Successful start for organic waste collection

The introduction of the collection of organic waste three times a week has already resulted in a sharp drop in the amount of mixed waste collected in black bags, which has been reduced by a quarter.

The amount of mixed waste was over 60% in three localities, namely Xghajra, Pembroke and Qrendi.

Official statistics comparing the period between 1 November 2017 and 31 January 2018 with 1 November 2018 and 31 January 2019, show the amount of mixed waste collected was reduced by 26%.

Xghajra emerges as the locality which has seen the most drastic reduction in the amount of mixed waste. In this southern locality waste in black bags has been reduced by a staggering 69%. The other best performing localities are Pembroke (-64%), Qrendi (-61%), Senglea (-57%) and Balzan (-56%).

A reduction in mixed waste means sending less waste to landfills and also a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. When organic waste ends up in landfills, besides taking up precious physical space, it decomposes anaerobically – without oxygen – and releases methane into the environment.

Wasteserv CEO Tonio Montebello described the statistics as “positive and encouraging”. “We know that more is yet to be achieved, Wasterv will continue educating the nation on the importance of source separated waste.”

He described the change introduced during the last four months however he added that we know that more is yet to be achieved as more of a “change in mentality than a change in the collection system”. The increase in the rate of recycling and the decrease in black bag collection, shows that “as a nation we managed to shift the status quo”.

According to Montebello yoghurt cups, aluminium foil and milk cartons are the most frequently incorrectly disposed items. “Yoghurt cups and milk cartons should be disposed in the grey/green bag whilst soiled aluminium foil should be disposed in the black bag. Clean aluminium foil should be disposed in the grey/green bag”.

The successful rate of waste separation also came as a result of a warning system to uncooperative households.

Between the first day of organic waste collection on 31 October 2018 and 4 February 2019, around 117,000 red warning stickers were issued to people who did not properly separate their waste.

What happens to organic waste?

Organic waste that is collected is sent to Sant’ Antnin Waste Treatment Plant where sorting systems are in place. This waste is turned into liquid form and placed into tanks without oxygen. A bacterial process will then take effect, generating gas. This process takes roughly 30 days to complete. At the end of the process, this product is then dewatered, leaving material similar to compost. The compost still needs to be cleaned before being used as a soil improver.