Separation key in waste management plans – Brincat

Addressing the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development, environment minister Leo Brincat underlined the importance of waste separation in the government's far-reaching draft waste management plan, covering the 2013-20 period.

Although he excluded the complete privatisation of the waste management sector, Brincat said the government was looking at working together with the private sector.  

Brincat insisted that the draft plan's main priority was that of reducing the dependency on engineered landfills while strengthening the waste collection system.

However, this plan would only succeed through enforcement, Brincat said. Moreover, the dependency on engineered landfills would only be reduced if waste separation is taken "seriously."

Reiterating that no studies had been carried out on the feasibility of alternative systems, such as waste incineration and export, Brincat pointed out that he would only heed advice if the studies are carried out by independent experts with no personal or commercial interest in the sector.

Kevin Gatt, the ministry's technical advisor coordinating the waste strategy said only 23% waste was being separated and this had to reach 50% by 2020.

The waste minimisation programme was planned to commence in 2015 and this would include an increase in the collection of recyclable and organic waste from households and establishments.

The reform would lead to the collection of mixed waste to once a week and increasing the collection of recyclable waste such as glass, metal and plastic to twice or three times a week. The same would apply for organic waste.