I note with satisfaction the editor’s positive comments in respect of the new littering regulations, Where are the bins, (TMID, 4 November). The call for the provision of more litter bins is one that is shared by the government.

In fact, during a press presentation on 27 June, it was pointed out that part of the process leading up to the introduction of the new littering regulations would be the issue of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for interested parties to manufacture, install, empty, clean and maintain a network of litter bins across the Maltese islands.

This RFP was issued by the Local Councils Association on 11 August, closed on 9 September and is currently in its adjudication phase. Through this RFP, the technical requirements that were specified provided for the reinforcement of the waste separation principle as well as to design the bins in such a way that could be aesthetically-pleasing.

Moreover, interested parties were also given an indication of the density of litter bins that would be appropriate for selected areas. The financing mechanism is one that allows the selected party to avail itself of advertising rights on these bins, a concept which will permit the installation of these receptacles at zero cost while allowing companies who wish to associate themselves with a cleaner Malta to make their statement through their advert.

Kevin Gatt,

Managing Consultant,

Management Efficiency Unit

(Consultants to the Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment)