Government said that it is investing around €1.2 million in new vans and specialized IT system, enabling the pilot project for the BCRS container collection service to be expanded across all of Malta and Gozo.

 This was announced during a press conference by the Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness, Miriam Dalli, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Public Cleanliness, Glenn Bedingfield, in the presence of the CEO of Circular Economy Malta, Inġ Jason Vella, and the Director General of the Cleansing and Maintenance Division, Ramon Deguara.

It was explained that since last July, the Division launched a pilot project that began in 20 localities and was later expanded to 30 localities across Malta. In eight months, using two single-input vans, around 1.3 million containers were collected, a result that demonstrates strong resident participation in the service. 

"The project was further strengthened through the establishment of a call centre supported by a specialized IT system developed by Maltese professionals. This system allows bookings to be processed automatically and makes operations more organized and efficient," government said. 

"The new vans, equipped with innovative technology from Returmatic, a Hungarian company specializing in this sector, will further improve operations. Until now, each van could serve around 40 residences per day, but with the new technology this capacity is expected to increase to about 60 residences per day, representing a substantial improvement in efficiency. The six new vans are equipped with a bulk-input system instead of the previous single-input method," it said.

 "This means that more families will be able to benefit from a modern service that makes it easier for people to recycle and contribute to environmental protection," government said. 

Parliamentary Secretary Glenn Bedingfield explained that "this is a clear example of how the Government listens to people and takes action. When we saw residents' willingness to participate more in recycling, we intervened to create a service that makes it easier for everyone. With this investment and the expansion of the service nationwide, we are continuing to provide people with the modern tools and services they need to take care of our country."

Minister Miriam Dalli added, "This expanded service is a clear example of how environmental policy is also social policy. We are bringing the service closer to people, especially those for whom access may be more difficult. Everyone has a role to play in environmental responsibility, but for that to happen, the system must be accessible to all. Our goal remains clear: a system that works, a system that reaches everyone, and a system that gives every citizen the opportunity to participate."

Also present at the press conference were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Joseph Caruana, the CEO of Returmatic, Péter Vida, as well as mayors and executive secretaries from local councils across Malta and Gozo, who will now benefit from this service.