PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND PUBLIC CLEANLINESS AND THE MINISTRY FOR SOCIAL POLICY AND CHILDREN’S RIGHTS Incentivising environmental change: two new initiatives announced for families and the circular economy

To further promote sustainability, Government has announced two new social initiatives set to take effect from 1^st July: a €100 voucher for vulnerable families and a pilot project involving mobile reverse vending machines (RVMs) targeting individuals over the age of 60.

The initiatives were unveiled during a press conference in Birgu by Minister for the Environment and Energy Miriam Dalli, Minister for Social Policy and Children's Rights Michael Falzon, and Parliamentary Secretary for Public Cleanliness Glenn Bedingfield.

These new measures build upon previous investment by the Water Services Corporation to improve tap water quality in Malta, as well as the REWS scheme, which allows individuals to purchase an active carbon filter and request a reimbursement.

Under the first initiative, vulnerable families will receive a €100 voucher by post to purchase a water filter. A list of participating retailers where the voucher can be redeemed will be available on www.waw.com.mt. Funded by the Climate Action Authority, this initiative will benefit approximately 13,000 vulnerable families who are already receiving energy-related benefits.

The second initiative involves an innovative pilot project featuring mobile RVMs; vehicles equipped with machines that collect beverage containers by appointment. This service, launching in 20 localities, is aimed at individuals over 60 and Blue Badge holders.

The participating localities are Marsa, Kalkara, Ħal Għaxaq, Gudja, Mqabba, Qrendi, Birżebbuġa, Senglea, Birgu, Valletta, Cospicua, Paola, Ħamrun, Ħal Lija, Balzan, Santa Luċija, Ħal Luqa, Floriana, Pietà, and Gwardamanġa. The locations were selected based on various factors, including local demographics.

For more information or to book the RVM service, the public can call 1718 or email bcrs.cleansing@gov.mt. Booking hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday to Sunday.

“The goal of these two initiatives is to further encourage the public to take action for the environment by making it easier for everyone to do their part. These are part of a broader vision of a circular economy where waste is either not produced or turned into a resource," Minister Miriam Dalli stated.

Minister Michael Falzon emphasised, “This initiative joins a series of social measures aimed at providing support and peace of mind to families. Despite the significant social progress made in recent years, we remain committed to implementing more initiatives like this. A strong society is one that cares for everyone."

Parliamentary Secretary Glenn Bedingfield added, “We are a government that listens and acts. This new service is not only a response to a practical challenge, but also a clear confirmation that people are always at the heart of our work. When we see genuine commitment from residents to recycle, it is our duty to support them with concrete solutions."

Moreover, staff from the Cleansing and Maintenance Division will be present at 11 high-demand BCRS machine sites to assist with maintenance. Starting July 1st, personnel will be stationed in two hubs in St. Paul's Bay, Rabat (Malta), Xemxija, Gżira, Ta' Xbiex, Floriana, Valletta, San Tumas (Marsaskala), and two hubs in Sliema.