Pilot BCRS Home Collection In 20 Localities By July 1st

Jun 22 2025

A new government pilot scheme is set to begin on 1 July, offering home collection of plastic beverage bottles for elderly residents and individuals with a blue badge in 20 localities.

The initiative will use vehicles equipped with machines that accept bottles and issue vouchers, aiming to make participation in the Beverage Container Refund Scheme (BCRS) more accessible for those who may face mobility challenges.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Robert Abela during a public discussion in Ħ’Attard. He stated that the service is intended to reduce the inconvenience of travelling to existing BCRS machines, particularly for older individuals.

According to Abela, the pilot responds to positive public uptake of the current deposit-return system.

In the same event, the Prime Minister also outlined several environmental measures currently underway. These include infrastructure for shore-to-ship power in major ports, a waste-to-energy project, and the promotion of solar panel installations and electric vehicles.

He also noted the upcoming introduction of a fast ferry service from Buġibba, intended to offer an alternative transport route between the islands.

In relation to construction, new building codes are reportedly being drafted, and schemes remain in place to support the restoration of older properties rather than new development.

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Little Bat Rescued After Being Found In Water Bucket

Jun 22 2025

A male Kuhl’s pipistrelle, a species of vesper bat, was found in a bucket of water on a balcony and was fished out with a fly swatter.

Despite being good swimmers, they could tire and drown if they cannot get out.

Xrobb L-Għaġin Nature Park & Wildlife Rehab Centre volunteer Claude dried the bat off, took some measurements and fed him some delicious mealworms.

That same evening the bat was released safely close to where he was found so that he could easily rejoin his colony.

‘Good luck Nightwing, you had a lucky escape’, wrote the rehab centre.

Bats are not pets and it is illegal to handle them. Anyone who finds a bat is urged to contact the Wildlife Rescue Team for assistance.

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Last Public Consultation On Miscarriage Leave In Gozo

Jun 22 2025

The last public consultation on the introduction of miscarriage leave has taken place in Gozo, with Parliamentary Secretary Andy Ellul thanking everyone who contributed to the effort.

Ellul said that people who could not have participated live in the discussion will now have the opportunity to do so via an online process that will be launched in the coming days.

He says that he looks forward to moving towards becoming a country that introduces the leave to make Maltese society even more equal for people.

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5,600 Youth Apply For Free Gym Scheme In 1 Month

Jun 22 2025

Nearly 5,600 young people have applied for the government’s free gym membership scheme within just over a month of its launch, according to a report by ONE News.

The initiative was announced by Prime Minister Robert Abela with the aim of promoting a more active lifestyle among youth.

The scheme appears to be generating increased interest in physical activity and exercise, particularly among younger age groups.

ONE News reported of one gym which reported a 30% rise in youth attendance since the initiative began.

Do you go to the gym?

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