Volta system is having problems: Government admits flaws and says there needs to be oversight

The Volta System, which came into operation in Portugal on April 10, 2026, is facing problems in its implementation. The mechanism allows consumers to pay a 10-cent deposit when purchasing beverages in covered packaging, an amount that can be recovered by returning the bottles or cans at collection points. Since its launch, several problems have been identified, including packaging left in public spaces, lack of collection machines, and difficulties in adapting to large events and festivals.

Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho admitted the difficulties in Brussels, stating that some situations have already been resolved and that "there must be oversight." One of the concerns relates to people rummaging through trash bins looking for packaging to receive the deposit, leaving other waste scattered afterward. The government is studying the creation of dedicated containers near usual disposal locations to facilitate collection without the need to rummage through the rest of the trash.

The minister also argued that it is necessary to increase the number of collection machines, mainly larger equipment, and that municipalities should participate in defining their locations. Oversight should be shared between SDR Portugal, the entity managing the system, and the municipalities. The executive is also meeting with representatives from hospitality and catering to find specific solutions for these sectors.

The minister framed the system within the costs that Portugal bears for not meeting recycling targets, stating that the country paid approximately 200 million euros last year for non-recycled plastic. Portugal was the 18th European country to implement this model, and Maria da Graça Carvalho recalled that other countries also experienced disruptions in their initial phases. The system will continue to operate while adjustments are introduced, with the aim of ensuring that the deposit works as an incentive without creating new problems in public space management.