Volta deposits must always be refundable in cash

Consumers who return drinks containers through Portugal’s new Volta deposit-return scheme must always be able to recover their 10-cent deposit in cash if they wish, according to the organisation managing the system.

The clarification comes amid questions about how refunds are issued under the scheme, which has collected more than 10 million bottles and cans since launching in April.

Under the Volta system, consumers pay a refundable 10-cent deposit when purchasing eligible single-use drinks containers, including plastic bottles and metal cans of up to three litres. The deposit is returned when the empty container is placed in one of the system’s collection machines.

According to SDR Portugal, the non-profit organisation responsible for operating the scheme, consumers can choose from a range of refund options, including vouchers, loyalty card credits, digital solutions or donations to charities. However, the right to receive the money back in cash must always remain available.

“The fundamental principle of the system is that consumers recover the full deposit paid at the time of purchase, provided the container is returned in the proper condition,” SDR Portugal told Lusa news agency.

Consumer association Deco agrees.

“Cash reimbursement can never be ruled out if that is the customer’s wish,” said Susana Correia, a lawyer with Deco’s legal and economic department.

While collection machines do not dispense cash directly, they issue a receipt that can be exchanged for money at the retailer’s customer service desk. Whether most people will be willing to take this extra step is another story.

The clarification follows reports of confusion among some consumers over whether refunds were limited to vouchers or store credit.

The operator also stressed that containers covered by the scheme can be returned at any collection point within the network, regardless of where they were purchased.

Check for the Volta symbol – SDR Portugal

SDR Portugal is also urging consumers to check that bottles and cans display the Volta symbol before paying the 10-cent deposit.

The warning comes after reports that some restaurants and food outlets may have charged the deposit on containers that are not yet part of the system.

Until August 9, Portugal remains in a transition period during which drinks containers with and without the Volta logo are being sold simultaneously.

Only containers displaying the symbol are covered by the deposit-return scheme. Those without it should continue to be recycled through existing recycling systems, including the yellow recycling bin.

“In situations of doubt or possible incorrect charging, consumers should always confirm the presence of the Volta symbol on the packaging and seek clarification from the point of sale,” SDR Portugal said.

The organisation stressed that the deposit is not a tax but rather a refundable amount that is returned in full when eligible containers are handed back.

According to SDR Portugal president Leonardo Mathias, the system – which has already been hailed a success -currently operates through around 2,500 collection points nationwide, including the Azores and Madeira archipelagos. The network is expected to expand to around 3,000 collection machines in supermarkets and hypermarkets in the coming months.

An additional network of 50 dedicated Volta kiosks is also being developed in partnership with municipalities to facilitate larger-volume returns in busy urban areas and locations with high concentrations of hotels, restaurants and cafés.

Source: LUSA