There are currently only 20 enforcement officers employed by the Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) who work on the management and enforcement of waste, but Environment Minister said that more will be employed soon.

“It is necessary that we employ more enforcement workers, as I agree 20 officers are not enough for this enforcement. I agree that the number needs to be increased,” said Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia.

Farrugia was replying to a parliamentary question submitted by PN MP David Thake on Monday morning in Parliament.

Farrugia explained that such officers are self-employed and conduct different site inspections to ensure that the right waste bags are placed on the right days. The officers provide fines to those individuals who are caught placing the wrong bag on the day.

“Apart from the right bag being placed, we need to ensure that the right content goes in the right bag. So if we have a recycling bag, when our workers open it to separate paper and plastic, they should not find animal’s carcass,” said Aaron, noting back to when earlier this year a dead animal was found in a waste bag.

“We need to respect our workers and to work towards Malta’s recycling scheme.”