Let’s clear up your questions
This section helps you understand how volta works, with clear answers to frequently asked questions.
volta
What impact will volta have in Portugal?
Each year, 2.1 billion beverage containers are consumed in Portugal. The implementation of volta will enable:
- A significant increase in the collection and recycling of single-use beverage packaging
- A reduction in litter in public spaces
- Improved quality of recycled materials (bottles become bottles again, and cans become cans again)
- Greater citizen engagement in the circular economy
- A contribution to achieving national and European environmental targets
What is the Deposit Return System, and how does it work?
The Deposit Return System (DRS) is a collection system for non-reusable beverage packaging—such as plastic, metal, and aluminum bottles and cans— intended for collection and recycling. Products included in the system are identified by the volta symbol. When you purchase a beverage with this symbol, you pay a deposit, which is refunded when you return the empty packaging— intact, complete, and with a clearly readable barcode — at a volta Point. The collected packaging is then sent for recycling, allowing materials to be transformed into new packaging and re-enter the production cycle.
What is volta?
volta is the brand of the Deposit Return System in Portugal. It identifies packaging included in the system and allows you to easily identify which items carry a deposit and can be returned at volta Points. It also helps you identify the automated return machines.
When will volta be implemented?
volta will be implemented starting April 10, 2026.
Packaging Returns
What happens if I try to return packaging that is not part of the volta system?
volta Points will not accept the packaging, and it will be returned to the user.
I bought a drink from a vending machine. Does the system work the same way?
Yes. In this case, the deposit value was paid at the time of purchase. After consumption, the packaging should be returned—under the required conditions—at a volta Point, and the deposit will be refunded.
Where should I dispose of packaging not accepted by volta Points?
Such packaging should be placed in the appropriate recycling bin.
What happens to the packaging after it is returned?
Packaging is sent to counting and sorting centres and then to recyclers, where it is transformed into new materials. From this process, new packaging is created and re-enters the cycle—a bottle becomes a bottle, and a can becomes a can.
Where can I check the nearest volta Point?
Locations will soon be available on the volta website.
How does a volta Point work?
volta Points are automated and accept one item at a time. After the item is scanned to confirm eligibility, the packaging is collected and compacted. At the end, refund options are presented.
Do I need to wash the packaging before returning it?
No. You only need to ensure that it is empty and in a condition that allows it to be identified.
What prevents packaging with the volta symbol from being accepted?
Packaging must be intact, empty, complete (including the cap, for bottles), and have a readable barcode. If any of these criteria are not met, the packaging will not be accepted.
Can the same product be sold in two types of packaging—one with the volta symbol and one without?
Yes. Until August 9, both types may be available during the transition period. However, if the packaging does not display the volta symbol, no deposit value will be charged, and it will not be accepted at volta Points.
What should I do if a volta machine is not working?
You can look for another nearby volta Point or keep your packaging and return it later. Locations will be available on the volta website.
How many items can I return at once?
volta Points accept one item at a time, but you can return as many as you wish in a single visit.
volta Kiosks allow for the return of large quantities at once.
Where can I return my packaging?
- At approximately 2,500 volta Points (automated return points) located in supermarkets and hypermarkets
- At 48 volta kiosks across 36 municipalities
- At cafés, restaurants, bars, and similar establishments where the packaging was purchased
- Soon, you will be able to view a map on the volta website
What packaging can I return?
volta Points accept single-use beverage packaging—plastic and metal (aluminium) bottles and cans—with a capacity of up to 3 litres, sold on the national market. All packaging included in the system must display the volta symbol.
What packaging is not accepted at volta Points?
Any packaging that does not display the volta symbol is not accepted, including carton packaging (e.g., Tetra Pak®), glass, and beverages containing more than 25% dairy.
Do I need to return packaging to the same place where I bought it?
At volta Points and kiosks, you can return any packaging included in the system, regardless of where it was purchased. However, HORECA establishments are only required to accept packaging that they have sold.
Deposit value
I had a meal at a restaurant and was not charged a deposit. Why?
In establishments where payment is made at the end of the meal, the deposit is not charged because the packaging remains with the establishment, which is responsible for returning it. If payment is made in advance, the deposit is charged and the responsibility for returning the packaging lies with you.
What happens to unclaimed deposit values?
Unclaimed deposits remain within the system and are reinvested, supporting technological innovation and the ongoing improvement of infrastructure.
Can I lose the deposit value?
Yes. If the packaging does not meet all acceptance criteria (intact, empty, complete, with a readable barcode and the volta symbol), the deposit will not be refunded.
What happens if the establishment refuses to refund the deposit?
In this case, the establishment is in breach of its obligations, and you should report the situation to the store manager.
Can I accumulate deposit values from multiple returns?
Yes. Just keep in mind the validity period of volta vouchers.
What is the validity of the voucher issued by volta machines?
The voucher is valid for one (1) year.
What do I need to do to get my deposit back?
Return eligible packaging at a volta Point, ensuring it meets the required conditions for acceptance.
Why is there a deposit value?
The deposit exists to encourage the return of non-reusable beverage packaging (plastic, metal, and aluminium bottles and cans), ensuring that volta meets its ambitious targets (90% collection by 2029).
By paying this refundable fee at the time of purchase, you are incentivised to return the packaging at a volta Point, contributing to the effectiveness of the system.
What is the deposit value?
The deposit is set at €0.10 (ten cents), applied to all packaging included in the volta system. It is not subject to VAT.
Do I have to spend the refund in the same store?
In supermarkets and hypermarkets, you can always request the refund in cash—you are not required to spend it on-site.
How is the deposit value refunded?
It can be returned in several ways: a voucher redeemable for cash, a store discount voucher, a loyalty card credit, a donation, or future digital solutions.
