Focus on… Portugal

Deposit return scheme expected to launch from 2025

Portugal’s first deposit return scheme (DRS) is scheduled to begin operation in January 2025, following a delay from its originally planned launch in January 2022.

The DRS was fully implemented in March 2024 under Decree-Law 24/2024.

The DRS will apply to single-use plastic (SUP), metal and aluminium beverage containers of up to three litres and cover a wide range of beverages including juices and nectars, but will exclude products containing more than 25% dairy ingredients.

The scope will be reviewed after three years of operation.

Law (69/2018) mandated the DRS by amending the UNILEX (Decree consolidating EPR legislation).

Subsequent amendments introduced notable changes such as dropping glass from the scope of the system, allowing for competing DRS operators, and transposing collection targets for plastic beverage bottles from the EU’s 2019 SUP Directive.

The initial setup of the DRS infrastructure is expected to cost industry approximately €150 million, covering the installation of return points, collection systems and logistics.

On top of these costs, producers will be required to pay membership fees, which will contribute to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the system.

Portugal is one of the countries covered by Landbell Group’s regulatory information service.

Find out more about the service here.