Handling hazardous waste at home

Some waste generated at home is considered to be hazardous and should not be collected in the black or grey recycling bags, since some chemicals – if not disposed of properly – could be harmful to the environment and even human health.

While some products, such as sprays and paints, are easily identified with universal hazard symbols, others – like medicines, make-up, soaps, batteries, syringes and light bulbs – are not.

And in summer, things like ‘fjakkoli’, expired charcoal, charcoal ash, insect repellant and leftover paints from DIY decorating, may also generate additional hazardous household waste.

These materials must all be handled carefully and disposed of to ensure that hazardous waste is treated properly and not end up in a landfill.

The six civic amenity sites in Mrieħel, Ħal Far, Luqa, Magħtab, Ta' Qali and Tal-Kus in Gozo accept all hazardous waste, bulky waste and recyclable materials generated by households for free.

The sites are open seven days a week, including Public Holidays, between 7.30am and 5.30pm. and vehicles can drive directly through the facilities avoiding the need for parking.

The purpose of these centres is to optimise the collection of certain types of waste and increase the recovery of secondary materials.

Once collected and sorted this waste is exported for treatment, unless it is treated locally and re-used for other purposes. 

Many local councils also offer a free bulky refuse service, some of which will also collect hazardous waste.

For more information on hazardous waste handling, visit dontwastewaste.gov.mt .