Portuguese consumers will receive between two cent and five cent for each plastic bottle they return for recycling at supermarkets or hypermarkets, under a new scheme.
The move forms part of a pilot project that will be implemented by the end of 2019, to be followed by a large-scale rollout.
Compensation will not take place in cash, but through a voucher or discount system on purchases.
Incentive
According to a statement issued by Ministry of Environment, for 100-500 ml bottles consumers will be entitled to €0.02, while for 500 ml to 2 l bottles they will receive €0.05. The level of compensation may be revised in the future, the Ministry added.
The incentive system was introduced at the end of last year, but the premiums have only now been made public, following their publication in the Diário da República (Official Gazette).
Packaging Move
Meanwhile, Portugal’s Parliament has approved the abolition of plastic to wrap bread, fruit and vegetables in retail outlets, as well as the sale of plastic disposable dishes.
The bill, presented by the Greens, was unanimously approved by all parties in Parliament.
As of 2020, the availability of transparent plastic bags in retailers' fruit and vegetable sections will be prohibited.
Another measure that was adopted unanimously was a ban on the sale or use of disposable plastic crockery and dining utensils in shops, restaurants and events open to the public.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
