Key policy question: What is the trend in waste recycling?

Between 2007 and 2008 recycling decreased by 13 per cent to 5,317 tonnes, due to a drop in demand for recyclables, which is highly dependent on international markets.

Tyres made up 39 per cent by weight of all recycled waste in 2008, followed by paper and cardboard at 37 per cent. Between 2007 and 2008 the amount of material collected in Malta's 226 bring-in-sites increased by 46 per cent to 4,107 tonnes.

By end 2008, four civic amenity sites were operational, and received 23,318 tonnes of waste between December 2006 and December 2008. In addition, 4,250 tonnes of mixed recyclables were collected through the Recycle Tuesdays initiative between May and December 2008.

However, the overall amount of waste recycled remains relatively low, at only seven per cent of municipal waste generated in 2007.

Policy responses: Actions taken by Mepa include contributions to the revised Solid Waste Management Strategy, registration and permitting systems, and the commencement of work on a biodegradable waste strategy.

The Environment Report seeks to increase awareness and understanding of key environmental issues and trends, to provide a sound evidence base for policy and decision-making, and to facilitate the measurement of environmental performance and progress towards sustainability. For more information visit www.mepa.org.mt/ter.