Environment minister admits problems with bottle deposit scheme

Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho acknowledged implementation problems with Portugal's Sistema Volta deposit-return scheme, including bottles and cans being left on public streets, saying cases are being addressed individually. Launched in April 2026, the scheme charges a 10-cent deposit on single-use plastic bottles and cans up to three litres, refunded on return. Carvalho cited festivals as an early problem now resolved, and flagged people rummaging through bins for containers as a remaining concern. She called for more and larger collection machines, greater municipal involvement, and stronger enforcement, noting Portugal paid around 200 million euros last year for unrecycled plastic.