Consumers already pay 10 cents more when they buy some drinks in plastic bottles or cans covered by the Volta system. This amount can be recovered after the package is returned, but there are common habits that can cause the refund to be refused.
According to , citing DECO PROteste Sustentabilidade, all packaging with the Volta brand is subject to the deposit amount. To recover this money, however, it is not enough to return the bottle or can. The packaging must meet certain conditions.
The mistake that many still make
One of the most common habits can be costly: flattening bottles or cans before handing them over. For years, many people have become accustomed to compressing packages before placing them in the yellow recycling bin, to save space. In the Volta system, this practice can prevent refunds, because the packaging needs to be recognized by the machine or collection point.
DECO PROteste warns that packaging covered by the deposit and refund system must not be flattened. If they are deformed, damaged or illegible, they may be rejected.
The packaging must be empty and intact
To recover the 10 cents, the packaging must be completely empty and intact.
In the case of bottles, the cap must remain on. The barcode, also identified as GTIN or EAN, must be fully legible, as it is through it that the system confirms whether the packaging is covered by Volta.
If the label is damaged, torn or illegible, the consumer may lose the right to a refund.
Another important point is identification. During the transition period, not all bottles and cans in stores still have the Volta symbol. Only packaging with this brand is subject to a 10 cent deposit and only these can be returned to receive the amount.
If the packaging does not have the symbol, the consumer did not pay the deposit and therefore will not receive a refund.
How can you receive the money
Refunds can be made in several ways depending on the collection point. At manual collection points, the amount can be returned in cash or by other methods, such as transfer, MB Way, purchase voucher for the exact amount of the deposit or dematerialized voucher.
In automatic points, in addition to these options, there may also be the possibility of donating the amount to social or charitable causes.
DECO PROteste emphasizes that, even when reimbursement is made in the form of shopping vouchers or discounts, the possibility of receiving cash cannot be withdrawn or conditioned.
Pay attention to vouchers
When reimbursement is made via voucher, there may be an expiration date. Even so, this period can never be less than 12 months. Therefore, anyone who receives a voucher must keep it and confirm the date by which it can be used.
At automatic points, the receipt must indicate the amount of the deposit, the number of packages returned, the total to be received, the date of issue and the expiration date.
Where to return
Packages can be delivered to automatic or manual collection points. The machines are mainly found near supermarkets, but the system also includes manual collection in certain establishments. Larger supermarkets must ensure automatic collection, while smaller stores may be required to collect packaging they have sold.
At this initialization stage, coverage is still being consolidated, so there may be differences between regions.
The transition period
The Volta system began on April 10, 2026. Until August 9, 2026, there is a transition period for retailers, hotels, restaurants and cafes to adapt the non-reusable beverage packaging included in the system.
During this period, it is normal to find similar products, some with the Volta symbol and others without it. From August 10th, all single-use beverage packaging included will have to integrate the system.
The rule for not losing your refund
In the end, recovering the 10 cents depends on small precautions. The packaging must be stored intact, empty, with a lid when applicable and with a legible barcode. If it is flattened, torn, damaged or left unidentified, it may no longer have value in the system.
The rule of thumb is simple: if you bought a drink with the Volta symbol, do not treat the packaging as you would in the yellow recycling bin. Keep it in good condition and return it to the collection point to get your money back.
Also read:
