Government to call for refund scheme on plastic bottle collection

The government will launch an expression of interest for a refund scheme for the collection of plastic bottles and aluminium cans, Environment Minister Leo Brincat announced.

Brincat, who was recently criticised by green NGOs and the Opposition for “wiping his hands clean of the environment”, said that the Budget included 33 pro-environment measures.

Speaking during Thursday night’s public consultation activity entitled ‘a government that listens’, Brincat said that that the government will draw up the framework for a national afforestation plan.

“We have requested the Israeli government to send over afforestation experts, and have also spoken to them about improving waste management operations,” Brincat said.

He also said that the government will prepare a national ‘Green Public Procurement’ plan to promote the sale of pro-environmental products and evaluate measures for economic growth through ‘green jobs’.

Moreover, he said that the government will issue an expression of interest for new facilities in the Marsascala Family Park and that Kennedy Grove will benefit from a €300,000 environmental compensation by Transport Malta. A noise pollution law will also be introduced.

Paola, Birkirkara, Mosta, Ta’Xbiex and Xghajra (Gozo) are expected to benefit from green community schemes and the government will hold a public consultation session regarding ‘green belts’ next to built-up areas.