{"id":1875543,"date":"2026-04-10T10:37:32","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T07:37:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1875543"},"modified":"2026-04-10T10:37:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T07:37:32","slug":"portugals-plastic-recycling-rates-lag-behind-european-targets-but-a-new-scheme-aims-to-change-that","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1875543","title":{"rendered":"Portugal&#8217;s plastic recycling rates lag behind European targets, but a new scheme aims to change that"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/28\/50\/1200x675_cmsv2_fd978172-fd55-56fb-99f5-b8ba4e526542-9712850.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2885126-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2885126\" data-cid=\"9716951\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885126-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/69\/51\/189x106_cmsv2_beb427d4-4090-596c-bcb6-f26793829c63-9716951.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: Ukrainian officer examines a downed Shahed drone with thermobaric charge launched by Russia in a research laboratory in an undisclosed location in Ukraine Nov. 14, 2024\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Ukraine<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukrainians shot down Iranian drones in the Gulf, Zelenskyy says\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885127-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885127\" data-cid=\"9716952\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885127-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/69\/52\/189x106_cmsv2_55a1b982-a385-5bb7-9c2f-9c2424a12fb7-9716952.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A piece of the Eiffel Tower is going on sale \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Culture news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Here&#8217;s how you could own a piece of the Eiffel Tower\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885164-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2885164\" data-cid=\"9717218\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885164-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/72\/18\/189x106_cmsv2_90471b22-dbc5-5e4a-8878-ed7ac97d991a-9717218.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A pair of toads cross a paved road in Otrebusy, Poland\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Poland: &#8220;Frog Patrol&#8221; saves thousands of amphibians during migration\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885167-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2885167\" data-cid=\"9717234\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885167-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/72\/34\/189x106_cmsv2_c67d1a33-a723-5af3-b9a6-2b0b1cc88c85-9717234.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Latest news bulletin | April 10th, 2026 \u2013 Midday\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Top News Stories Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Latest news bulletin | April 10th, 2026 \u2013 Midday\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885126-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2885126\" data-cid=\"9716951\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885126-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/69\/51\/189x106_cmsv2_beb427d4-4090-596c-bcb6-f26793829c63-9716951.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: Ukrainian officer examines a downed Shahed drone with thermobaric charge launched by Russia in a research laboratory in an undisclosed location in Ukraine Nov. 14, 2024\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Ukraine<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukrainians shot down Iranian drones in the Gulf, Zelenskyy says\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885127-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885127\" data-cid=\"9716952\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885127-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/69\/52\/189x106_cmsv2_55a1b982-a385-5bb7-9c2f-9c2424a12fb7-9716952.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A piece of the Eiffel Tower is going on sale \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Culture news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Here&#8217;s how you could own a piece of the Eiffel Tower\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885164-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2885164\" data-cid=\"9717218\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885164-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/72\/18\/189x106_cmsv2_90471b22-dbc5-5e4a-8878-ed7ac97d991a-9717218.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A pair of toads cross a paved road in Otrebusy, Poland\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Poland: &#8220;Frog Patrol&#8221; saves thousands of amphibians during migration\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885167-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2885167\" data-cid=\"9717234\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885167-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/72\/34\/189x106_cmsv2_c67d1a33-a723-5af3-b9a6-2b0b1cc88c85-9717234.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Latest news bulletin | April 10th, 2026 \u2013 Midday\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Top News Stories Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Latest news bulletin | April 10th, 2026 \u2013 Midday\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Earth<\/p>\n<p>                          Earth News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Portugal&#8217;s plastic recycling rates lag behind European targets, but a new scheme aims to change that<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/28\/50\/1536x864_cmsv2_fd978172-fd55-56fb-99f5-b8ba4e526542-9712850.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt='Volta\" machine in a commercial establishment'><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Volta&#8221; machine in a commercial establishment<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Euronews<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Euronews\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspAna Filipa Palma\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1775817452\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-04-10 12:37:32 +02:00\">10\/04\/2026 &#8211; 12:37 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-partage-commentaire-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"partage-commentaire-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"facebook\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Facebook<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"facebook\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"twitter\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Twitter<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"twitter\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"flipboard\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Flipboard<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"flipboard\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"send\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Send<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"send\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"reddit\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Reddit<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"reddit\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"linkedin\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Linkedin<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"linkedin\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"messenger\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Messenger<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"messenger\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"telegram\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Telegram<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Portugal has one of the lowest utilisation rates for recycled materials in the EU, at only three per cent in 2024.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content c-article-content--earth js-article-content\">\n<p>Until today, when buying a bottled drink or a canned beverage in the supermarket in Portugal, the cost of the container was included in the price, as is the case in most countries. <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>As of Friday 10 April, however, a deposit fee of around 10 cents is now applied to each bottle and can purchased.<\/p>\n<p>This amount will be listed on receipts separately from the price of the product. <\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s a similar concept to paying for a plastic bag, but with the big difference that it&#8217;s a deposit, meaning you can get your money back. Here&#8217;s how it works.<\/p>\n<h2>Portugal&#8217;s plastic bottle deposit scheme<\/h2>\n<p>The &#8216;Volta&#8217; programme aims to encourage consumers to recycle packaging (plastic, metal and aluminium bottles and cans) to help Portugal meet its target of collecting 90 per cent of the bottles and cans covered by the SDR (Deposit and Refund System) by 2029.<\/p>\n<p>Not all packaging is included in the new system. Only bottles and cans of up to three litreswill be sold at the additional cost of around 10 cents.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.75\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/28\/50\/808x608_cmsv2_9ccb7504-2039-563c-8511-0527cb7685ea-9712850.jpg\" alt=\"Packages cannot be flattened and must be in good condition when inserted into the machine\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Packaging cannot be flattened and must be in good condition when inserted into the machine<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>This new SDR system for bottles and cans comes after Portugal&#8217;s very low rate for the use of recycled materials in 2024 at around three per cent, the third lowest among EU member states. <\/p>\n<p>Portugal currently recycles 37 per cent of bottles, well below the European target of 70 per cent set for 2030.<\/p>\n<p>Several European countries, such as Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Estonia, the Netherlands, Croatia, and Belgium, already have systems like this in place, and some of them have been doing so for more than a decade.<\/p>\n<h2>Can I return any packaging up to three litres?<\/h2>\n<p>No, only packaging with the &#8220;return&#8221; symbol is part of the scheme. Until 9 August, you can still find a lot of packaging without this symbol, as the transition period is underway. As of 10 August, all drinks packaging will be compulsorily integrated into the system.<\/p>\n<h2>Will I have to pay for all packaging, even without the symbol?<\/h2>\n<p>No. If the packaging isn&#8217;t labelled with the symbol, you won&#8217;t be charged the deposit because it won&#8217;t be accepted by the return system.<\/p>\n<h2>Where can I find the collection points?<\/h2>\n<p>There will be around 2,500 automatic collection points in supermarkets and hypermarkets, and around 48 kiosks in 36 municipalities. They can also be found in caf\u00e9s, restaurants and bars where the packaging was purchased.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Penguins are ingesting worrying amounts of white plastic. Could switching colours protect them?<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Breast implants, baby toys, paint: The surprising everyday sources of microplastics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Euronews visited various locations with machines and found that most are positioned outside.<\/p>\n<p>You will soon be able to consult the map of collection points on the Volta website.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Do I have to return the packaging where I bought it?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>No. As long as they have the &#8220;return&#8221; symbol on them, they can be returned anywhere. There is one exception: HORECA establishments are only obliged to accept packaging that they have sold.<\/p>\n<h2>How do you return bottles and cans?<\/h2>\n<p>Simply go to a machine or a manual point and insert one item at a time. The process is then fully automatic. The machine scans the bottle or can, crushes it and then presents refund options.<\/p>\n<h2>What refund options are there? Will I always receive cash?<\/h2>\n<p>You don&#8217;t always receive a cash refund. You have other options, such as a voucher that can be converted into cash, a voucher for a discount in a shop, a loyalty card or a donation to a charity. In the future, there will be the possibility of a digital transfer, such as with MB Way.<\/p>\n<h2>Does the packaging have to be in good condition?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes. There are certain criteria to be met when depositing packaging. Items may not be accepted if they are not in the correct condition, and you may lose the amount you paid for them.<\/p>\n<p>The packaging must not be crumpled, it must retain its original shape as when it was bought, it must be empty, it must have a lid, and the barcode must be legible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                          Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__container\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884881-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2884881\" data-cid=\"9715716\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884881-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/57\/16\/480x270_cmsv2_26a7e4b8-107c-5c09-8cb9-ba299679576a-9715716.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Mont Blanc is visible in background with the Feyzin oil refinery, near Lyon, central France, Nov. 7, 2022. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Climate<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    France is turning its back on fossil fuels \u2013 with a \u20ac240m plan<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884840-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2884840\" data-cid=\"9715504\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884840-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/55\/04\/480x270_cmsv2_504907bb-0b2b-5b7a-9222-eec9605dcf10-9715504.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Geologist Tuomas Pere walks down a disposal tunnel inside the Posiva Onkalo nuclear waste repository on the island of Olkiluoto, Finland, Tuesday 24 February, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Earth News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Inside the world&#8217;s first facility to bury nuclear waste in Finland<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2881873-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2881873\" data-cid=\"9705281\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2881873-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/70\/16\/33\/480x270_cmsv2_973fad95-bdbe-53b5-90da-f8ccf748c964-9701633.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"S\u00e3o Jo\u00e3o da Caparica Beach \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Earth News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Inside Portugal&#8217;s \u20ac111m battle to stop its beaches from vanishing<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Sustainable development<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Recycling<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    trade<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Micro economy<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884881-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884881\" data-cid=\"9715716\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884881-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/57\/16\/320x180_cmsv2_26a7e4b8-107c-5c09-8cb9-ba299679576a-9715716.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Mont Blanc is visible in background with the Feyzin oil refinery, near Lyon, central France, Nov. 7, 2022. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    France is turning its back on fossil fuels \u2013 with a \u20ac240m plan<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884840-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884840\" data-cid=\"9715504\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884840-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/55\/04\/320x180_cmsv2_504907bb-0b2b-5b7a-9222-eec9605dcf10-9715504.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Geologist Tuomas Pere walks down a disposal tunnel inside the Posiva Onkalo nuclear waste repository on the island of Olkiluoto, Finland, Tuesday 24 February, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Inside the world&#8217;s first facility to bury nuclear waste in Finland<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2881873-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2881873\" data-cid=\"9705281\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2881873-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/70\/16\/33\/320x180_cmsv2_973fad95-bdbe-53b5-90da-f8ccf748c964-9701633.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"S\u00e3o Jo\u00e3o da Caparica Beach \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Inside Portugal&#8217;s \u20ac111m battle to stop its beaches from vanishing<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884872-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884872\" data-cid=\"9715683\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884872-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/56\/83\/320x180_cmsv2_b8faab02-45e7-56b2-baa9-97000f2bf080-9715683.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A Magellanic penguin in Patagonia. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Penguin \u2018toxicologists\u2019 find forever chemicals in this remote region<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884698-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884698\" data-cid=\"9714892\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884698-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/48\/92\/320x180_cmsv2_d7cb59d3-ad76-5c67-9029-fc3efc210e29-9714892.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The report also found that some climate technology could actually make microplastic exposure worse. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Babies risk microplastic exposure from surprising sources, study finds<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884420-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884420\" data-cid=\"9713367\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Poland, Belarus and Germany benefitting from bison reintroduction<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884840-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884840\" data-cid=\"9715504\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Inside the world&#8217;s first facility to bury nuclear waste in Finland<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884115-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884115\" data-cid=\"9711950\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How Germany proved that plug-in solar is worth the investment<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2881873-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2881873\" data-cid=\"9705281\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Inside Portugal&#8217;s \u20ac111m battle to stop its beaches from vanishing<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884881-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884881\" data-cid=\"9715716\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    France is turning its back on fossil fuels \u2013 with a \u20ac240m plan<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884881-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2884881\" data-cid=\"9715716\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884881-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/57\/16\/480x270_cmsv2_26a7e4b8-107c-5c09-8cb9-ba299679576a-9715716.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Mont Blanc is visible in background with the Feyzin oil refinery, near Lyon, central France, Nov. 7, 2022. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Climate<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    France is turning its back on fossil fuels \u2013 with a \u20ac240m plan<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884840-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2884840\" data-cid=\"9715504\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884840-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/55\/04\/480x270_cmsv2_504907bb-0b2b-5b7a-9222-eec9605dcf10-9715504.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Geologist Tuomas Pere walks down a disposal tunnel inside the Posiva Onkalo nuclear waste repository on the island of Olkiluoto, Finland, Tuesday 24 February, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Earth News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Inside the world&#8217;s first facility to bury nuclear waste in Finland<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2881873-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2881873\" data-cid=\"9705281\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2881873-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/70\/16\/33\/480x270_cmsv2_973fad95-bdbe-53b5-90da-f8ccf748c964-9701633.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"S\u00e3o Jo\u00e3o da Caparica Beach \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Earth News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Inside Portugal&#8217;s \u20ac111m battle to stop its beaches from vanishing<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884881-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884881\" data-cid=\"9715716\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884881-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/57\/16\/320x180_cmsv2_26a7e4b8-107c-5c09-8cb9-ba299679576a-9715716.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Mont Blanc is visible in background with the Feyzin oil refinery, near Lyon, central France, Nov. 7, 2022. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    France is turning its back on fossil fuels \u2013 with a \u20ac240m plan<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884840-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884840\" data-cid=\"9715504\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884840-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/55\/04\/320x180_cmsv2_504907bb-0b2b-5b7a-9222-eec9605dcf10-9715504.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Geologist Tuomas Pere walks down a disposal tunnel inside the Posiva Onkalo nuclear waste repository on the island of Olkiluoto, Finland, Tuesday 24 February, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Inside the world&#8217;s first facility to bury nuclear waste in Finland<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2881873-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2881873\" data-cid=\"9705281\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2881873-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/70\/16\/33\/320x180_cmsv2_973fad95-bdbe-53b5-90da-f8ccf748c964-9701633.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"S\u00e3o Jo\u00e3o da Caparica Beach \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Inside Portugal&#8217;s \u20ac111m battle to stop its beaches from vanishing<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884872-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884872\" data-cid=\"9715683\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884872-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/56\/83\/320x180_cmsv2_b8faab02-45e7-56b2-baa9-97000f2bf080-9715683.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A Magellanic penguin in Patagonia. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Penguin \u2018toxicologists\u2019 find forever chemicals in this remote region<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884698-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884698\" data-cid=\"9714892\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884698-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/48\/92\/320x180_cmsv2_d7cb59d3-ad76-5c67-9029-fc3efc210e29-9714892.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The report also found that some climate technology could actually make microplastic exposure worse. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Babies risk microplastic exposure from surprising sources, study finds<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884420-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884420\" data-cid=\"9713367\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Poland, Belarus and Germany benefitting from bison reintroduction<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884840-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884840\" data-cid=\"9715504\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Inside the world&#8217;s first facility to bury nuclear waste in Finland<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884115-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884115\" data-cid=\"9711950\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How Germany proved that plug-in solar is worth the investment<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2881873-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2881873\" data-cid=\"9705281\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Inside Portugal&#8217;s \u20ac111m battle to stop its beaches from vanishing<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884881-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884881\" data-cid=\"9715716\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    France is turning its back on fossil fuels \u2013 with a \u20ac240m plan<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Until today, when buying a bottled drink or a canned beverage in the supermarket in Portugal, the cost of the container was included in the price, as is the case in most countries.As of Friday 10 April, however, a deposit fee of around 10 cents is now applied to each bottle and can purchased.This amount will be listed on receipts separately from the price of the product.It&#8217;s a similar concept to paying for a plastic bag, but with the big difference that it&#8217;s a deposit, meaning you can get your money back. Here&#8217;s how it works.Portugal&#8217;s plastic bottle deposit schemeThe &#8216;Volta&#8217; programme aims to encourage consumers to recycle packaging (plastic, metal and aluminium bottles and cans) to help Portugal meet its target of collecting 90 per cent of the bottles and cans covered by the SDR (Deposit and Refund System) by 2029.Not all packaging is included in the new system. Only bottles and cans of up to three litres will be sold at the additional cost of around 10 cents.This new SDR system for bottles and cans comes after Portugal&#8217;s very low rate for the use of recycled materials in 2024 at around three per cent, the third lowest among EU member states.Portugal currently recycles 37 per cent of bottles, well below the European target of 70 per cent set for 2030.Several European countries, such as Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Estonia, the Netherlands, Croatia, and Belgium, already have systems like this in place, and some of them have been doing so for more than a decade.Can I return any packaging up to three litres?No, only packaging with the &#8220;return&#8221; symbol is part of the scheme. Until 9 August, you can still find a lot of packaging without this symbol, as the transition period is underway. As of 10 August, all drinks packaging will be compulsorily integrated into the system.Will I have to pay for all packaging, even without the symbol?No. If the packaging isn&#8217;t labelled with the symbol, you won&#8217;t be charged the deposit because it won&#8217;t be accepted by the return system.Where can I find the collection points?There will be around 2,500 automatic collection points in supermarkets and hypermarkets, and around 48 kiosks in 36 municipalities. They can also be found in caf\u00e9s, restaurants and bars where the packaging was purchased.Euronews visited various locations with machines and found that most are positioned outside.You will soon be able to consult the map of collection points on the Volta website.Do I have to return the packaging where I bought it?No. As long as they have the &#8220;return&#8221; symbol on them, they can be returned anywhere. There is one exception: HORECA establishments are only obliged to accept packaging that they have sold.How do you return bottles and cans?Simply go to a machine or a manual point and insert one item at a time. The process is then fully automatic. The machine scans the bottle or can, crushes it and then presents refund options.What refund options are there? Will I always receive cash?You don&#8217;t always receive a cash refund. You have other options, such as a voucher that can be converted into cash, a voucher for a discount in a shop, a loyalty card or a donation to a charity. In the future, there will be the possibility of a digital transfer, such as with MB Way.Does the packaging have to be in good condition?Yes. There are certain criteria to be met when depositing packaging. Items may not be accepted if they are not in the correct condition, and you may lose the amount you paid for them.The packaging must not be crumpled, it must retain its original shape as when it was bought, it must be empty, it must have a lid, and the barcode must be legible.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/04\/10\/portugals-plastic-recycling-rates-lag-behind-european-targets-but-a-new-scheme-aims-to-cha&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/28\/50\/1200x675_cmsv2_fd978172-fd55-56fb-99f5-b8ba4e526542-9712850.jpg&#8221;] Ukraine Ukrainians shot down Iranian drones in the Gulf, Zelenskyy says Culture news Here&#8217;s how you could own a piece of the Eiffel Tower No Comment Poland: &#8220;Frog Patrol&#8221; saves thousands of amphibians during migration Top News Stories Today Latest news bulletin | April 10th, 2026 \u2013 Midday Ukraine Ukrainians shot down [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1875543","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875543","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1875543"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875543\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1875543"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1875543"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1875543"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}