Less than a week before the launch of the organic waste collection scheme from households, residents in various parts of Malta are still waiting to receive the white bags and container.

In Paola, the persistent shortcomings and lack of information has prompted the mayor to go public to express his frustration on the manner in which the preparations are being handled.

Under the scheme, which is set to start on 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.

Though the door-to-door distribution of white bags and containers started at the end of August, the process left much to be desired as a significant number of residents are still without them. Consequently, it was decided to organise central collection spots in those localities that have not yet been served. In Paola this resulted in long queues, which in turn fuelled a barrage of complaints.

In a Facebook post, Paola mayor Dominic Grima complained that the council had been left in the dark by Wasteserv. While noting that the latter had not kept its word to make door-to-door deliveries, he said that residents, especially elderly people and those with physical impairments did not deserve such treatment.

According to the mayor, the council was even told to keep out of the issue or risk facing police action.

Mr Grima added that the situation was made even worse when “an expert pocketing thousands of euros” decided not to distribute the bags and containers on the presentation of an identity card. The decision resulted in an 80-year-old woman walking all the way to the council’s office to file a complaint, he added.

However, following an urgent meeting, Mr Grima announced on Facebook that an agreement had been reached whereby residents would have a final chance to collect bags and containers next Saturday. This would be done upon presentation of an ID card, and there would also be the possibility to make collections on behalf of those who would be indisposed.

According to new regulations published a few weeks ago, anyone caught disposing of the waste in the wrong bag would be liable to fines.

Environment Minister José Herrera has promised that in the beginning no fines would be imposed but only warnings as part of an educational campaign. However, the ministry has refused to say what mechanism will be in place to enforce regulations, in cases where the offender is not caught red-handed.

Meanwhile, the ministry has yet to publish the full roster of collection times for each and every locality.

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