Volta recycling system expands kiosk options in Portugal

The Volta deposit and refund system in Portugal offers two primary methods for returning packaging: automatic machines and specialized kiosks. While the more than 3,000 automatic machines located in supermarkets are designed for individual, one-by-one scanning of items, the Volta Kiosks are intended for high-volume returns.

These kiosks can process approximately 120 items per minute and are designed to assist the HoReCa sector (hotels, restaurants, and cafes), associations, and individuals with large accumulations of containers. The kiosk network aims to expand to 50 units across 38 municipalities, with existing locations including Albufeira, Barcelos, Cascais, Funchal, Ponta Delgada, Portimão, and Vila Nova de Famalicão.

Managed by SDR Portugal, the system implements a 10-cent deposit on plastic bottles up to three liters to comply with the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, which targets a 90% collection rate for qualifying bottles by 2029.