Towards more waste centric condominia

Abstract

A long-term waste management plan proposal was developed by the Government of Malta to start a transition towards promoting a more sustainable way of living by the year 2030. This legislative proposal includes a set of targets for reducing the waste generated in the European countries. These targets include recycling of 65% of the total municipal solid waste (MSW) and reducing waste disposal to landfills to a maximum of 10%. This being said, Malta's reliance on landfilling has had a negative knock-on effect on both the land footprint required as well as in the achievement of our waste related targets. For this reason, the aim of this study was set by the researcher to focus on identifying typologies that make condominia more waste centric. Based on the opinions of the stakeholders interviewed, on the current provisions indicated in the ‘Development Control Design Policy Guidance and Standards 2015,’ and on the theory that convenience is a crucial factor towards boosting recycling and waste separation rates, this study gives recommendations on the measures that should be implemented in condominia builds. It was suggested that for buildings containing sixteen or more units refuse rooms connected to a system of waste chutes would be very valuable. On the other hand, when the aforementioned system is not be possible, particularly for buildings with a lower number of units, other measures such as just having refuse rooms or outdoor building communal bin stores, should be considered. These options were found to be the most preferred over the conventional system on the basis of convenience and improved buildings and village’s aesthetics and hygiene. This dissertation progresses to explain the benefits and downsides of each of these measures as well as; their level of complexity, the amount of land they require and their potential contribution to future innovation. A list of conditions that must be considered when designing a refuse space was developed, were accessibility to collectors and tenants deemed to be the most crucial factor. Furthermore, the amount of refuse space required is generally based on the amount of individuals living in the building, thus, a list of steps that should be followed was established to calculate this area.