The project for the non-reusable beverage packaging deposit system in the Azores has been approved for funding by the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism 2014-2021 under the Environment, Climate Change and Low Carbon Economy programme of the European Economic Area Grants (EEA Grants). 

This programme finances innovative and structuring projects in the areas of environment, climate change and low carbon economy with the aim of promoting the good environmental status of ecosystems and reducing the adverse effects of pollution and other human activities. The transition to a circular economy is one of its main concerns, with special emphasis on reducing the use of materials and waste production. 

The project now approved for the Azores corresponds to an overall investment of around 941 thousand Euros, financed at 90%, and is based on the implementation of a deposit system for non-reusable plastic, glass and metal beverage packaging by the end of 2021. It includes the acquisition of 25 machines for the deposit of packaging to be installed on all the islands of the archipelago, according to the territorial dispersion, with, at least, one piece of equipment per municipality.

This project also includes a component focused on information and awareness raising actions, involving various partners. 

Developed by the Regional Directorate for the Environment, the project has partnerships with RIAC - Agency for the Modernisation and Quality of Citizen Service, AMRAA - Association of Municipalities of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, the main beverage production and bottling industries in the Azores (Promineral, Melo Abreu and Cooperativa Vitivinícola da Ilha do Pico), and the main packaging waste management operators in the Region (Musami, Resiaçores and Equiambi). 

The project for the non-reusable beverage packaging deposit system in the Azores was the best scored in the competition - priority area A category for packaging deposit solutions. 

This project is another important contribution to the Region's development strategy, based on the goals and targets of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, reinforcing the commitment to the reduction of waste produced in the Azores, both in terms of quantity and quality. It also intends to mitigate the environmental impact of products throughout their life cycle by increasing the amount of packaging waste forwarded for recovery as well as the quality of the materials used by recycling industries, thus generating savings in the extraction of natural resources and contributing to the production of better quality recycled products. 

In the context of EEA Grants, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway finance initiatives and projects aimed at reducing social and economic disparities in Europe and strengthening bilateral relations with beneficiary states. 

These three countries cooperate with the European Union through the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA).