Empty beverage containers contribute to the volume of waste generated in Malta, particularly in the more highly populated and tourist areas. Waste is an environmental challenge that has serious and negative environmental and public health impacts.
In the 2015 Budget speech, the government highlighted its intention to introduce a Beverage Container Refund Scheme (BCRS). Subsequently, at the Our Oceans Conference in October 2017, Malta committed to the introduction of the scheme, reflecting its pledge to reduce waste going to landfill. Presently the Ministry for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change (MESDC) has put forward the proposal for a BCRS for public consultation.
The main scope of this scheme is to encourage producers and consumers alike to take more responsibility for their packaging waste. It also aims to reduce litter and engage the public to increase the national efforts to reach recycling targets set by local and EU legislation.
This scheme incentivises the return of used beverage containers by applying a refundable deposit to the price of the beverage. Under the scheme, a full refund will be provided for eligible, empty drink containers between 150ml and 3l in size that are returned to a participating container refund point.
The scheme will apply to metal cans, plastic and glass bottles. It is the intention of the government to conduct further reviews to identify other potential beverage containers which could be included in the scheme in the future.
For these containers to be easily identified, beverage containers will have a deposit refund logo stamped or affixed on the container. The labels will additionally include a barcode that is specific for Malta to reduce the risk of cross-border fraud. Through the barcode, the machine will identify the bottle as part of the scheme, allowing the user to return a used beverage container and claim back the deposit.
Under the current proposal, the selected private repository operator will be required to install a minimum of 350 reverse vending machines around Malta and Gozo. These should be mainly located at retail outlets. Those outlets with 150 square metres or more of floor space will be obliged to install the machines. Smaller retailer outlets would be able to opt into this scheme even possibly through a manual collection system. The operator would also be responsible for organising the collection, counting and processing of all collected containers. Companies using refillable beverage containers can opt out of this scheme only if they show they have an alternative system in place which produces similar or better results.
Collection target rates are ambitious but strong with a 70 per cent return expected for the first year, with a 10 per cent increase every consecutive year. The target commencement date for this scheme is December 2019. More information on www.bcrs.gov.mt.