Malta remains far behind its EU targets when it comes to the collection and recycling of electronic waste including computers, mobile phones, refrigerators and other electronic equipment.

According to an EU directive, Malta had to start collecting and recycling at least four kilos of electronic waste per inhabitant by the end of 2008 but statistics collected by the planning authority show the island only managed a tiny fraction of its set target – just 0.05 kilos per inhabitant.

“Malta has to step up its efforts; its targets had been discussed and agreed with the island for a long time,” according to EU officials. “If there is no real improvement, Malta may soon be facing infringement procedures in this area.”

The Maltese authorities are also concerned about the situation, although they are hoping for a marked improvement in the coming years.

A Malta Environment and Planning Authority spokesman said when contacted that the situation was improving every year. Statistics for 2009 and 2010, which are still being compiled, indicated the island was gearing up for this challenge.

“Mepa has been working on this area and we will shortly be issuing an electronic waste plan (WEE) for public consultation,” the spokesman said.

“At the same time, Mepa has permitted two such WEE compliance schemes which should increase the collection rates.”

So far, Malta has no actual plants to recycle electronic waste and the material collected is normally sorted out locally and then exported for recycling.

Although Mepa is the national body responsible for the area, the EU directive places the responsibility for the collection of electronic waste on the private sector, particularly producers, manufacturers and distributors. This makes the authorities’ efforts more complicated as the whole collection system is dependent on many players.

Mepa’s job in the coming years is also expected to become even more difficult as the EU is making plans to increase the collection targets of electronic waste across Europe.

Plans tabled by the European Commission last year, aimed at putting more electronic waste in its proper waste stream, have already been approved by member states, including Malta, and are awaiting MEPs’ approval.

According to these plans, within four years of the directive’s implementation obligatory collection targets will be boosted to 45 per cent of the average weight of electric and electronic equipment placed on the national market in the three preceding years. The target figure will be raised to 65 per cent four years later or eight years after entry into force.

Malta, as one of the EU’s member states whose inhabitants use less electric and electronic equipment, has managed to get more breathing space to reach these targets – it will be given a longer period and lower targets to achieve.

It will have to start collecting and recycling 20 to 25 per cent less than other member states and will only have to collect 65 per cent by 2022.