FAQs
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What are the national targets of the Scheme? ▼
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.
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Which beverage containers fall under the Scheme? ▼
The following beverages fall under the Scheme:
1. water and flavoured water;
2. non-carbonated soft drinks;
3. carbonated soft drinks;
4. ciders, beers and other malt beverages;
5. ready to drink coffee;
6. flavoured alcoholic beverages having an alcoholic content level which does not exceed 5%; (g) dilutables.Beverage containers must be made out of:
1. steel, or
2. aluminium, or
3. glass, or
4. polyethylene terephthalate (PET); and (b) bottles or cans; and (c) with a capacity of between 0.1 litres and 3 litres. -
Why were not all beverage containers included? ▼
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.
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Does Government have any plans to introduce other schemes for containers and other different packaging waste? ▼
It is the intention of the Government to continue pursuing potential opportunities for the collection and recycling of other waste streams. CEMalta is currently working on a number of waste streams in order to mitigate the effect on the environment.
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Will the BCRS affect current schemes vis-à-vis collecting packaging and packaging waste? ▼
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.
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Which private stakeholders are participating in the operation of the Scheme? How were these chosen? ▼
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.
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How would consumers redeem the deposit for the containers? What will happen to the unredeemed deposits? ▼
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.
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Where shall the RVMs be located, and how many RVMs are planned to be installed? ▼
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.
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Who is responsible for the RVMs? ▼
The BCRS Ltd Malta is responsible for the purchasing, distribution, installation and maintenance of the RVM machines
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How shall the RVMs work? ▼
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.
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Who would be responsible for the beverage containers in catering establishments? ▼
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.
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How shall the issue of unregistered beverages be addressed? ▼
The scheme should facilitate the identification of unregistered beverages through the use of smart analytics across the functions of the scheme.
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With the introduction of the Scheme, would there be an increase in the cost of beverages? ▼
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.
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Who and how is the Scheme going to be financed? ▼
The Company is fully owned by the Associations.
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Where will the clearing plant be located? ▼
Ħal Far.
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What will happen to the beverage containers that are collected through this scheme? ▼
Beverage Containers will be sorted in the Hal Far site to then be recycled either locally or exported, always and only through licensed operators. CEMalta shall be following this process to ensure that necessary proofs are provided to ascertain that recycling goals are effectively achieved.