Deposit return schemes and plastic bags in Portugal (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Portugal has a national deposit-return system, 'Volta', for plastic and metal drink containers up to 3 litres, with a deposit of EUR 0.10 each. A contribution of EUR 0.08 per lightweight plastic carrier bag is passed on to the buyer in mainland Portugal.

RuleWhat applies
National deposit return scheme in operationDeposit on drinks containersYes [1]
Containers coveredDeposit on drinks containersPlastic and metal drink containers of up to 3 litres, marked with the 'Volta' symbol [1]
Deposit per containerDeposit on drinks containers€0.10 per container [1]
Plastic carrier bag rulePlastic carrier bagsCharge required [2]
Price of plastic carrier bagsPlastic carrier bagsA contribution of EUR 0.08 per lightweight plastic bag (EUR 0.04 per very lightweight bag) is due from producers and importers, must be passed on to the final buyer as part of the price, and must be itemised on the invoice. [2]
Bag thickness rulePlastic carrier bagsLightweight bags are those counted as packaging, wholly or partly plastic, with a wall thickness of 50 microns or less. Very lightweight bags are those obtained in the loose sale of bakery products, fresh fruit and vegetables. [2]

Notes

  • The government page says the system started on 10 April 2026 with a transition period until August 2026. It calls the covered containers the 'first phase'.
  • The law applies to bags produced, imported or acquired in mainland Portugal (article 31) and exempts bags sent outside the mainland (article 37), so the Autonomous Regions were not covered by what was read. A ban on very lightweight bags in shops was not read on an official text.

Sources

  1. Governo de Portugal (XXV Governo Constitucional): Volta: Sistema de Depósito e Reembolso de embalagens entra em vigor (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Procuradoria-Geral Distrital de Lisboa (consolidated Diário da República text): Lei n.º 82-D/2014, de 31 de dezembro (versão atualizada até à Lei n.º 82/2023) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.