Volta recycling system holds €20 million in unclaimed consumer funds

Consumers have nearly 20 million euros in unclaimed funds remaining in the Volta recycling system. As of August, 44% of the packaging placed on the market between April and July had been returned.

In a separate incident, a viral video revealed hundreds of crushed Volta packaging bags abandoned in a wooded area in Odivelas. The images show containers that had already been processed by automatic machines, suggesting they had been handed in by consumers for recycling but were diverted before reaching sorting centers. SDR Portugal, the entity managing the Volta system, described the situation as ‘absolutely unacceptable’ and stated that a team was mobilized to ensure the full collection of the abandoned waste.