27th December 2024
Update on Producer and Importer Fees - Effective 1st February 2025
As valued partners in the success of our scheme, BCRS wants to take this opportunity to celebrate the progress we have achieved together while addressing some necessary updates to ensure the scheme’s long-term sustainability.
The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) places a responsibility on producers and importers to manage the lifecycle impacts of their products, including their eventual disposal and recycling. As part of this framework, the fees that producers and importers are required to pay contribute to the costs associated with the collection, recycling, and proper disposal of products once they reach the end of their useful lives. Your involvement has made BCRS a success in terms of beverage container collection and recycling. Since the inception of the Scheme on 14th November 2022, 450million containers have been collected which in 2024 alone, represent 84% of in-scope containers being placed on the market. This translates to over 21,000 tonnes of beverage containers exported for recycling into new beverage containers. Malta’s target is to collect at least 90% of in-scope containers by 2026. These accomplishments underscore the vital role each of you plays in the growth and success of our scheme.
BCRS is facing rising costs in operating and managing the scheme. Since its launch, the Company has held back from increasing administration fees. However, operational expenses have continued to grow. These include higher collection rates, enhanced service quality measures, and rising compliance issues. Additionally, global recyclable waste prices fell sharply in 2023 and early 2024, further straining finances. Costs are expected to rise even more in 2025. BCRS can no longer absorb these increases without risking the Scheme’s sustainability. To address this, administration fees will be adjusted. The increase in administration fees will cover the said increased costs and will support improved infrastructure, more efficient recycling processes, and the reduction of environmental impact caused by waste. As such, effective 1st February 2025, the administration fees will increase as follows:

Additionally, to maintain the integrity of the scheme and ensure a level playing field for all participants, more efforts to increase enforcement will take place. This will include more robust monitoring, compliance checks, and engagement to ensure that all Producers and Importers meet their obligations under the scheme. Strengthening enforcement is an essential step to protect the efforts and investments of committed producers and importers and uphold the high standards we have set together.
BCRS understands that these changes may pose challenges for your business, but we are confident that they will ultimately benefit our collective goal of a cleaner, more sustainable environment. Your active participation is crucial in reducing waste, increasing recycling rates, and fostering a Circular Economy.
Thank you once again for your continued partnership, hard work, and unwavering dedication to our shared goals. Together, we will continue to grow, innovate, and ensure long-term success for everyone involved.
