Government will soon launch the second Green Public Procurement plan for public consultation, Environment Minister Jose Herrera said today during a business breakfast on the occasion of International E-Waste Day.

The minister addressed a business breakfast with the theme: ‘Repair, Repurpose, Recycle’ as part of the activities associated with International E-Waste Day.

The topic being discussed was electronic and electrical waste. He highlighted the importance of a circular economy, and said that Malta is working towards said goal.

The circular economy, he said, will help address a number of challenges, which are: the scarcity of natural resources and primary materials; waste generation; and management of non-sustainable waste. These challenges, he said, are even more prominent in Malta given the country’s geographical location, and that Malta is dependent on the importation of products.

He stressed that no more land can be taken to be used as a landfill.

Europe and Malta are working to reduce the impact on the environment. He said that government is leading by example, through the Green Public Procurement Plan. “In the public calls issued, the public sector asks for products and services that reduce damage on the environment.”

He said that the second National Green Procurement Plan will be issued for public consultation in the coming weeks.