The Waste Management Plan, which is up for the second round of consultation, aims at decreasing Malta’s waste production and maximising efficiency in the waste management sector through a number of measures, the most difficult of which is changing public attitudes.
An educational campaign is key for this aim to be reached. But other measures will help change today’s practices, including a decrease in the collection frequency of non-recyclable waste and an increase in recyclable waste collection.
The new strategy for 2013-2020, which was built on previous plans, aims at reducing the country’s dependence on waste disposal, and encouraging an increase in waste treatment and recycling.
Mr Kevin Gatt, who coordinated the planning process spearheaded by the environment ministry, said that the country is too reliant on landfills. The current landfill site will be full in around five years time and the government needs to identify a new site.
Mr Gatt said that a decrease in waste collection frequency is being considered. This would be done gradually, and at the same time recyclable and organic waste would be collected more frequently. This, in itself would mean that people would have to collect waste in three separate bags: one for mixed waste, one for recycling and one for organic waste, namely food. The private sector and the Local Councils have a large part to play if the plan is to be a success.
Environment Minister Leo Brincat yesterday said that, while changing normal practices will not be easy, it is crucial for the waste plan to be a success. Waste should also be regarded as a fuel when separated properly so the public should take it seriously and be informed about the proper practices. A decrease in waste collections would also lead to less traffic.
The national waste plan also aims to increase green jobs and reduce food wastage, which currently amounts to 22% of all waste. Construction and demolition waste amounts to more than half of what the country produces, and the sector should also take the necessary measures to reduce this amount.
Mr Gatt said there are three solutions. One is to keep using landfills as the primary means. The other is to treat more waste locally. And the third is to export our waste. In either case a landfill is still required, and a new one has to be identified. This will have to last for 25 years. The Sant Antnin plant in Marsascala has to maximise efficiency and increase its intake, and another new plant at Ghallis, which is set to be operational by 2015, will also help in implementing the plan.
According to Minister Brincat, the idea is to enhance the Sant Antnin plant’s efficiency and not to enlarge it.
Another aspect of the plan is the revision of the eco-contribution tax. According to Mr Brincat, the Environment and Finance Ministries are engaged in discussions on the matter but it would not be appropriate to comment on the matter now.
He said that all measures were important and it is crucial that the country follows the final plan after it is approved. Waste management, he said, does not only affect the environment but also our health. The current version of the plan is available on the ministry’s website and it will be discussed with the MCESD in the coming days. The government will also offer the Opposition a debate in Parliament once the plan is approved by the cabinet. The government is aiming to finalise the plan by the end of the year.
Mr Brincat said that the government wants WasteServ to be a regulator and not a player in this sector, and the company should only step in as a last resort. However he said that there is no plan to privatise the company.
When asked if the government is considering an incineration plant, Mr Brincat said that the previous administration had not commissioned any studies, but these should be carried out in due time. All options will be considered.