Portugal’s Deposit Return Scheme Set for 2026
by Meng Yan at 07:15 in Environmental, Circular Economy, Content
Portugal is gearing up to introduce a national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for single-use beverage containers in 2026, aiming to boost recycling rates and reduce waste. The system will be managed by SDR Portugal, a non-profit organization, with Sensoneo providing the digital infrastructure to support the scheme.
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Implementation timeline
Portugal's first DRS was initially planned for January 2022, but after multiple delays, it is now officially scheduled to launch in 2026. The legal foundation for the scheme was established under Law 69/2018, which amended UNILEX (Portugal's consolidated EPR legislation) to mandate the introduction of a DRS. The system was fully defined in Decree-Law 24/2024, published in March 2024, outlining its operational framework.
How Will Portugal's DRS Work?
Covered Materials: The system will apply to non-reusable primary beverage containers made of plastic, metal, ferrous metal and aluminium beverage containers up to three litres in volume.
Beverage Types: Includes packaged water, juices and nectars, concentrates, energy drinks, beer, and alcoholic mixes but excludes products containing more than 25% dairy ingredients.
Glass Exemption: Unlike other DRS models, glass beverage containers will not be included.
Widespread Collection Network: Between 7,000 and 10,000 return points will be established across the country, including supermarkets, recycling stations, and potentially hospitality venues.
HoReCa Sector Inclusion: Inspired by Malta's DRS, Portugal will also integrate the Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering (HoReCa) sector, ensuring businesses play a role in the collection process.
Scope Review: The system's effectiveness and material coverage will be reviewed after three years of operation.
Deposit Value & Labelling: The specific deposit amount and labelling requirements are yet to be confirmed, but the system will offer full refunds when consumers return eligible containers.
How Does Portugal Compare to Other Countries?
Portugal's move aligns with a growing European trend toward DRS implementation. Other countries have already rolled out or are preparing similar schemes:
Poland: Set to introduce its scheme in October 2025, following similar models in neighbouring countries.
Austria: Launched its DRS in January 2025, targeting a 90% recycling rate by 2027.
Ireland: Implemented a nationwide DRS in February 2024, with over 111 million containers returned in the first six months despite some early challenges.
With its comprehensive approach, Portugal's DRS could serve as a model for Southern Europe, demonstrating how effective policy design can drive high recycling rates and encourage responsible waste management.
If you want to know more about Portugal DRS, feel free to contact us!
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