Firms 'still paying eco tax' despite recycling efforts

A packaging waste recovery organisation asked for an urgent meeting with the government to discuss the eco tax companies recycling their waste are still paying.

Mario Schembri, Green Dot Malta's chief executive officer, said that over a year ago the government had issued a legal notice exempting companies taking part in authorised recycling schemes from paying any eco contribution. However, not only had this not happened but companies still had not received any refund on eco contributions paid since three years ago. Since then, the organisation has recycled thousands of tonnes of waste, surpassing the country's national targets. "While members forming part of our scheme are paying the real cost for recycling plus the government-imposed tax, the government remains unsympathetic," Mr Schembri said. "If the government honours its promise to refund eco tax, recycling will flourish."

He said companies were being compelled to pay eco contributions only to avoid incurring criminal proceedings against them even though they should not have to pay such tax in the first place.

The organisation was advised it has a strong legal case and is prepared to pursue its members' legitimate interests with all possible means but prefers to solve the matter without the need of resorting to court action.