The Beverage Container Refund Scheme is set to go live on Monday, 14th
November 2022, contingent on the installation of 85% of the Reverse Vending
Machines (RVMs) by the licensed operator, Circular Economy Malta (CEMalta)
has announced.
In total, the licensed operator is installing 320 Reverse Vending Machines
(RVMs) across Malta and Gozo. Consumers will be able to return empty
beverage containers to these reverse vending machines and get back the
€0.10c deposit on each container, in the form of vouchers redeemable at retail
outlets that sell such beverage containers.
This scheme will incentivise the public to choose sustainable waste disposal
and recycling, while discouraging littering of plastics and other polluting waste
on land and at sea. It will also contribute to Malta’s efforts to recover 90% of
single use beverage containers for recycling by 2026.
The refundable deposit of €0.10c will be charged on each beverage container
falling within scope of the Scheme and made available on the market throughout the entire supply chain. The deposit value shall not be subject to VAT and shall be clearly indicated as a separate cost from the price of the beverage on all receipts and invoices.
The scheme will collect and recycle plastic, steel, aluminium or glass beverage
containers. These bottles or cans, with a capacity ranging from 0.1 litres to 3
litres, include;
a) water and flavoured water,
b) carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks,
c) ciders, beers, and malt beverages,
d) ready to drink coffee,
e) flavoured alcoholic beverages with an alcoholic content level which
does not exceed 5%,
f) and dilutables.
Wines, spirits, and juices are excluded from the Scheme.
When consumers return empty beverage containers to a Reverse Vending
Machine (RVM) or to a retailer, they will immediately receive a voucher for the
full €0.10c value of the deposit, redeemable at retails outlets that sell these
beverage products. Consumers should not squash containers or remove their
labels before depositing them in the machines, as otherwise they will not be
able to issue the deposit vouchers.
In accordance with the Beverage Containers Recycling Regulations (SL
549.134), economic operators who engage in the production, importation,
distribution or sales of the above-mentioned beverage products are required
to register with the operator by the launch date of the scheme.
Ing. Jason Vella, Chief Executive Officer of CEMalta, said that “the Scheme aims
to cultivate a culture among public and private stakeholders that embraces the
economic and, most importantly, the environmental benefits of the circularity
of resources.” He encouraged the public to actively participate in this scheme
for a cleaner environment and a more sustainable future.
For more information visit www.cemalta.gov.mt or www.bcrsmalta.mt, or
contact CEMalta via email on info@cemalta.gov.mt or by phone on 2226 8200.
