Portugal's deposit return scheme Volta passes 400 million containers returned
SDR Portugal, the non-profit entity managing the country's deposit and return system for single-use beverage packaging up to 3 litres, says more than 400 million containers have been returned since the scheme launched on 10 April 2026. The operator has added a public counter to its website tracking returns daily, and aims to collect 90 percent of eligible packaging by the end of 2029.
Why this mattersEarly volumes from a national deposit return system give beverage brand owners and packaging producers a live benchmark for collection rates and compliance costs.
- More than 400 million beverage containers returned since Volta launched on 10 April 2026, in under six months of operation
- SDR Portugal targets collection of 90 per cent of eligible packaging by the end of 2029
- The mandatory network comprises about 3,000 collection points
- A supplementary network of 38 further kiosks awaits authorisation by municipalities
- Each kiosk, fully funded by SDR Portugal, can take about 120 containers per minute
- A counter on volta.com.pt shows accumulated returns, updated daily
Sources
plusnews.org