Environment Minister Jose Herrera and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Governance Stefan Buontempo launched the iRecycle project from GreenMT today, in Iklin.

The pilot project will monitor household recycling habits, and will see Iklin households compete to become Iklin's top recyclers. Families who signed on for the project will attach barcodes to their garbage bags, which will allow GreenMT and the local council to keep tabs on the recycling habits of those households.

Minister Herrera said that according to the National Statistics Office, 18,000 tonnes of paper, plastic, glass ane metal was recycled in 2014.

"There is a need to reduce waste in this country and increase the amount of recycled materials," the Minister said. 

This competition will encourage more people to recycle and will see individuals and families who recycle rewarded. 

He also said that currently, an educational campaign over a three year period is underway, to educate people about waste management.

Dr Buontempo said that in order for waste management plans to be successful, there must be community involvement. He also urged local councils to work alongside residents to keep the environment at the forefront.