The Portuguese government admits the existence of constraints at the start of Volta System, the new packaging return system designed to facilitate recycling in the country. The Environment Minister acknowledges that there were difficulties in the initial implementation of this system.
The authorities intend to stop the disorderly collection of packaging that has been happening on Portuguese streets, a problem that has become more evident with the new return system becoming operational.
The Environment Minister acknowledges the difficulties in the start of packaging return, but takes the opportunity to recall that Portugal has already paid 600 million euros for failing the established plastic recycling targets. This value represents the accumulated cost of fines and sanctions for non-compliance with European recycling objectives.
