One waste collection on Tuesdays in Attard

Only recyclable waste is being collected on Tuesdays at Attard.

Since the door-to-door collection of recyclable waste kicked off last month, two collections were taking place on one day every week, increasing costs for local councils.

Chris Ciantar, the Permanent Secretary at the Resources and Rural Affairs Ministry, said the decision not to collect any waste other than recyclable waste on Tuesdays would also help with the separation of waste since it cut down the risk of contamination between organic and recyclable waste. He pointed out that organic waste was already not collected on Sundays and it was possible to skip a collection on another weekday.

Organic waste collection costs taxpayers €150 (Lm64.40) a trip while recyclable waste collection cost slightly more - €186 (Lm79.85), Dr Ciantar said. Larger localities need more than one trip to collect all waste.

Attard residents were informed of the new system through letters sent home and notices during Mass.

Seven tonnes of waste were collected last Tuesday and Joe Attard, who is taking care of logistics from the waste collectors' side, said the outcome was very positive. Mr Attard, from the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU, said only about 10 bags of organic waste were still taken out by residents although Tuesdays are dedicated only to recyclable waste in Attard.