The government has launched a public consultation exercise that will eventually lead to the implementation of a scheme to return used plastic bottles.

Addressing a press conference, Environment Minister Jose Herrera said that this will help a better management of waste in the country.

He said that there are some 200 million plastic, aluminium and glass bottles or cans in circulation, and only 14% of the plastic and 5% of the aluminium bottles/cans are recycled.

The aim is for the operator of the system to retrieve 70% of the total in the first year in operation, Herrera said.

Deposits paid on the containers will be returned to the buyer, while all retailers with establishments of more than 150 metres squared – some 350 in total – will be asked to have machines installed where the containers will be returned.