A new system has come into force in Portugal that promises to change the way consumers deal with beverage packaging, and although the practical impact is still beginning to be felt, there is already a direct incentive that can make a difference in everyday life.
Starting this Friday, some packages will have an associated value, as long as they are returned to specific points spread across the country, in a model that already exists in other European countries and which is now beginning to take its first steps at a national level.
According to the Government, this is one of the largest environmental projects underway in Portugal, with the aim of significantly increasing recycling rates and reducing waste associated with single-use packaging.
A system that turns waste into money
The new model is called , known as SDR, and works in a relatively simple way, although it may still raise doubts at this initial stage, especially among consumers who are not familiar with this type of mechanism.
In practice, when purchasing certain drinks, the consumer pays an additional amount that is subsequently refunded when the packaging is delivered to an authorized machine or collection point, as long as it meets a set of specific requirements.
This value, set at 10 cents per package, is the same regardless of the size of the bottle or can, functioning as a deposit that is only recovered at the time of return.
Not all packaging is accepted
Although the system is already in place, not all packages currently on sale are eligible for refunds, which may lead to some confusion in the first few months of implementation.
To be accepted, packages must display a specific symbol, identified by a horseshoe-shaped arrow accompanied by the word “Volta”, in addition to being empty, intact, with a lid and a legible barcode.
During the transition period, which runs until August, it will be possible to find identical products, but without this symbol, and in these cases there will be no right to a refund, as the additional amount was not charged for the purchase.
Where and how to return packaging
The system has around 2,500 automatic machines distributed throughout the country, in addition to thousands of manual collection points and dozens of kiosks prepared to receive large quantities of packages.
These machines, many of which are located next to supermarkets, receive one package at a time, compact it and, at the end, issue a receipt that can be converted into cash, discounts or other forms of compensation.
The process is simple, but requires attention to detail, as damaged packages or those without adequate identification may not be accepted.
The SDR system has been planned for several years, having initially been defined in previous legislation, but is only now effectively coming into operation, representing a significant investment and a clear commitment to the circular economy.
According to those responsible for the project, the objective is to achieve collection rates of around 90% by the end of the decade, which would represent a structural change in the way packaging waste is treated in Portugal.
The initiative also comes in a context in which national indicators continue to fall short of European targets, especially with regard to recycling and the reduction of waste sent to landfills.
The role of consumers will be decisive
Despite the financial incentive, consumers do not actually make money with this system, since the value of the 10 cents is already included in the price of the drink and is only returned at the end of the cycle.
Still, the expectation is that this mechanism will act as an incentive to return packaging, reducing trash on the streets and increasing the recycling rate, while promoting more sustainable habits.
With millions of packages consumed every year in Portugal, the success of the system will depend, to a large extent, on consumer adherence and their ability to integrate this new gesture into their daily lives.
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