Government and Lisbon clash over Volta bottle-return scheme
Some people are earning income by collecting bottles and cans for Portugal's Volta deposit-return scheme, with reports of up to 40 euros refunded in a single day, equivalent to 400 containers. This has fuelled a political dispute: Lisbon mayor Carlos Moedas asked the government to scrap Volta immediately, blaming it for street litter and social problems, while Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho refused, arguing homelessness and poverty exist independently of the scheme. She cited EU obligations and results, including 304 million bottles returned and a 44% plastic bottle return rate, above the government's year-end target, and said dedicated collection points are among the solutions being studied.
Murça weighs deposit scheme to collect household cooking oil
An opinion piece prompted by a proposal in the Murça municipality (Portugal) to give families a reusable two-litre olive oil bottle to collect used cooking oil at home. The author notes Portugal recovers little household cooking oil compared with its estimated production, citing 908 tonnes collected by municipalities in 2023 versus roughly 750 tonnes collected annually by McDonald's Portugal alone. With used cooking oil trading at around 1,280-1,290 euros per tonne and usable for biodiesel and renewable fuels, the piece argues households should receive some value for returning it, similar to the Volta deposit scheme for bottles, and notes parliament has already recognised the need to improve domestic collection.
Beja hosts national congress on future of irrigation water
Beja will host the 11th National Congress on Irrigation and Drainage from 30 September to 2 October, organised by the COTR, bringing together politicians, farmers, businesses and researchers. The event responds to projections that, under the worst climate scenario, irrigation water needs could rise by up to 27.5% between 2071 and 2100. The programme includes the opening by the Minister of Agriculture and Sea, an interview with José Macário Correia of AdP AQUA, and presentations on the national water-efficiency barometer, artificial intelligence in irrigation management, and a soil-monitoring study on the Alqueva irrigation blocks.
Pombal launches €1m river repair works after 2026 storms
Pombal council is starting works worth around €1 million to clear and stabilise the Arunca River and the Carnide stream, damaged by severe weather in January and February 2026. The works, funded through a €2.7 million Fundo Ambiental agreement, cover about 22.5km of the Arunca, benefiting over 24,000 residents, and 37km of the Carnide's network, serving more than 31,000 people. Contractors will remove debris, correct erosion and repair damaged access paths. The council is holding two public information sessions on 22 September for landowners bordering the affected watercourses.
University shows how to grow food using mattress foam
Researcher Anthony Ryan presented a method that reuses foam from mattresses, which would otherwise end up in landfill, to help grow food. The solution was unveiled on Tuesday at the University of Aveiro. It is aimed particularly at refugee camps, where growing conditions are often difficult and resources limited. The approach offers a way to turn waste material into a practical farming aid in settings with scarce land and infrastructure.
