Four new localities to join organic waste pilot project

By the end of this year, organic waste separation will also be introduced in Marsaxlokk, Swieqi, Kirkop and Mgarr. 

Environment Minister Leo Brincat launched the second phase of the organic waste pilot project. He announced that four localities will join the ones that are already participating in the project.

By the end of this year, organic waste separation will also be introduced in Marsaxlokk, Swieqi, Kirkop and Mgarr. 

Bormla, Birkirkara, Ghaxaq, Imdina and Ta’ Xbiex are already participating in the initiative.

The minister explained that, after April, when the second phase comes to an end, all the participating nine localities will start phase three during the summer of 2016.

The pilot project, which introduced the use of the third bag for organic waste, is being managed by Wasteserv.

He explained that half the contents in the black bags that are being collected is organic waste. Brincat added that if separated, the organic waste could be taken to the plant in Sant Antnin.

He also announced that, as part of the second phase of the project, the white bag will be collected three times a week, instead of two. Therefore, from now on, the collection of the third bag will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Since the project took off, the amount of organic waste collected doubled.

In a press conference, Parliamentary Secretary Stefan Buontempo also noted that this project was only possible thanks to the wide consultation with local councils.

“The Local Councils are strategic partners in helping the government to change the waste management mentality of the people,” he added.

The organic waste collection on Friday was the most popular among the participating localities.

Buontempo explained that, so far, the local wardens were only participating to advise the public of the new system being introduced. However, he said that at a later stage, fines will be imposed.

Asked to explain why there are no participating localities in Gozo, Brincat said that it will come at a later stage, but explained that the island would be considered as a single area.