Environment Minister Jose Herrera said authorities were "comfortably confident" Malta will reach EU targets on waste reduction in landfills, despite statistics showing Malta was still lagging behind other member states.

Malta also had the worst record of all the EU member states in terms of municipal waste management, with just 8% being recycled or sent for composting, while the rest was disposed of at the Magħtab landfill.

Read: Malta at risk of missing 2020 waste recycling target

Under the EU targets, at least 55% of municipal waste must be recycled by 2025, rising to 60% by 2030.

However, both Dr Herrera and European Environment Commissioner Karmenu Vella said they were confident Malta could turn things around.

We are still in time if we take the bull by the horns, Dr Herrera said. 

Speaking during a press conference, Mr Vella said many were still stuck in a linear economy where resources were turned to waste and disposed of. 

Mr Vella is in Malta to discuss Malta's progress on material efficiency and waste reduction with stakeholders.

Malta had its own challenges, particularly because it was the smallest member state, he said. 

Read: Landfill use four times EU average with only 8% recycled

"This meeting sought to help find solutions," he said, adding that other member states' best practices in the area were presented.

On the European Commission's report warning Malta might miss its 2020 targets on waste reduction, Mr Vella said reports were not there to name and shame.

If there was the necessary commitment, Malta could reach the stipulated targets, he said.

Speaking during the press conference, European Minister Helena Dalli said the European Commission was recognising the authorities' efforts in the environment.

"We need to take waste reduction seriously and bring about change," she said. 

Read: Malta has poorest EU recycling rate... and it's getting worse