Over 20 million bottles and cans returned for recycling in two months
More than 20 million bottles and cans have been returned since the launch of the Beverage Container Refund Scheme in autumn, allowing the company handling the scheme to reach the target it had for the first two years of operations, chairperson Pierre Fava said.
The scheme was launched by BCRS Malta on November 14 and so far, more than 600 tons of containers have been exported for recycling in bales each weighing between 250 and 270 kilogrammes.
Fava told Times of Malta that the company was “very encouraged” by the public’s participation, allowing it to reach the target originally set for its first two years: the collection of 70% of the total number of containers placed on the market.
Bales of plastic ready for export and recycling. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli
Under the scheme, consumers pay 10c more for the drinks they buy and reclaim the money in the form of vouchers when they return their containers to be recycled.
BCRS Malta is a consortium made up of some of Malta’s largest beverage distributors.
By 2025, international producers must place containers on the market made up of at least 50% of recycled material.
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