The new littering regulations come into effect on a trial basis today, nearly three weeks later than originally planned. Better late than never, one could say.
Until 1 January, when the regulations will come into force, offenders will be reprimanded for any infringements; however the fine could be doubled if they are caught littering a second time.
The fines for littering have been substantially increased to act as a deterrent and, hopefully, prevent people from throwing away unwanted items such as cigarette butts, used tissues or sweet packets. The fines should also be a deterrent for those who dump bulky items, such as washing machines, in the countryside or at the side of main roads.
The fines have been raised from Lm10 to between Lm25 and Lm50, depending on the offence, while illegal dumping could cost the culprit anything from Lm1,000 to Lm2,500 – up from a fine of Lm500 to Lm1,000. The fines should be enough to discourage anyone from littering but, as usual in Malta, people need to be policed to follow the rules.
Forty so-called green wardens have been employed to patrol all parts of Malta and Gozo. They will be in plain clothes so they will not attract attention and it will be easier for them to catch litterbugs.
While this is an encouraging start, it will be a lot of hard work for just 40 wardens – who will be
working in pairs – to patrol everywhere in Malta and Gozo, especially in the remote areas that are favoured by illegal dumpers.
The green wardens will need all the support they can get from regular wardens who can also fine
people for littering, apart from their normal traffic-related duties.
Once the system is in place, and seen to be functioning well, the number of green wardens really should be increased so that more areas can be covered during their patrols.
An information campaign, explaining to the public what the new regulations are all about, complements their introduction. It must be made clear that there should be zero tolerance on littering, so it is rather unfortunate that Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino has said that the green wardens should concentrate mostly on the illegal dumping of bulky waste.
Although it is good idea for them to focus on illegal dumping – after all, it is the worst form of littering and costs the most to clear up – they should not turn a blind eye to smaller infringements. Imagine 100 smokers in a public garden throwing their cigarette butts on the ground, or 100 drivers throwing a used tissue out of the car window.
Cigarette butts or used tissues may be little things, compared to the dumping of construction waste, fridges and mattresses in the countryside, but they are just as annoying, an eyesore and possibly a health hazard. No one stubs out a cigarette on the floor of his own home and no one leaves used tissues lying around – so why should they do so in public areas?
Malta is a dirty island, not only because certain people dump large, unwanted objects in the
countryside – when they could easily make use of the free service offered by the government – but also because many simply dispose of their small items of rubbish in the wrong way.
If people cannot understand this concept, then they should pay every time they litter. Someone who is fined Lm25 for throwing a cigarette butt on the ground will think a 100 times over before doing it again. This is another reason why green wardens should not ignore those who throw away small bits of waste in public.
Having said that, it is important that there are enough waste bins available in public areas to make it easier for people to dispose of their rubbish. Just because they do not exist is no excuse to throw anything on the ground. However, a decent number of bins in public places would show that the government is committed and doing its part as well.