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Kids Fund Trips by Recycling Bottles
31 Aug
Summary
- Portugal's bottle deposit scheme funds children's travel dreams.
- Sisters collect neighbors' plastic bottles for their project.
- A cattery uses bottle returns to buy food for rescued cats.
Portugal's first bottle deposit return scheme, Volta, launched in April 2026, is enabling environmental benefits and funding children's aspirations. Sisters Ariela, 13, and Alice, 10, are collecting plastic bottles from neighbors to fund international exchange programs in the United States and South Korea, respectively. They aim to collect 120,000 bottles by June 2027 to earn €6,000 each.
The Volta scheme requires a €0.10 deposit on plastic bottles up to three liters, redeemable via machines in supermarkets. This aligns with the EU's Single-Use Plastics Directive, aiming for 90% collection by 2029. While some misuse, like 'rubbish miners,' has been reported, others, like a Loulé beach concession, use it for extra income.
Community initiatives are thriving. António Casa Branca's cattery, Gatil Original, partners with local businesses to collect bottles, using the returns to purchase food for around 40 cats. Civic movements like Guarda à Casa in Ota are also using the scheme to fund local restoration projects, demonstrating widespread positive engagement.
Social media has amplified projects like the sisters', with their "Sonho na garrafa" pages gaining significant traction. International support, including weekly donations from Ireland, highlights the scheme's global appeal. Restaurants are also contributing, doubling the collection efforts and demonstrating the scheme's growing success.
