The Local Councils association has criticised the way the delivery of containers related to organic waste was handled, saying the move created "undue pressure" on local councils.

Under the scheme, starting Wednesday, households will be obliged to separate kitchen waste consisting of food remains, leaves and flowers and dispose of it in a white bag being distributed by Wasteserv. The organic waste will be collected three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

However, some households and residents in various parts of Malta spent a long time waiting to receive the white bags and container. 

The lack of adequate planning led to a situation where there was undue pressure on local councils and their workers, when these were never consulted before decisions were taken about the way the containers would be delivered, the association's president Mario Fava said.

He also noted delivery should have been completed by a contractor who should not have been allowed to employ third parties.

"This only served to add to the confusion already created," he said.

The Association said the initiative was beneficial, particularly because it will aid with reducing landfill use and creating a more sustainable environment.

"But to be clear- local councils are not to blame for residents not receiving the containers. The councils are not obliged to do this and those who are helping are doing so to help citizens," Mr Fava said.

On Wednesday, Times of Malta reported that awkward collection schedules in some localities risked leaving working households with a Hobson's choice, as they would be unable to leave their rubbish bags out for collection within the stipulated four-hour window.