Press release - Sistema Nacional VOLTA

April 10, 2026

Following the entry into operation of the Deposit and Refund System (SDR) for single-use beverage packaging (VOLTA), which is being implemented by SDR Portugal – Packaging Association throughout the country, including the Autonomous Regions, the Regional Government of the Azores hereby provides the following information:

- The national VOLTA scheme officially enters into force on April 10, 2026, with a transition period beginning simultaneously and running until August 9 of this year. This scheme, known under the VOLTA brand, is a national mechanism for the recovery of non-reusable packaging for recycling purposes, based on a direct financial incentive for consumers.

This National Deposit and Refund System is part of the national policy on waste management and the promotion of the circular economy. It is aligned with European targets for the separate collection of packaging and the incorporation of recycled plastic, namely those set out in Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 5, 2019, and Directive 94/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of December 20, 1994.  It also has its legal framework laid down in national legislation, namely in Decree-Law no. 152-D/2017 of December 11, in its current wording, and Decree-Law no. 24/2024 of March 26, in its current wording.

The VOLTA system covers single-use primary beverage containers with a capacity of less than three litres, made from plastic, ferrous metals and aluminium. It includes beverages such as water, juices and nectars, soft drinks, energy drinks, beer, cider and other similar beverages sold on the domestic market.

It should be noted that any packaging not bearing the VOLTA symbol, specifically ECAL packaging (e.g. Tetra Pak®), glass, and drinks containing more than 25% milk, is not accepted by the national deposit and refund system.

Consumers are advised that, at the time of purchase, a 0.10 deposit will be charged per packaging item covered by this system. The amount will be fully refunded when the packaging is returned to an authorised collection point. The aim is to encourage the return of non-reusable beverage packaging and, thereby, ensure that the VOLTA system meets the established national targets.

The deposit can be refunded via a voucher redeemable for cash, an in-store discount voucher, a loyalty card, a donation or future digital solutions.

Once returned, the packaging is sent to counting and sorting centres, where it is processed and converted into food-grade secondary raw materials, which will then be used in the production of new packaging.

During the transition period, until August 9, 2026, only packaging bearing the VOLTA symbol will be accepted by the national deposit and refund system. Therefore, only such packaging may be returned to the machines and collection points. Packaging that does not bear the VOLTA symbol may remain on the market; however, it should not include a deposit and must be placed in the appropriate recycling collection points.

From August 10, 2026, all disposable beverage containers with a capacity of less than three litres, made of plastic, ferrous metals and aluminium, including those used for water, juices and nectars, soft drinks, energy drinks, beer, cider and other similar beverages, placed on the market, must be included in the deposit and refund system and bear the VOLTA symbol.

As for commercial establishments selling beverages covered by the Deposit and Refund System, the acceptance of packaging is mandatory under the following conditions:

a) Establishments with a display and sales area of 400 m² or more must accept all packaging included in the SDR;

b) Establishments with a continuous display and sales area of more than 50 m² and less than 400 m² must accept, at a minimum, the packaging sold in the respective establishment, without prejudice to the exceptions provided for in the applicable legislation;

In addition to the above, the HORECA sector (cafés, restaurants, bars and similar establishments where the packaging was purchased), given its particularly significant role due to the high volume of packaging on the market, is required to charge the deposit, itemise it on the bill and ensure customers are reimbursed upon returning the packaging according to the stipulated conditions.

However, it should be noted that HORECA establishments are only required to accept packaging they have sold.

It should also be noted that in establishments where payment is made at the end of the meal, no deposit is charged, as the packaging remains with the establishment, which is responsible for returning the VOLTA packaging. However, if payment is made in advance, the deposit is charged, and the customer is responsible for returning the packaging.

Consequently, all such establishments are required to register with SDR Portugal – Packaging Association whenever they sell beverages in packaging covered by this system, via the association's online platform, available at https://sdrportugal.pt/. This page also provides information regarding communications about the system, information sessions held, and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Collection points, which include VOLTA machines, kiosks and manual collection points, must accept packaging bearing the VOLTA symbol and a valid barcode, provided that the packaging is intact (not crushed) and empty, with the cap (on bottles) in place and the barcode legible. However, it is not necessary to clean the packaging, as long as it is empty and in a condition that allows it to be identified.

At collection points, the registration certificate issued by SDR Portugal – Packaging Association must be visible. There must also be clear and accessible signage indicating the areas designated for returns, adequate space for temporary storage, and clear information available on the return and refund process. The deposit must also be clearly itemised in prices and billing documents.

Operators who set up collection points may choose to purchase or hire the machines, or opt for manual collection, which allows retailers to accept packaging at the point of sale.

Operators should liaise with SDR Portugal – Packaging Association regarding the collection method and frequency. The latter can be contacted via the website: https://sdrportugal.pt/contacte-a-sdr-portugal/ or via the SDR Portugal Helpline: 210 195 116. 

Regarding the Deposit and Refund System in the Azores, it should be noted that, since October 2025, various contacts have been made with the Chambers of Commerce of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Municipal Councils and other relevant entities in this area. Furthermore, the SDR promoted an online information session, specifically for the Autonomous Region of the Azores, on March 19, 2026, involving 117 participants.

The SDR has also established partnerships with regional operators for the collection of VOLTA packaging at authorised collection points. In São Miguel, collection is carried out by ETE Logística, whilst sorting, baling and placement in containers is carried out by MUSAMI. In Terceira, Pico, Faial, Flores, Corvo and Santa Maria, Resiaçores carries out the collection, sorting, baling and placement in containers. In São Jorge and Graciosa, Equiambi carries out collection, sorting, baling and placement in containers.

It should also be noted that 71 collection points have already been registered, and there will also be an RVM Bulk kiosk to support the HORECA sector at MUSAMI, located in Ecoparque I on the island of São Miguel.

The implementation of the VOLTA National System thus represents a decisive milestone for Portugal and the Azores, as a step towards a circular economy, promoting the efficient collection of packaging, the reintegration of recycled materials into the value chain, the reduction of waste, and shared environmental responsibility. This will strengthen sustainable resource management in the Azores and bring the Autonomous Region of the Azores into line with European targets.