HORECA Sector

The DRS aims to collect the maximum possible number of containers, with ambitious targets (90% return rate by 2029). The HORECA sector represents a network of approximately 80,000 establishments nationwide, where around 48% of beverage containers are concentrated. This channel is therefore essential to the successful implementation of the system, ensuring the correct daily collection and return of containers.

As the person responsible for a HORECA or similar establishment, you should take into account: a) the obligation to charge the deposit value associated with DRS covered products that you sell and to ensure its correct itemisation on invoices; b) the obligation to refund the deposit value paid by customers for products sold by the establishment, upon delivery of the container in proper conditions and presentation of the respective proof of purchase, when requested; c) the obligation to carry out preliminary storage of beverage containers purchased and consumed at your establishment.

There are three ways for HORECA establishments to return empty containers:
a) Delivery at a collection point: these operate mainly in supermarkets, hypermarkets or wholesale outlets, but also in other duly identified public locations;
b) Delivery at SDR Portugal kiosks: collection points equipped with machines that allow large quantities of containers to be returned at once. They are located in urban areas with a higher concentration of HORECA establishments, with adapted opening hours and easy access;
c) Collection directly at the HORECA establishment: an option available only to locations registered as DRS participants and with a respective agreement in place with SDR Portugal.

There are two possible situations: a) When payment is made before consumption (pre-payment, takeaway, self-service or home delivery), the deposit value for the purchased beverage containers must be charged to the final consumer. In these cases, the container usually remains in the consumer’s possession and it is their responsibility to return it. However, if the consumer so wishes, the deposit value paid must be refunded upon delivery of the container in proper conditions and presentation of the respective proof of purchase, when requested; b) When payment is made after consumption, the deposit value must not be charged to the final consumer, except if the consumer keeps the container or if the label or container is damaged, preventing its identification. In these situations, the container usually remains at the HORECA establishment after consumption, and it is the establishment’s responsibility to return it.

• A transition period was defined after the start of DRS operations, during which both DRS containers and “pre-DRS” containers may coexist on the market.

DRS operations start on 10 April 2026 and the transition period will last 120 (one hundred and twenty) days, ending on 9 August 2026. After this period, the purchase or sale of beverages in pre-DRS containers will no longer be permitted. Retail and HORECA establishments will then only be allowed to sell DRS containers, under penalty of constituting an infringement in the event of inspection by the Authorities.

No. The sale price of the product and the deposit value are different. The deposit value, charged at the time of purchase, is a refundable deposit that is returned when the container is returned. The sale price of the product must remain unchanged.

No. Consumers may return containers at the various collection points of the DRS network or at SDR Portugal kiosks, available in mainland Portugal and the Autonomous Regions. However, if the customer purchased a beverage at a HORECA establishment and wishes to return the empty container at the same location, the establishment must accept it, provided that the label and container are not damaged, and must immediately refund the deposit value. The establishment may require presentation of proof of purchase.