Recycling Around the World A-Z : Malta

Recycling Around the World A to Z

Malta

Malta is a made up of 3 islands in the Mediterranean Sea; Malta, Gozo, and Comino. It has a population of just over 416,000 people. The capital city, Valetta, is the smallest EU capital.

Waste in Malta

The local council have responsibility for collecting and disposal of household waste. Household waste is usually put into black bags, and residents are encouraged to compost organic waste at home.

Recycling

Recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic, metal cans and tins should be placed in green or grey recycling bags which are provided by the council. There are recycling sites in various locations, called Bring-in Sites, and they all have 4 containers, which are colour coded to help people identify which container to put their waste in. White containers are for paper, black containers are for metals, and brown containers are for glass.

Glass

Some local councils have introduced glass collection from households. Where collection is not available, glass should be deposited in a designated brown container at either a council depot or a Bring-In site.

Bulky household waste

Bulky household waste such as furniture, and white goods should be taken to a designated local authority site.

Hazardous waste

Domestic hazardous waste such as light bulbs, chemicals, paint, or solvents should be taken to a local authority site that is equipped to dispose of them properly.

Batteries

Battery bins and containers can be found in shops, schools, and municipal buildings. Car batteries should be taken directly to a designated local authority disposal site.

Recycling small electrical goods

Many people put small electricals like hairdryers in the bin, but in Malta, there are quite a few options for disposing of unwanted electrical items. You can take them to a designated local authority site, or donate them to charity if they are in good working order.

Recycle Malta

Recycle Malta is a voluntary waste recycling and upcycling initiative which started in 2012. People can list unwanted items on their website for free, and there is no buying or selling. Whoever wants the item gets it. It’s an easy way to give your unwanted items to a good home.