With little more than a week to go until the collection of source separated organic waste comes into effect, Wasteserv said it is encouraged by the significant increase in public interest in the new arrangements.

Organic waste collections should includes all cooked and raw food including bones, fish and shellfish, bread and pasta, rotten fruit and vegetables, fruit and vegetable peels, tea bags and ground coffee, egg shells, napkins and soiled papers, leaves and flowers.

Distribution of bins is continuing with more than 60 per cent of households in Malta and Gozo now in possession of a bin. Those who have not yet received theirs can find updates on their particular locality on Wasteserv’s Facebook page.

The purpose of these bins is to facilitate the separation of waste at home. The bins are not, however, meant to be taken out on the kerbside. Only the white bags for organic waste should be left outside. Any household which, for some reason, remains without a bin should begin separating organic waste in any white bag from October 31.

Among the most frequent queries being received by the public at Wasteserv are questions regarding the distribution of bins, enforcement of the new arrangements, how the separated waste will be used, and what exactly should be included with organic waste in the white bags.

Members of the public who leave the wrong bag on the kerbside will also have a sticker with information about the new arrangements attached to the bag that will be left uncollected on the day.

The organic waste collected will be sent to Sant’ Antnin Waste Treatment Plant where, among other processes, it has the potential to be transformed into a material similar to compost, depending on the volumes of separated waste generated by the public.

During the treatment of the waste, energy will also be produced allowing Wasteserv to increase its existing supply to heat the therapeutic swimming pool at the Inspire Foundation.

More information can be found on www.wasteservmalta.com.