Portugal's First Bottle Deposit Scheme Lets Kids Earn Money from Plastic Waste

Portugal has launched the region’s first bottle‑deposit return scheme, a move that is already showing environmental benefits and providing new opportunities for young people. The program requires a €0.10 deposit on all single‑use beverage bottles and cans, which can be reclaimed at designated collection points across the country. The funds collected are earmarked for recycling operations and to support a national initiative that finances “bucket‑list” trips for children, giving them experiences such as wildlife safaris, cultural tours and adventure sports that would otherwise be unaffordable.

Since its rollout, the scheme has attracted more than 1.2 million bottles and cans, generating an estimated 50,000 euros in deposit revenue each month. Recycling rates have risen by 12 % in participating regions, while the waste diverted from landfills is estimated to reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions by roughly 1.5 t CO₂e annually. The child‑travel fund, managed by a partnership of the Ministry of Education and a non‑profit organization, has already awarded 350 trips to students from low‑income families, covering destinations from the Algarve’s coastal heritage sites to the historic cities of Andalusia.

The dual focus of the program—reducing single‑use plastic waste and investing in youth enrichment—illustrates how environmental policy can be aligned with social development. As the scheme expands to include more municipalities and additional beverage categories, it is expected to further boost recycling participation and broaden the reach of the bucket‑list initiative, reinforcing Portugal’s commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth.