What is the Beverage Container Refund Scheme?

The Beverage Container Refund Scheme (BCRS) contributes towards the processes adopted when disposing of the empty single-use beverage. The scheme incentivises the return of single-use beverage containers by applying a refundable deposit on single-use beverages which are then collected and sorted by BCRS Malta for onward sale as recyclable material.

Who must register with BCRS Malta Ltd?

Producers, Importers, Retailers and Catering Undertakings making available non-refillable beverage containers on the market shall register with BCRS Malta Ltd.

With reference to S.L. 549.134:

• A person who operates in the supply chain in more than one function, shall duly register for each function as producer and importer, and/or distributor and/or retailer and/or catering undertaking as the case may be;
• A retailer who operates more than one retail establishment shall register each retail establishment; and
• A catering undertaking who operates more than one catering establishment shall register each catering establishment.

What beverages and beverage container materials form part of the Scheme?

The following beverages are eligible:

• Water and flavoured water
• Carbonated soft drinks
• Ready to drink coffee
• Dilutables
• Non-carbonated soft drinks
• Ciders, beers, and other malt beverages
• Flavoured alcoholic beverages having an alcoholic content level which does not exceed 5%

The following beverage container materials are eligible:

• Plastic (Polyethylene terephthalate (PET))
• Metal (Steel and Aluminium
• Glass (Clear and non-clear glass)

How does the scheme work?

A deposit of €0.10 will be added to the price of the beverages which fall within the scope of this scheme. This deposit is charged by Producers and Importers to retailers and catering establishment at wholesale stage which is subsequently charged onto the consumer. This deposit is transferred to BCRS Malta and the consumer can then obtain a full-refund of their deposits by returning the empty beverage container to an approved redemption location which can either be a retailer or a Reverse Vending Machine.

Contact us for assistance!

This scheme is a great opportunity to be part of the change and contribute favourably towards the environment. Whether you are a producer, importer, distributor, retailer or catering establishment, KSi Malta can help you with the registration process. Contact our Advisory Manager, Jessica Camilleri on jcamilleri@ksimalta.com should you require assistance with this scheme or for further information on how to register your business with BCRS Malta.