Abandoned deposit scheme for plastic bottles reconsidered

A scheme offering consumers a financial incentive to return plastic bottles and containers in deposits located in supermarkets and petrol stations will be introduced. 

The budget recalls the time when glass bottles used to be returned to shops, a scheme which had to be abandoned after Malta joined the European Union. Malta obtained a transition period from the European Commission to phase out regulations that allowed the sale of soft drinks only in returnable glass bottles till 2008.

The regulations limited competition since no soft drinks could be produced or imported in plastic bottles or cans, which the EU deemed unacceptable. The idea of a deposit refund on used plastic bottles returned to shops was considered abandoned by the previous government because retailers refused to participate.

Subsequently a system was agreed through which cartons, metal and plastic are collected from households every Tuesday.

The budget also announces plans to introduce the collection of organic waste in a separate bag.