BCRS home collection service extended nationwide

A pilot scheme allowing senior citizens and blue badge holders to book a BCRS pick-up at their door has been extended to all localities in Malta and Gozo. 

The pilot scheme headed by the Cleansing and Maintenance Division was launched last July in 30 localities, before being extended to a further 10.

It will now operate nationwide. Bookings can be made by phoning 1718 or emailing bcrs.cleansing@gov.mt.  

So far, the home collection service has been operated using two vans that have collected around 1.3 million containers from households. The service will now be expanded significantly, with six new vans equipped with technology developed by Hungarian company Returmatic joining the fleet.

The vehicles use a bulk-input system rather than the previous single-container method.   

The division is now aiming to increase the number of households served by each van from about 40 to around 60 per day, with the help of a call centre supported by a Maltese-built specialised IT system that allows bookings to be processed automatically and makes operations more organised and efficient.

Together, the vans and IT system cost around €1.2 million, journalists were told at a press conference on Wednesday. 

The new vans can take containers in bulk. Photo: Jonathan Borg

Environment Minister Miriam Dalli said the expansion aimed to make recycling more accessible.  

 “This expanded service is a clear example of how environmental policy is also social policy. We are bringing the service closer to people, especially those for whom access may be more difficult,” she said.  

“Everyone has a role to play in environmental responsibility, but for that to happen, the system must be accessible to all.” 

Parliamentary Secretary for Public Cleanliness Glenn Bedingfield said the expanded service followed residents’ willingness to recycle more.  

“This is a clear example of how the government listens to people and takes action. When we saw residents’ willingness to participate more in recycling, we intervened to create a service that makes it easier for everyone,” he said.  

“With this investment and the expansion of the service nationwide, we are continuing to provide people with the modern tools and services they need to take care of our country.” 

No plans to nationalise BCRS

Asked whether the BCRS service could be nationalised in the future, Dalli said there was no intention to do so, since the principle behind the system was that companies that produced waste should take responsibility for it, adding that the government only intervened to make the system easier to use for those with reduced mobility.