The Deposit and Refund System (SDR) has processed 600 million single-use beverage containers since launching on 10 April 2026. A new tracking tool on the 'Volta' brand website now shows return statistics by district, municipality, and waste management system, updated monthly.
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A new automated kiosk that processes up to 120 bottles and cans per minute has been inaugurated in Cascais, allowing for bulk deposits rather than individual scanning. The system offers payment via MB Way or the Volta app, with the project expanding to 50 locations across 38 municipalities, including upcoming installations in Oeiras and Mafra.
Portugal's bottle and can return scheme has reached a milestone of 400 million items collected since its launch on 10 April 2026. The system currently features 3,000 collection points, with plans to add 32 high-capacity kiosks that process 120 containers per minute; eight of these are already operational in locations including Albufeira and Portimão.
The manager of the 'Volta' packaging return system has presented a 14-point plan to the Minister of Environment, focusing on integrating the system with municipal waste management and encouraging the installation of collection kiosks for the hospitality sector. The scheme has reached a milestone of 500 million containers returned since its inception.