation phase, SDR Portugal planned the installation of 50 Kiosks across 38 municipalities, aiming to increase collection capacity and mitigate potential problems associated with the improper disposal of beverage containers.

The installation of Kiosks depends exclusively on authorisation and the provision of suitable public space by the respective municipalities. Their implementation therefore requires coordination between SDR Portugal and local authorities.

Currently, 8 Kiosks are installed and operational across 8 municipalities: Albufeira, Almada, Barcelos, Cascais, Funchal, Ponta Delgada, Portimão and Vila Nova de Famalicão. SDR Portugal continues to work closely with the remaining municipalities to progressively complete the planned network throughout this year and the next.

Finally, the gradual development of the voluntary collection network, which requires time to establish and become effective, is another essential component of SDR Portugal’s strategy to accelerate progress towards meeting the annual environmental targets between now and the end of 2029, when the objective is to collect 90% of all eligible containers.

The voluntary collection network allows organisations responsible for high-traffic locations, such as airports, educational institutions, business campuses and wholesale establishments, to join volta by installing automated packaging return machines.

These machines accept all eligible containers covered by the system, regardless of where they were purchased.

This voluntary expansion of the volta network complements the mandatory network (reverse vending machines installed in legally designated retail establishments) and the supplementary network (volta Kiosks financed by SDR Portugal, whose installation requires municipal authorisation).

Together, these networks provide consumers with additional options for returning their packaging, benefiting both the public and the environment.