Gozitan councils team up with Green Pak

Three Gozitan councils have teamed up with Green Dot Malta, operators of GreenPak waste recovery scheme, to boost waste recovery.

Xewkija, Sannat and Xagħra councils currently recover 42 per cent (2.9 tonnes) of the total possible recyclable waste from their localities. Through this partnership, these local councils have the potential to recover 6.9 tonnes per week.

The Green Pak scheme is to distribute free recycling bags to all households in Xewkija, Sannat and Xagħra and is to increase the number of recycling banks in each locality, making it easier and more convenient for residents to recycle. The scheme was launched by Green Dot Malta chief executive Mario Schembri, Xewkija mayor Monica Vella, Xagħra mayor Joseph Cordina, and Sannat mayor Philip Vella, in the presence of Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue and Information Chris Said, and the Labour Party spokesperson on local government Stefan Buontempo.

Landfill fees incurred by local councils were increased to €20 per tonne on April 1. Local councils are identifying ways to encourage residents to recycle to reduce the amount payable under the new rates. The lower the landfill fees, the more funds the local councilwill have available for local embellishment projects.