The deposit and refund system has reached 600 million returned beverage containers in Portugal since the start of operations in April 2026. To mark this milestone, SDR Portugal has launched a new tool that allows users to view results by district, municipality, and Urban Waste Management System (SGRU).

Available on the organization's website , the feature provides monthly updates on the quantities of returned packaging, the distribution between bottles and cans, and the existing collection network. The data includes the number of automatic and manual collection points, as well as Volta Kiosks.

The new area complements the public counter, already available on the website's homepage, which tracks the national total of returned packaging daily.

Network of kiosks awaits authorization from municipalities.

Strengthening the collection infrastructure is highlighted by SDR Portugal as essential to increasing the system's capacity. Of the 50 recycling kiosks planned for 38 municipalities, eight are operational in Albufeira, Almada, Barcelos, Cascais, Funchal, Ponta Delgada, Portimão, and Vila Nova de Famalicão. Another seven have already been contracted for Aveiro, Coimbra, Lagoa, Loulé, Mafra, Oeiras, and Vila do Conde.

The installation of the remaining equipment depends on authorization and the provision of public space by the municipalities.

Fully funded by SDR Portugal, the kiosks are intended to complement automatic collection points and facilitate the return of large quantities of packaging, particularly by restaurants, cafes, and other operators in the HoReCa channel. They allow for the delivery of packaging without the need to insert it individually, with a collection capacity of approximately 120 units per minute and the permanent presence of an operator.

According to the organization, 99% of returns are currently made at automatic collection points. Expanding the network should also help reduce the amount of packaging deposited in recycling bins and regular trash.

Collection target of 90% by 2029

SDR Portugal frames the increased collection efforts as a step towards improving the value of recyclable materials and reducing pressure on landfills, many of which are nearing their capacity limits.

The organization also intends to expand the volunteer network to high-traffic locations, such as airports, bus and train terminals, business and university campuses, and wholesale establishments, through the installation of collection machines.

The environmental objective set for the system is to achieve a collection rate of 90% of the covered packaging by the end of 2029.

For Leonardo Mathias, president of SDR Portugal, the publication of data by territory allows for greater visibility of the contribution of citizens, municipalities, and partners to the results achieved.