Biodegradable municipal waste landfilled

What is the trend in the disposal of biodegradable municipal waste?

Biodegradable waste includes any waste that is capable of decomposing, such as kitchen and garden waste, as well as paper and cardboard. The Landfill Directive includes targets aimed at reducing the landfilling of biodegradable municipal waste, with a view to increasing the recycling rate for this type of waste. In 2010, 161,400 tonnes of biodegradable municipal waste were generated, 3.1 % less than in 2009. In 2010, 78.4% of biodegradable municipal waste generated was landfilled, while 8% (12,982 tonnes) was diverted from landfills for recycling through the Material Recovery Facility at Sant’ Antnin Solid Waste Treatment Plant. The remainder was stored for export or composted. The Sant Antnin Plant was commissioned in two stages. The MRF receives recyclables from various sources including bring-in sites, the Recycle Tuesdays scheme and other sources, and first came into operation in February 2008. The Mechanical Biological Treatment Plant began to operate late in 2010 and is responsible for the treatment of mixed municipal solid waste to generate biogas which is converted to electricity, and digestate. Together, 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.

* stored for export or composted.

For more information see The Environment Report Indicators 2010-2011 at http://www.mepa.org.mt/teri2010-2011.