The implementation of the national waste management plan

Abstract

A waste management plan is essential for every country, as it sets targets which all stakeholders must follow in order to implement a sustainable waste management approach. Due to the fact that the National Waste Management Plan treats different categories of waste, this research focused mainly on household waste and factors related to it such as waste separation and the bring-in sites. In order to get a clear picture on past, present and future waste management practices in the Maltese Islands an interview was carried out with Eng. Dr Christopher Ciantar, Director Environmental Policy and Initiatives, Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment. Furthermore, two sets of questionnaires were sent to Local Councils and State Schools, in order to get an idea on waste separation trends, as well as on bring-in sites. The research shows that waste separation in the Maltese Islands is increasing from year to year, however informing and educating people is never enough. As a matter of fact, educational campaigns are an effective way of delivering the right message and principally, the best option for creating more awareness. After all, only through people's co-operation can the authorities achieve the desired goals and successfully implement the National Waste Management Plan.