Domestic waste separation in Malta : the role of the Local Councils

Abstract

The dissertation involves the role of local councils relative to the separation of domestic waste at source. Domestic waste separation was already in progress some years ago, but in summer 2002 it commenced intensively in Malta. Due to progress in favour of the European Union (EU), the quality of the environment and waste management had to be upgraded to EU standards. The policy, A Solid Waste Management Strategy for the Maltese Islands, published in October 2001 is in line with such standards. Waste control and management has to start from all institutions, including households. From this research, it was found that the separation of domestic waste has already started in Swieqi. The research is based on questionnaires given to local councils' personnel and interviews with Swieqi residents and the person in charge of the Progett Skart team. The main conclusions were that, local councils should try to involve themselves more intensively and that residents should have an active part with regards to domestic waste separation.