Portugal's 'Volta' deposit-return scheme hits 10 million returns amid consumer complaints

The "Volta" deposit‑return system, launched on 10 April, has now collected more than 10 million beverage containers across Portugal. The programme, run by SDR Portugal, reports the milestone as evidence of strong public participation.

Despite the numbers, thousands of consumers have raised complaints. Many say it is unfair that the vouchers issued by the return machines can only be redeemed at the same supermarket where the containers were deposited, limiting their usefulness. Others report delays of days or weeks before refunds appear on loyalty cards, and some machines repeatedly reject perfectly labeled bottles and cans, forcing users to lose time without reclaiming their deposits. The practical inconvenience of transporting empty containers to collection points has also been criticised as a de facto extra fee.