The new deposit-refund system launches today, April 10 (2026), and we’ll tell you how you can get back the 10 cents for every bottle you deposit in these machines at Portuguese supermarkets.
With the introduction of the “Volta” system, the way we handle recycling in Portugal is changing completely: starting today, throwing a water bottle or soda can directly into the yellow recycling bin literally means throwing money in the trash. Let’s find out why.
A system that promises to change Portuguese routines
The new “rules” are simple and will affect your wallet: every time you buy a beverage of this type—bottled water or canned soda— you’ll pay an additional fee of 10 cents per container, a sort of deposit that, once the beverage is consumed, will be refunded as soon as you return it to one of these collection points.
What qualifies for this refund (and what doesn’t)?
Before you start hoarding all your household waste, you should keep a few things in mind:
- That the packaging has the recoverable deposit stamp (Volta symbol):
- Packaging that is not eligible for a refund:
These containers should continue to be placed in the usual green and yellow recycling bins.
The golden rules for not losing money
To ensure the machine accepts the return and issues a refund, don’t “crush” the bottles and cans as you did before to reduce their size before throwing them into recycling bins or household trash. There are strict criteria at the time of return:
- No “crushing” allowed
- Look for the Volta symbol
- Where to drop off
How do you get your money back?
The deposit for each item is €0.10, which you can get back (via the receipt issued by Volta machines) at one of the participating supermarkets, through:
- Voucher redeemable for cash;
- In-store discount voucher;
- Loyalty card;
- Donation;
- Future digital solutions.
The voucher is valid for one year, so from now on, the rule for shopping at home is clear: buy, drink, keep it intact, and return it.
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