“Malta Chamber of SMEs is part of the consortium that will be running the scheme, representing retailers”
“Bottle return scheme to be up and running within 14 months”
A total of 350 reverse vending machines are going to be stationed around Malta and Gozo within the next 14 months, Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia announced earlier today.
The reverse vending machines will allow people to return used plastic drinks containers in return for 10c per bottle. The Malta Chamber of SMEs will be part of the consortium that will be running the scheme. Malta Chamber of SMEs President, Mr Paul Abela was present and signed the agreement on behalf of the retailers.
The aim is for 85% of plastic bottles used in Malta to be recycled.
A licensing agreement was signed with the consortium of importers, producers and retailers and the Resource Recovery and Recycling Agency (RRRA).
Minister Farrugia said the agreement will also lead to a new plastic bottle recycling centre being built at Hal Far as part of a €15 million investment in the new scheme. The Environment Minister said the scheme would help Malta hit its recycling targets.
RRRA CEO Anthony Rizzo said he hoped the scheme would boost the way in which both producer and consumers become more responsible when consuming and disposing of reusable plastic.
In tandem with the scheme, the government will also be forging ahead with plans to gradually phase out single use plastics.
From January 1, importation of many types of single use plastics will be banned. The following year, the sale of single used plastics will be banned, Farrugia said.
Source: timesofmalta.com
