The scheme set up to collect electric and electronic waste from Malta – WEEE Malta – managed to collect 1,500 tonnes of white goods in 2018, an increase of 40 per cent over the previous year.

However, while the collection for recycling of items like fridges and television was very effective, many other items like washing machines, cookers and air-conditioners were ‘disappearing’ unless they were being collected by the producers in the scheme.

WEEE Malta was set up three years ago and ensures that this waste is recycled either in Malta or overseas where appropriate. However, the rate of collection and recycling is still well below the EU targets.

Over 6,000 tonnes of white goods were sold in Malta last year.