Watch: Swieqi Deputy Mayor Calls For More Understanding Towards Bottle Collectors

The deputy mayor of Swieqi is urging residents to show more understanding towards people collecting bottles for the BCRS scheme after sharing a video of an encounter with a bottle collector in the locality.

Jordan Galea Pace posted a video to social media recounting how he came across a man collecting bottles around Swieqi while on his way home.

In the post, Galea Pace said he has repeatedly had residents suggest that bottle collectors should be reported to the police.

“Over the past months, I’ve had residents insist that these individuals should be reported to the police,” he wrote.

“My response has always been the same: I believe our police officers have far more important matters to focus on, and not everyone is fortunate enough to be in the same financial situation.”

Instead of contacting the authorities, the deputy mayor said he stopped to speak with the collector, explaining the importance of leaving rubbish bags closed and tidy after bottles are removed and asking whether he needed any assistance.

“A little empathy goes a long way,” he wrote. “Most people collecting bottles are simply trying to earn a few extra euros.”

He also pointed out that bottles collected through the scheme are ultimately recycled rather than ending up in landfill.

“Let’s build a community that chooses understanding over judgment and kindness over hostility,” Galea Pace added.

What’s your take on this message?

READ NEXT: 'I'm Hanging Up The Boots': Marcus Grima Announces Retirement From Football

Dylan Attard

Dylan Attard is a Social Media Executive at Lovin Malta and a proud Gozitan with a passion for digital media, content creation, and social trends. Outside of work, you’ll usually find him at the gym, watching series and keeping up with everything happening online.