Consumers must confirm that the packaging has the “Volta” symbol before paying the 10 cent deposit, especially in restaurants, cafes and fast food establishments. The alert comes after reports of charges on packages that were not yet covered by the Deposit and Refund System.
the entity responsible for implementing and managing the system, explains that only packaging with the “Volta” symbol is subject to the deposit. The rest must continue to be sent to the usual recycling streams, namely the yellow recycling bin.
Transition period until August
During the transition period, which runs until August 9, packaging with and without the “Volta” symbol continues to coexist. This means that not all bottles and cans in circulation entitle you to payment and subsequent refund of the deposit.
The Deposit and Refund System has been operational since April 10 and covers single-use beverage packaging, such as plastic, metal and aluminum bottles and cans, with a capacity of less than three liters.
In practice, the consumer pays 10 cents when purchasing each package covered and recovers this amount when returning it to a participating machine or collection point.
Restaurants can generate more questions
In supermarkets and hypermarkets, billing tends to be more automatic, because the system identifies the packaging by reading the barcode on the payment box. Therefore, the deposit is only charged when the package belongs to the system.
The situation may be different in restaurants, cafes or fast food establishments. In these places, there is often no individual barcode scanning, especially when the drink is included on a menu.
According to Deco, if the establishment’s computer system is configured to apply the deposit by default, there may be undue charges on packages without the “Return” symbol.
What to do if in doubt
The recommendation from SDR Portugal is clear: in situations of doubt or possible undue charging, the consumer should check the presence of the “Volta” symbol on the packaging and ask for clarification at the point of sale.
If the packaging does not have the symbol, the 10 cent deposit should not be charged. In this case, the packaging should also not be returned to the “Volta” system machines, but rather placed in the appropriate recycling bin.
The entity also reinforces that the deposit amount is not a fee. This is a deposit, returned in full to the citizen when the covered package is delivered under the expected conditions.
Collection network will grow
According to SDR Portugal, the system started with more than 90% of the automatic network installed, which corresponds to around 2500 points distributed across the country, including the islands.
The network is expected to grow in the coming months to around three thousand “Volta” automatic points, mainly in supermarkets and hypermarkets. Other commercial establishments are also joining the collection network.
In parallel, a network of 50 “Volta” kiosks is being developed, in conjunction with 38 municipalities. These points should allow the return of larger volumes of packaging in areas of greater circulation and consumption.
Change in consumer routines
The introduction of the system represents a change in purchasing and recycling routines. SDR Portugal admits that there may be initial doubts, but argues that the start-up shows an evolving structural change.
For consumers, the most important gesture is simple: before paying or claiming the deposit, confirm that the packaging has the “Return” symbol.
While the transition period lasts, this check can avoid undue charges and confusion at the time of return. Packaging with a symbol enters the deposit and refund system; the rest must continue to go to the yellow recycling point.
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