Portugal was the first on the Iberian Peninsula to introduce a bottle return system with instant deposit refunds. Now, customers get back 10 cents for every returned plastic bottle or can. This decision immediately changed consumer behavior: stores and supermarkets are already accepting containers, and there are noticeably fewer discarded bottles on the streets. For the country, this is not just a step towards cleanliness, but a real tool in the fight against pollution and an incentive for developing a circular economy.
Unlike Portugal, Spain continues to stall in launching a similar system. Although the law requires the implementation of container returns by November 2026, the process has stalled at the regional government level. The main obstacle is the lack of administrative authorization, which must be issued by Madrid. Without this document, no company can begin working on container returns, and deadlines are approaching. According to russpain.com, this situation threatens to derail European environmental commitments and could lead to fines for the country.
Early results
In Portugal, the system currently operates only for containers with a special symbol. Until August, stores accept only such bottles and cans, but within a couple of months the list is expected to expand. This means that by autumn, almost all plastic and metal containers will be returned for recycling. Environmentalists note that such measures allow up to 90% of packaging to be collected, which is significantly higher than previous levels. In Spain, however, the rate of separate collection of plastic does not even reach 50%, which is unsatisfactory for both the EU and local activists.
The Portuguese initiative is supported not only by the government but also by public organizations. They have been pushing for the launch of this system for years, considering it the only way to reduce litter on the streets and in nature. Now their task is to persuade their neighbors in Spain not to delay the reform. Otherwise, the Iberian Peninsula risks remaining the only region in Europe where bottle return is not the norm.
Spanish obstacles
In Spain, the key issue is bureaucracy. Despite a direct legal requirement, regional authorities are not rushing to issue permits. The problem is especially acute in Madrid, where the relevant department has not made decisions for several months. This is paralyzing the work of companies ready to invest in infrastructure and launch bottle return points. Environmental organizations warn: if there is no progress by the end of May, the country may miss the 2026 deadline.
Delays in deadlines threaten not only fines, but also the loss of trust from European partners. In addition, every day of delay means millions of bottles and cans end up in landfills or in nature. According to russpain.com, over 35 million packaging units are lost daily in Spain. This is not only an environmental issue, but also an economic one: recycling containers could generate income and create jobs.
Practical details
For residents of Portugal, everything is simple: return a bottle—get money. The main thing is to look for a special symbol on the packaging. In Spain, however, people still have to wait for a government decision. Experts recommend watching the date May 22: if a permit is not granted by then, the launch of the system will be postponed again for an indefinite period. Meanwhile, public pressure is mounting, and more citizens are demanding the process be expedited.
While Spain hesitates, Portugal is becoming an example for all of Europe. There, discussions are already underway about the possibility of integrating the systems of the two countries to create a unified container return space across the entire peninsula. This would make life easier for travelers and increase the efficiency of waste collection. But for this to happen, Spain will have to overcome bureaucratic barriers and show political will.
The container return system, known as SDDR, has long been in operation in dozens of countries around the world. In Germany, Scandinavia, and the Baltic countries, it has become part of everyday life. There, returning bottles and cans is considered standard practice, and the recycling rate exceeds 90%. Portugal is rapidly catching up with the leaders, while Spain still lags behind. Recalling Italy’s experience, where the launch of the system was also delayed due to administrative red tape, it is likely that changes in Spain will occur only under pressure from the public and the EU. But while neighboring countries are already receiving money for each returned bottle, Spaniards can only watch Portugal’s successes and hope for a prompt resolution of the issue.
