New Reverse Vending Machines That Allow You To Recycle All Your Bottles At Once Launched

BCRS Malta has invested €2.5 million to install 10 jumbo-sized reverse vending machines for plastic beverage containers, with the first two machines going live today in Pembroke and Ħal Far.

These new machines will help the company handle the expected peak in operations during the summer months.

Located at Luxol’s Park-and-Ride and the BCRS Clearing Centre, the high-capacity machines can store up to 9,000 containers, while offering consumers the added convenience of depositing their plastic bottles all at once instead of one by one.

“These jumbo machines will make the Beverage Container Refund Scheme more efficient, and their installation will cater to the expected increase in the number of plastic drinks containers during the summer,” BCRS Malta Chairman Pierre Fava said.

Over the coming months, BCRS Malta will install 28 additional machines, including the 10 jumbo machines, bringing the total number of machines across Malta and Gozo to 348.

The jumbo machines are designed to handle only plastic (PET) containers, but single-feed reverse vending machines for glass bottles and cans will also be set up alongside them. Manned by specialised personnel, the jumbo machines will operate seven days a week, between 6am and 10pm.

BCRS Malta CEO Edward Chetcuti has highlighted the effectiveness of the refund scheme, which has helped collect more than 60 million beverage containers in just five months.

“Historically, our country recycled less than 20 percent of beverage containers, but it is now about 70 percent, representing a significant leap forward,” said Chetcuti.

The remaining jumbo machines will begin rolling out across Malta and Gozo later this month, as BCRS processes the necessary permits. BCRS encourages consumers and operators to use the jumbo machine at the BCRS Clearing Centre in Ħal Far during off-peak hours for more than four bags.