BCRS Malta, the licensed operator of the national Beverage Container Refund Scheme (BCRS), has announced a major upgrade that enables mobile collection of beverage containersthrough specially equipped Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs).
The initiative was made possible through close collaboration with the Cleansing and Maintenance Division, retailers, RVM suppliers, digital systems providers, and under the oversight of the regulator, Circular Economy Malta.
The mobile RVM service allows residents, specifically 60+ ID card holders and Blue Badge holder to return PET bottles, aluminium cans, and glass containers directly through mobile collection vehicles.
To support this functionality, BCRS implemented a Central Redemption Server, a centralised platform that integrates multiple POS systems across Malta’s diverse retail and technology landscape.
This system ensures that all returns, whether via fixed or mobile RVMs, are seamlessly processed, and vouchers can be redeemed efficiently.
“The results and support for these initiatives show that BCRS Malta is making a tangible contribution to the environment for the benefit of all,” said Alexander Galea, CEO of BCRS Malta. “This project demonstrates the strong collaboration between retailers, system providers and the Cleansing and Maintenance Division, all working together to strengthen Malta’s deposit return infrastructure.”
The support provided to the pilot project involving purpose-built mobile RVMs back in July 2025, together with an investment of over €100,000, has proven the success of the idea.
In addition to the investment, BCRS Malta is paying the Cleansing and Maintenance Division a handling fee for each container collected.
BCRS Malta is also proud to report that the scheme continues to contribute to environmental progress in Malta. Since the start of the scheme in November 2022, BCRS has collected 722 million beverage containers, equivalent to over 33,600 tonnes, which have all been sent for recycling.
In 2025, the scheme achieved a collection rate of 86%, amounting to 242 million PET, Glass and Can beverage containers, equivalent to 11,000 tons of material for recycling.
BCRS Malta remains committed to further optimising the scheme, improving efficiency, and supporting national recycling targets.
For the latest information and updates, the public is encouraged to visit the website.
