Malta Proposes Charges On Plastic Takeaway Containers And Cups
The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has formally proposed charges on plastic takeaway boxes and cups.
The proposal, which is up for public consultation, states that the new guidelines follow an EU directive to reduce single-use plastic litter.
Establishments won’t be allowed to serve food and drinks in single-use plastic containers and cups to customers who dine on site.
For takeaway, single-use plastic food containers and cups for beverages cannot be given to customers free of charge.
Catering establishments must inform customers about the fee and the charge must be itemised on fiscal receipts.
At this stage, establishments are being told to charge customers at their own discretion, but ERA said that the authorities may implement mandatory charges in the future.
Establishments must also provide alternatives at the point of sale, such as items made out of cardboard, aluminium, bagasse, palm leaves, stainless steel, and glass, so long as these are practically feasible.
They must also provide incentives, such as discounts, for customers who bring their own containers.
These rules don’t apply to services offered to in-patients at hospitals and care homes.