Portugal is launching an innovative Deposit and Return Scheme (SDR) known as 'Volta' in April 2026, aiming to significantly enhance the country’s recycling rates and contribute to the transition to a circular economy. The initiative will focus on beverage packaging, including plastic, aluminum, and steel bottles and cans up to three liters in volume. As part of this scheme, consumers will pay a deposit of 0.10 euros for each beverage package they purchase, which will be refunded when the packaging is returned to designated return points. The packaging must feature the Volta symbol, ensuring that consumers can easily identify qualifying items.

The launch of the scheme was announced by Maria da Graça Carvalho, the Minister of Environment and Energy. She emphasized that the Volta system is a structural reform in Portugal’s environmental policy, aiming to create tangible and measurable impacts on citizens' lives by simplifying the recycling process. By promoting a circular economy, the scheme supports a significant reduction in waste generation and the use of natural resources. The broader goal is to recycle up to 90% of beverage packaging by 2029, in line with European Union directives.

The Volta Deposit and Return Scheme is being developed through a partnership between major beverage industries (including soda, water, and beer producers), which collectively control 90% of the beverage market, and food retail companies responsible for around 80% of sector sales. With a total investment of 150 million euros, the project is poised to provide not only environmental benefits but also socio-economic ones, including the creation of approximately 1,500 direct and indirect jobs in logistics, maintenance, sorting, and technological innovation.

The operational infrastructure of the scheme will consist of around 2,500 automatic collection machines, more than 8,000 manual collection points, and 48 kiosks designed to process larger volumes in urban areas. Consumers will be able to return empty bottles and cans in exchange for vouchers or loyalty points, which can be redeemed for discounts or converted into cash. Furthermore, individuals can donate their deposits to charitable institutions, contributing to social causes.

The system’s phased implementation will initially target only the packaging labeled with the Volta symbol, running from April 10 to August 9, 2026. As of August 10, 2026, participation in the scheme will become mandatory for all single-use beverage packaging within the Portuguese market. This progressive rollout allows for the necessary adjustments in consumer behavior and infrastructure, ensuring that the program’s full potential is realized in a sustainable manner.

This initiative is part of a broader national effort to modernize waste management systems in Portugal. It complements the TERRA program, which focuses on key areas such as waste prevention, the circular economy, and infrastructure development. Additionally, public awareness campaigns are underway to encourage better waste separation and to increase overall recycling participation among the population.

As a forward-looking initiative, the Volta scheme aims not only to improve recycling rates but also to position Portugal as a leader in sustainability within Europe. With the Volta Deposit and Return Scheme, the country is making significant strides toward fulfilling its environmental obligations and contributing to the global fight against climate change. By implementing a system that promotes reuse, reduces waste, and supports the circular economy, Portugal is paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.