Updated 5.05pm - Added GreenMT statement

Preparations to introduce bottle recycling vending machines across Malta began on Friday, with the government launching a consultation paper for the scheme.

The beverage refund scheme seeks to encourage people to recycle plastic and glass bottles, as well as aluminium cans, by applying a refundable deposit to beverage sales.

A 10c deposit will be added to the purchase price of beverages, with the money charged to retailers at the wholesale stage and then passed on to consumers, Environment Ministry consultant Mark Muscat said. Consumers then return the empty bottle to obtain a full deposit at  designated points, Dr Muscat explained.

The initiative will be compulsory for all producers. Establishments larger than 150 square metres will be required to have a vending machine in their shop, according to plans put forward by the government.

An operator to provide the bottle recycling vending machines will be contracted through a competitive tender for a 10-year period. The operator will establish a return infrastructure for practical and logistical arrangements, Dr Muscat said.

He also noted that the EU had pushed back its goal to recycle half of paper waste and plastic to 2025, pushing back the deadline by five years.

A minimum of 350 recycling vending machines are needed to allow for a coverage of around 1 per 1,200 people, Environment Minister Jose Herrera said. He added that the country would need to introduce more drastic measures to reach recycling goals.

The consultation period will last for four weeks.

READ: Keith Schembri plays down links to bottle recycling scheme

Dr Herrera also announced that a circular economy bill, with harsher penalties for those who do not recycle, would be presented to Cabinet in the coming days.

In a statement welcoming the plans, GreenPak said that the bottle recycling scheme could have a positive impact on Malta's waste and litter problem. It said that it would continue to provide feedback to improve the scheme.  

Rival operators GreenMT also welcomed the plans, saying they were a step towards fully implementing the polluter pays principle. 

The scheme, GreenMT said, should be run by industry, retailers and major stakeholders and would create a level playing field for producers "if regulated correctly."

The Environment Ministry launched the consultation paper on Friday. Photo: Denise Grech