Malta gears up for organic waste separation deadline

With little more than a week to go until the collection of source-separated organic waste comes into effect across all Malta on 31 October, Wasteserv says it has been encouraged by the significant increase in public interest in the new rules. 

The national waste agency is temporarily increasing the hours during which its customer care freephone service on 8007-2200 is available, now extended to Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30am to 5:30pm. 

The public is also invited to send any questions or comments via Wasteserv’s Facebook page. 

“Among the most frequent queries being received are questions regarding the distribution of bins, enforcement of the new arrangements, how the separated waste will be used, and what exactly should be included with organic waste in the white bags,” a spokesperson said. 

Distribution is continuing with more than 60% of households in Malta and Gozo now in possession of a bin. 

“Those who have not yet received theirs can find updates on their particular locality on Wasteserv’s Facebook page. The purpose of these bins is to facilitate the separation of waste at home. The bins are not, however, meant to be taken out on the kerbside. In fact, only the white bags for organic waste should be left outside. Any household which, for some reason, remains without a bin should therefore still begin separating organic waste in any white bag as from 31 October,” the agency said. 

Wasteserv said it was now committed to focusing on generating more awareness among the public on how to separate organic waste properly. This will be supported by a monitoring exercise which will take place during the collection itself. 

Organic waste includes all cooked and raw food including bones, fish and shellfish, bread and pasta, rotten fruit and vegetables, fruit and vegetable peels, tea bags and ground coffee, egg shells, napkins and soiled papers, leaves and flowers. 

Members of the public who leave the wrong bag on the kerbside will in fact also have a sticker with information about the new arrangements attached to the bag that will be left uncollected on the day. 

The organic waste collected will be sent to Sant’ Antnin Waste Treatment Plant where the material can be turned into compost, depending on the volumes of separated waste generated by the public. 

During the treatment of the waste, energy will also be produced, allowing Wasteserv to increase its existing supply to heat the therapeutic swimming pool at the adjacent premises of Inspire Foundation.