What is the trend in disposal of biodegradable waste?

Biodegradable waste includes kitchen and garden waste, as well as paper and cardboard. The majority of landfilled municipal waste in Malta is biodegradable. The Landfill Directive includes targets to reduce landfilling of biodegradable waste, with a view to increasing the recycling rate for this type of waste.

In 2009, 95 per cent of municipal solid waste generated was landfilled, including 161,262 tonnes of biodegradable municipal waste. In 2009, three per cent (5,484 tonnes) of biodegradable municipal waste generated was diverted from landfills for recycling through the Material Recovery Facility at Sant’ Antnin Solid Waste Treatment Plant, which first came into operation in February 2008. The Sant’ Antnin plant will eventually be responsible for the diversion of recyclable paper and cardboard and 35,000 tonnes of organic waste from landfills.

In addition Malta intends to commission two Mechanical Biological Treatment plants by 2014; one in the north of Malta and another in Gozo. These facilities will ensure that Malta moves towards meeting its recycling targets, as well as contributing towards the country’s share of renewable energy from the recycling and recovery of municipal solid waste.

For more information see The Environment Report Indicators 2009 at www.mepa.org.mt/teri2009.

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