BCRS Malta Ltd has stated that it is aware of a post circulating on social media depicting a man repeatedly violating the regulations and intended use of one of its machines.
The man in the video can be seen repeatedly inserting a bottle with a string attached into the machine, preventing it from properly registering the bottle before he retrieves it. It is unclear if he successfully gamed the machine into dispensing 10-cent returns by doing so.
In its statement, BCRS strongly condemned such behaviour, adding that such actions are not only irresponsible and unethical, but also “illegal as they constitute theft”. It continued that the misuse of the system undermines the collective effort to promote sustainability, reduce litter, and encourage responsible recycling practices across Malta.
The company said that all return machines are equipped with CCTV, and that the footage from the machines is actively monitored. It continued that when misuse is detected, any fraudulent vouchers are cancelled before redemption, and all relevant footage is passed on to the authorities for further investigation and potential subsequent action. It added that the machine is being assessed for potential damage, and that a software upgrade is being pushed to all return machines in order to deter such acts.
BCRS concluded that while no system is completely immune to abuse, the company remains committed to protecting the integrity of the Deposit Return Scheme. “We urge the public to use the BCRS system correctly and report any misuse through our official channels. Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and we thank the public for their continued cooperation and support in helping us maintain a fair and effective system for everyone,” it stated.