Environment minister calls for waste prevention plan

Environment Minister Leo Brincat said government needed to work on a waste prevention plan in order to fulfill the EU's requirements as per the Waste Framework Directive.

He however said this would be a great challenge, describing Malta's waste recycling infrastructure as "disjointed and fragmented".

Brincat said Malta should work to see that the waste per capita generated continues to go down. At this stage, waste per capita stands at almost 600kg above EU average.

In a meeting held with the Chamber of Commerce and GreenPak, Brincat said it was government's priority to address the deficit in waste management.

"For this goal to be reached there must consensus among all stakeholders operating in this sector," he said.

Brincat said there should be consensus for an effective strategy on how to minimise landfills use, especially when it comes to biodegradable waste.

The minister said that in the coming weeks he will see that the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive will be implemented. He added that Malta must do also that is possible to recuperate 60% of packaging waste.

Another goal, he said, was to reduce the amount of dangerous waste deposited in public landfills.

Brincat said the government believed in the contribution of the private sector whilst ensuring a transparent and accountable process.