Recyclers

Recyclers are the licensed waste management operators contracted by SDR Portugal that participate in the collection and recovery process of packaging waste within the Deposit Return System (DRS), identified by the volta brand.

Responsible for ensuring high-quality recycling compatible with the incorporation of recycled material into the production of new packaging, Recyclers may operate in an intermediate capacity, transporting waste from collection points to the authorised recycling facilities, or operate directly as the final destinations where volta packaging waste is properly processed and recycled.

Recycler Tender Procedures

Recyclers operate within the Deposit Return System under a contract with SDR Portugal, as well as by applying for and participating in Recyclers Tender Procedures. These procedures are governed by the principles of transparency, equal treatment and competition, in accordance with the minimum eligibility and award criteria established by APA, I.P. (Criteria v4.3), duly validated by an independent entity.

A SDR Portugal realiza procedimentos concursais para três tipologias de material, de acordo com as especificações técnicas de material definidas:
Each tender procedure is conducted in accordance with the conditions set out in its respective Tender Regulations and Tender Notice.

Stages of the Tender Procedures for Recyclers

Recycler Pre-Qualification

The pre-qualification stage comprises the signing of a contract between the Recycler and SDR Portugal, subject to prior verification of compliance with a set of pre-qualification requirements, in accordance with the provisions of Article 8 of the UNILEX. To this end, Recyclers must complete the application form provided below and submit it to SDR Portugal via email at retomadores@sdrportugal.pt.

Recycler Application Form Standard Recycler Contract

Recycler Qualification

Qualification of the Recycler to participate in the auction conducted for each material stream under SDR Portugal’s management responsibility involves participation in the procedure and verification of eligibility.

Participation in the auction is subject to verification of the minimum eligibility criteria, as established by APA, I.P., in the Criteria v4.3 document.

The eligibility of the Recycler and the corresponding award criteria are verified in each tender procedure and validated by an independent entity contracted by SDR Portugal.

Auction and Contract Award

Following confirmation of eligibility, the tender procedure is conducted through an electronic auction on the VORTAL platform, in accordance with the rules set out in the Tender Notice.

The contract for the collection and recovery service is awarded to the successful Recyclers, in accordance with the terms set out in the Tender Notice, the Tender Regulations for each tender procedure, and the contract signed by the Recycler.

Collection and Recovery of volta Packaging Waste

Following the award of the tender procedure, the successful Recyclers carry out the collection and recovery of volta packaging waste for the contracted material stream and collection period, in accordance with the applicable contractual conditions and technical specifications for each material stream.