What is the trend in waste generation?

Waste generation and poor waste management are the cause of significant environmental impacts, including loss of natural resources, take-up of land for landfills, and pollution, which result in the deterioration of ecosystems and public health.[1]

Waste delivered at, on the one hand, WasteServ Malta Limited's waste management facilities, and, on the other hand, privately-managed quarry sites that are licensed to receive inert waste, as well as other privately-managed waste management companies (including those companies handling waste batteries and waste tyres) are a useful approximation for waste generated.

Between 2005 and 2006, total waste delivered at the above waste management facilities increased by 4.4 per cent.

In 2006, construction and demolition waste represented 88.1 per cent of total waste delivered at the above waste management facilities, while municipal solid waste (MSW)[2] represented 10.8 per cent.

The amount of hazardous waste arising, as well as that exported, amounted to 1,346 tonnes in 2006, registering an increase of 8.1 per cent since 2005.

Commercial and industrial waste[3] decreased by seven per cent between 2005 and 2006. During 2007 the Ghallis engineered landfill for non-hazardous, non-inert and municipal solid waste also began operations.

Source: WasteServ Malta Ltd., NSO (National Statistics Office). 2008. Solid Waste Management in Malta: 2003-2006. News Release No. 16/2008, 30 January 2008.

Note: This data is subject to revision.

Environmental tip:
Purchase intelligently! Purchase reusable or recyclable products.

[1] EEA (European Environment Agency). 2007. Europe's Environment: The fourth assessment, EEA, Copenhagen.

[2] MSW includes municipal solid waste, mixed trade/municipal waste and waste delivered at Sant Antnin Waste Treatment Plant (SAWTP), excluding rejects from SAWTP.

[3] Includes waste batteries and waste tyres.