Volta systems from volta | Deposit and Return System for Packaging have now been distributed in Portugal mainland, the Azores and Madeira. On Madeira, most of the machines are placed in supermarkets, making them easy for shoppers to use during routine visits. Customers can insert empty plastic bottles for water or juices, as well as aluminium cans, provided each item is no larger than 3l. The containers must not be crushed, must be free of liquids, and must still have the top on it. Milk containers and glass bottles are handled through other recycling channels. After the machine checks the bar code, it issues a credit receipt that can be used at the cashier. The article notes that Portugal already has a strong recycling culture, and that this matters even more on an island.
