The System
The Deposit and Return System (DRS), identified by the brand volta, promotes the circular economy through the recovery of single-use beverage containers, including plastic bottles and metal cans, such as aluminium, with a capacity of up to 3 litres, and their high-quality recycling, contributing to the reduction of natural resource consumption.
How does the DRS work?
For the citizen-consumer, the Deposit Return System operates in an accessible, simple, and intuitive way. At the time of purchasing single-use beverage containers of up to three litres, a deposit is paid, which is fully refunded upon return.
Once returned at designated collection points across the country, the containers are sent to Counting and Sorting Centres. They are then processed into secondary raw materials, such as plastic and recycled aluminium or steel alloys, suitable for food contact and used in the production of new containers.
In this way, SDR Portugal ensures that the citizen-consumer fully recovers the deposit paid at the time of purchase while actively and responsibly contributing to the national collection and recycling effort.
Stores and Points of Sale
An additional deposit fee, fixed and independent of the price of the product, is charged upon purchase of beverage single-use containers
Customer/Consumer
The consumer returns the single-use containers to the collection point and receives the deposit paid upon purchase
Collection Points
In retail, traditional stores, hospitality, and other locations
Logistics
From collection points of single-use containers to counting and sorting centres
Counting and Sorting Centres
Locations where counting and preparation of used single-use containers for recycling takes place
Recyclers
Those who transform the material collected for recycling and reuse as new packaging to produce new containers
Beverage Industry
Beverage producers and packers
Management of the Deposit Refund System
Legislation and Targets
Key European Milestones
The Deposit Return System, developed by SDR Portugal, incorporates lessons learned from pilot projects carried out, as well as knowledge generated by the various systems in operation across Europe and globally. The DRS contributes to meeting the ambitious environmental targets to which Portugal is committed at both national and European levels, namely through the European SUP Directive and the Decree-Law that transposes it into national legislation.
Selective collection of single-use plastic bottles and metal containers for beverages
Minimum recycled content in single-use plastic beverage bottles
Minimum recycled content in single-use plastic bottles
Legislation
Decree-Law no. 152-D/2017 of 11 December, as currently amended
Establishes the mandatory existence of a Deposit and Return System for non-reusable beverage containers in plastic, ferrous metals and aluminium with a capacity of up to 3 litres.
Law no. 69/2018 of 26 December
RGGR (General Waste Management Regime) – establishes an incentive system for the return of non-reusable plastic beverage packaging, to be implemented by December 31, 2019, in the form of a pilot project, and a deposit system for plastic, glass, ferrous metals, and aluminium beverage packaging, mandatory as of January 1, 2022 (already surpassed).
Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council
Selective collection of 77% by 2025 and 90% by 2029; minimum incorporation of 25% recycled material into single-use plastic bottles in 2025, 30% by 2030.
Decree-Law no. 78/2021 of 24 September
From 1 January 2025, requires a minimum of 25% recycled plastic content in single-use plastic beverage bottles under 3 litres, including their caps and lids containing plastic. From 1 January 2030, this increases to 30%, applicable to all single-use plastic beverage bottles under 3 litres.
Joint Order no. 1/ME/MAEN/2024 – Licence for the management of a Deposit and Return System
Confirms the approval of the Licence granted to SDR Portugal for the management of a Deposit and Return System.
Decree-Law no. 24/2024 of 26 March
RGGR (General Waste Management Regime) – establishes an incentive system for the return of non-reusable plastic beverage packaging, to be implemented by December 31, 2019, in the form of a pilot project, and a deposit system for plastic, glass, ferrous metals, and aluminium beverage packaging, mandatory as of January 1, 2022 (already surpassed).
REGULATION (EU) 2025/40 of 19 December
On packaging and packaging waste, establishes that single-use plastic bottles and metal cans must be collected selectively at 90% by 2029, and that single-use plastic bottles must contain at least 65% recycled content from 2040.
Order no. 432/2026 of 15 January
Establishes, in Article 30.º-E, the rules governing the determination and collection of the deposit value applicable to beverage packaging covered by the Deposit and Return System.
DRS in Europe
Deposit Return Systems operate in several European countries, collecting more than 35 billion containers annually and involving around 357 million inhabitants. With high collection rates and high-quality recycled materials, they reduce the need for virgin raw materials, driving the circular economy.
Austria
Recycling Pfand Österreich gGmbH
Denmark
Dansk Retursystem A/S
Estonia
Eesti Pandipakend
Finland
Suomen Palautuspakkaus Oy (PALPA)
Germany
DPG Deutsche Pfandsystem GmbH
Poland
System kaucyjny
Hungary
REpont
Iceland
Flöskumóttaka Endurvinnslan
Ireland
Re-turn
Latvia
Depozita Iepakojuma Operators (Depozīta Punkts)
Lithuania
Užstato sistemos administratorius
Malta
Beverage Container Refund Scheme
Netherlands
Statiegeld Nederland
Norway
Infinitum
Portugal
ambition
Romania
RetuRO
Slovakia
Správca zálohového systému, n.o.
Sweden
AB Svenska Returpack
Croatia
Return
Contact SDR Portugal
Contact SDR Portugal to clarify any questions or to start the process of joining the Deposit Return System (DRS).