Households which opt to invest in a domestic reverse osmosis water system will be eligible for a grant of up to €70, Finance Minister Edward Scicluna said on Monday evening.

The Budget 2019 measure comes as the government prepares to introduce a return scheme for disposable bottles and drinks containers. The scheme, which is being designed to incentivise a reduction in use of plastic containers, will see consumers pay a premium when buying drinks in plastic containers and receive a refund equal to that premium when they deposit containers in specially-installed recycling machines.

Prof. Scicluna also announced a €1 million allocation to develop so-called "urban gardens" on public land in urbanised areas. 

"The government understands criticism about the need to better protect green areas and trees when roads are developed," he told parliament. 

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