The scheme has two types of targets: Collection Targets and Recycling Targets. This should ensure that the materials being collected will be recycled in line with the Circular Economy principle. The targets are based on best practices Deposit Return Systems in other countries and progressively increase to achieve a collection rate of 90% of containers placed on the market.
The following beverages fall under the Scheme:
- water and flavoured water;
- non-carbonated soft drinks;
- carbonated soft drinks;
- ciders, beers and other malt beverages;
- ready to drink coffee;
- flavoured alcoholic beverages having an alcoholic content level which does not exceed 5%; (g) dilutables.
Beverage containers must be made out of:
- steel, or
- aluminium, or
- glass, or
- ciders, beers and other malt beverages;
- ready to drink coffee;
- polyethylene terephthalate (PET); and (b) bottles or cans; and (c) with a capacity of between 0.1 litres and 3 litres.
Initially, the Government is aiming to mitigate waste issues in relation to the beverage containers in question and this is based on how best practice countries operate. However, it is not excluded that other beverage containers are later included in the Scheme or in other potential schemes.
It is the intention of the Government to continue pursuing potential opportunities for the collection and recycling of other waste streams. RRRA is currently working on a number of waste streams in order to mitigate the effect on the environment.
The schemes are setup by all the producers/importers who place all package material types on the market. Citizens are encouraged to continue sorting their waste and placing package materials in the green/grey bags.
BCRS is owned by three associations that represent large and small Producers, Importers and Retailers. Membership to these respective associations is open to all Producers, Importers and Retailers.
Consumers depositing the beverage containers, either in a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) or manually, would receive a voucher entitling them to redeem 0.10c per bottle from the outlet where the RVM is located or from an outlet in the vicinity.
About 350 RVMs shall be placed in different strategic locations around Malta and Gozo ensuring an effective geographical spread. It is envisaged that a number will be placed within outlets and the remainder will be placed in central kiosks.
The BCRS Ltd Malta is responsible for the purchasing, distribution, installation and maintenance of the RVM machines.
Consumers will deposit beverage containers in the machines. The RVM will check the bottle and if the supplier of the beverage container is recognised as being registered with the Company, it will automatically issue a voucher on which there will be instructions on where consumers are to redeem the voucher. It is pertinent to mention that there could be instances whereby consumers would have the opportunity to donate the voucher value to a good cause.
The catering establishment were beverages are consumed on premise will enter into arrangements with the Operator who will collect the beverage containers from them and refund the deposit value to them. The consumer visiting the catering establishment will thus not be responsible for the beverage containers.
The scheme should facilitate the identification of unregistered beverages through the use of smart analytics across the functions of the scheme.
The deposit is cost-neutral as the consumer will get a full refund. The Company was set up on a not-for-profit basis working on a least cost principle.
The Company is fully owned by the Associations.
Beverage Containers will be sorted in the Hal Far site to then be recycled either locally or exported, always and only through licensed operators. RRRA shall be following this process to ensure that necessary proofs are provided to ascertain that recycling goals are effectively achieved.