BCRS Malta, the licensed operator of Malta's national Beverage Container Refund Scheme, has reported that the scheme maintained high collection performance in 2025, despite an increase in the number of beverage containers placed on the market.

The latest year-end figures show that the number of beverage containers placed on the market increased from 236.3 million in 2024 to 242.3 million in 2025. At the same time, total collection by weight increased from 10,795.8 tonnes to 10,965 tonnes, while the overall collection rate by weight rose from 82.8% to 84.5%.

This means that, despite higher volumes entering the market, the scheme maintained and slightly improved its collection performance. This is an important sign of a stable scheme, supported by continued participation from the public and the business community.

Collection performance across the main material categories also remained strong in 2025:

The 2025 year-end figures also show that almost 11,000 tonnes of beverage container material were processed for recycling, reflecting the environmental value of the scheme and the importance of returning eligible containers through the proper channels.

To make returns more accessible and convenient, BCRS Malta has continued to strengthen its collection network. This has included the addition of the Salini Depot, Balzan Hub, Kordin Hub, Xlendi Hub and Xgħajra Hub, helping bring return points closer to more communities across Malta and Gozo. These additions form part of BCRS Malta's ongoing efforts to improve the return experience and support sustained collection performance.

BCRS Malta has also funded further service improvements delivered and managed operationally by the Cleansing and Maintenance Division. While BCRS attendants were previously stationed only at Depots, attendants are now also present at 11 of the busiest and most frequently used Reverse Vending Machine locations. This helps ensure that machines remain operational during peak periods, with attendants available to empty full machines promptly and minimise downtime for consumers.

In addition, BCRS Malta funds a door-to-door collection service for persons aged 60 and over, as well as persons with disabilities. The service was first introduced as a pilot in selected localities and, following positive uptake, has since been expanded. The operational management and delivery of both services are carried out exclusively by the Cleansing and Maintenance Division.

Commenting on the results, BCRS Malta Chief Executive Officer Alexander Galea said: "The key message from these results is that the scheme has maintained, and improved, its collection performance while managing a higher number of containers placed on the market. This is a positive outcome and a clear sign that the Beverage Container Refund Scheme is stable, established and continuing to deliver results."

He added: "This progress would not be possible without the cooperation of consumers, retailers, producers, importers, catering establishments, operators and all those involved in the scheme. We are grateful for their continued support. Our focus remains on making returns as convenient as possible, supporting our partners and continuing to improve the scheme for the benefit of the country."

BCRS Malta said the results reflect continued public engagement with the scheme, together with the important role played by participating retailers and businesses across Malta and Gozo. The organisation will continue working with its partners to improve accessibility, strengthen the collection network and support the proper recycling of beverage containers.

The Beverage Container Refund Scheme encourages consumers to return eligible single-use beverage containers so that these can be collected, sorted and recycled. By returning containers through the scheme, the public is helping to reduce litter, support recycling and contribute to a cleaner environment across Malta and Gozo.

For the latest information and updates, the public is encouraged to visit www.bcrsmalta.mt or follow BCRS Malta on Facebook and Instagram.