Mobile Recycling Scheme Expands To 30 Localities As Malta Collects 145,000 Containers
Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness, Miriam Dalli, has announced the extension of its pilot project involving mobile Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) aimed at elderly and vulnerable individuals. Initially launched as a door-to-door service for those aged 60 and over, the initiative has seen strong public uptake, averaging 250 bookings per week and collecting approximately 145,000 beverage containers to date.
Given this positive response, the Ministry is expanding the project to ten additional localities: Santa Venera, Żurrieq, Ħal Safi, Ħal Kirkop, Ħ’Attard, Ħaż-Żabbar, Marsaskala, Xgħajra, Mosta and Mġarr. The service is also accessible to Blue Badge holders.
The announcement was made during a visit to Bormla, where Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli and Parliamentary Secretary for Public Cleanliness Glenn Bedingfield observed a mobile RVM in action. They were accompanied by CEO of Circular Economy Malta, Ing. Jason Vella, and Clean Malta Director General Ramon Deguara.
Minister Dalli said, “When we introduced the mobile RVMs, our aim was to reach as many people as possible. It is encouraging to witness such rapid growth, and this is only the beginning. With the right investment, we plan to roll out this service nationwide.”
The Ministry confirmed that further investment in modern, high-capacity machinery will help improve the speed and efficiency of the service, allowing it to meet increased demand more effectively. This pilot project forms a key part of a wider strategy to eventually implement the initiative across all of Malta.
Additionally, data from Circular Economy Malta shows that fixed public RVMs have become more accessible. Compared to the same period last year, machines logged 4,800 additional operating hours in just one month. This improvement follows targeted efforts to better manage the sites and increase the frequency of machine servicing, thanks to Clean Malta’s support.
Parliamentary Secretary Glenn Bedingfield emphasised the Government’s proactive stance, “We’re committed to helping those who wish to recycle. Problems won’t solve themselves, which is why we’re offering this door-to-door solution. Together with the public, we can build a cleaner, greener environment.”
With this latest expansion, the mobile RVM service now covers 30 localities, including: Marsa, Kalkara, Ħal Għaxaq, Gudja, Mqabba, Qrendi, Birżebbuġa, Senglea, Vittoriosa (Birgu), Valletta, Bormla, Paola, Ħamrun, Ħal Lija, Ħal Balzan, Santa Luċija, Ħal Luqa, Floriana, Pietà, Gwardamanġa, and the ten newly added areas.
Residents in the new localities can start booking the service from Tuesday 5th August. Bookings are accepted between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week, by calling 1718 or emailing bcrs.cleansing@gov.mt.
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