Sant' Antnin to start operations on January 28

A state-of-the-art mechanical recycling facility will start operating at the Sant'Antnin Waste Recycling Plant in Marsascala on January 28.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Environment Minister George Pullicino yesterday visited the facility, which will be tested and commissioned in the coming days.

Employees at the facility will benefit from improved working conditions. Most of the manual work will be mechanised and the remaining work will be carried out in an air-conditioned room.

Mr Pullicino said that in view of this development at Sant'Antnin, the Government was in talks with the Local Councils Association and constituted bodies to initiate a scheme for the door-to-door collection of recyclable waste. Talks were at an advanced stage and an agreement was expected by the end of the month for the scheme to come into operation at the end of February or beginning of March.

Through these arrangements, the Government will be in a better position to ensure a sustainable environmental system, which protects against the environmental impact of plastic bottles. This will take on added significance since practically all soft drinks are now being supplied in plastic bottles since the use of glass has been discontinued by local drinks companies.

Moreover, a second skip for plastic containers will be added at each bring-in site on the island to meet demand.

Mr Pullicino said that the new facility will be able to treat 36,000 tonnes of recyclable waste every year.

The part of the plant treating organic waste generated in homes should start operating by the end of this year. This will treat 35,000 tonnes of municipal waste each year.

When Sant'Antnin is fully operational, it will be treating a total of 71,000 tonnes of waste each year.

The modernisation of Sant' Antnin will cost €27 million, 70 per cent of which is being forked out by the EU. Besides, the remaining 30 per cent, the Government is also investing another €11 million for the necessary construction works.

Dr Gonzi said that by investing in modern technology for waste management, the Government was fulfilling its promise to ensure a better quality of life and environment for Maltese families.

The organic waste at Sant'Antnin, he said, would generate enough electricity from gas for 1,400 four-person families before it is transformed into compost. Residents in the immediate vicinity of the plant are likely to benefit from this.