Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Sunday about a new BCRS home-to-home initiative for elderly people and blue badge holders, it’s encouraging to see progress being made in making recycling more inclusive. The plan, which brings the container return system closer to vulnerable groups, is a much-needed development.
However, the San Lawrenz Local Council believes there is an even more practical and inclusive solution—one that we proposed over two years ago and continue to offer as a national pilot: a mobile BCRS service, where the reverse vending machine is mounted on a truck and driven to different localities on scheduled days.
Rather than focusing only on home pickups, which are limited to certain users and logistically heavy, our idea is simple but impactful: the machine comes to the people—not the other way around.
Why a mobile BCRS unit makes more sense
- More practical and inclusive: a truck equipped with a BCRS machine can visit every locality in Malta and Gozo on a rotating schedule. This ensures access for everyone—young or old, mobile or not—without the need to pre-register or meet eligibility criteria.
- Cleaner and more convenient: residents can bring their bags of containers to the mobile unit at their convenience during the scheduled visit. It reduces the need to drive to fixed machines or rely on others for transport.
- Wider reach without complexity: instead of managing thousands of individual home pick-ups, a mobile unit can collect large volumes in a shorter time, while covering multiple localities per week. It’s a win-win in terms of efficiency and accessibility.
- Encourages participation: when recycling becomes easier and more visible in the community, more people take part. This service can become a familiar and welcomed presence—just like the weekly refuse truck.
Fixed points still matter—but they’re not enough
We are not suggesting replacing the current system entirely. Fixed BCRS machines in supermarkets and designated zones have a valuable role. But they remain out of reach for some, especially in smaller villages or areas where public transport is limited. A mobile BCRS unit complements the existing setup by reaching people where they live.
A call to pilot in San Lawrenz
San Lawrenz has repeatedly expressed readiness to serve as a pilot locality for this mobile BCRS concept. Our size and layout make us the perfect test case to see how this idea performs in practice. We believe this approach can be scaled nationally once its benefits are proven.
Moving forward together
The government’s recent steps show a growing commitment to inclusive recycling. But to truly future-proof the system and make it universally accessible, the mobile unit concept must be explored. It’s cleaner, more efficient, and more adaptable to our diverse local realities.
We urge BCRS and the authorities to consider our offer seriously. Let’s put this idea on the road—for the benefit of all Malta and Gozo.
Noel Formosa, Mayor, San Lawrenz