Portugal's Volta scheme has taken back 305 million drink containers
In its first five months, the deposit-return system collected 305 million containers through more than 3,000 return points.
Archived after its publication day. Search retains this original briefing for background and accountability.
Archived 12 September 2026The ten-cent deposit is now part of an ordinary shopping trip for many households. A container still needs the right mark, shape and readable barcode to be accepted.
- Volta collected 305 million drink containers during its first five months.
- Portugal now has more than 3,000 return points in the system.
- The refundable deposit is €0.10 per eligible container.
- Return the container empty and intact, with its cap and barcode still in place.
The system is becoming part of the weekly shop
Portugal's national deposit-return system has received 305 million containers since it began on 10 April. The return network now has more than 3,000 collection points.
The scheme applies a €0.10 deposit to eligible plastic, aluminium and steel drink containers with a capacity below three litres. The deposit is paid when the drink is bought and recovered when the accepted empty container is returned.
Why a machine may reject a container
Look for the Volta mark before setting a container aside. It should be empty, undamaged enough for the machine to recognise its shape, and returned with the cap and a legible barcode. Crushing it may save space at home but can stop the return machine from reading it.
A return point may provide a voucher or another permitted form of reimbursement. Check the instructions before leaving the machine, including where a voucher can be redeemed and whether it has an expiry date.
What you can do now.
- 01
Check for the Volta mark when buying a drink.
- 02
Keep eligible containers empty, intact and uncrushed.
- 03
Read the return point's reimbursement instructions before leaving.
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