The mechanism is easy to explain: for every plastic bottle returned, consumers receive money, in this case, ten cents.
We are talking about the Deposit and Refund System (DRS), known as Volta, a program launched by the Government that encourages people to recycle. It is one of the largest environmental projects in Portugal, as referred to by the Minister of the Environment, Maria da Graça Carvalho.
We explain everything about this topic in this Deco Alerta article.
The Deco Alerta column is provided by Deco – the Portuguese Association for Consumer Protection* for idealista/news and is intended for all consumers in Portugal.
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I'm a proponent of waste separation and recycling. That's why I'm very excited about the recycling incentive the Volta system can bring to our lives. However, it seems to me that the new deposit and refund system is still very confusing… Could you give me more details about Volta?
The Deposit and Refund (DRR) system, known as Volta, came into effect very recently (on April 10, 2026) and, as you rightly point out, brings changes to the purchase of beverages in single-use packaging. And we agree with you, it translates into an incentive for recycling and, above all, for broader reflection on the consumption of single-use packaging.
Are we going to pay more for drinks?
Not exactly. Currently, a 10-cent deposit is charged for each covered container (plastic bottles and cans up to three litres), but this amount will be refunded when the empty container is delivered to a collection point.
However, not all packaging is yet covered by the Volta system.
Currently, you will find packaging on the market with and without the Volta system symbol. Therefore, you may pay a deposit for some drinks and not for others. Only packaging properly identified with this symbol can be returned and entitle you to a refund.
How can you tell if the packaging has a deposit?
You should check:
- The presence of the Volta symbol on the packaging
- The deposit amount is indicated on the purchase receipt.
If this identification is not present, you cannot return the package through the system.
Where and how to return the packaging?
After use, packaging should be returned, in good condition, to collection points, such as vending machines in supermarkets or manual collection points. To find the nearest return point, please consult this link.
Refunds can be processed via bank slips, cash, or other methods provided by the operator.
What if you don't return the packaging?
You lose the value of your deposit. The system only refunds you if the packaging is returned.
What changes on a daily basis?
Although the deposit is refundable, the system involves new habits:
- Keep the packaging at home
- Plan your return
- Ensure they are not damaged so they can be accepted by the collection machines.
This may be more demanding for consumers with less space or limited access to collection points.
An opportunity to rethink packaging consumption.
The introduction of this system can also be an opportunity to seek equivalent alternatives to disposable packaging, such as reusable solutions.
Deco will closely monitor the implementation of the Volta system, especially regarding the clarity of information provided to consumers, the operation of collection points, and the effective return of payments.
Follow the process with us
*Contact Deco by phone at 21 371 02 00 or by email at deco@deco.pt. You can also call via WhatsApp (+351 966 449 110) or schedule an appointment via Skype. Follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
