On an island measuring 316 km², with a population exceeding 550,000 residents, waste generation is not a topic that can be easily overlooked. This was the focus of the discussion held on 30 June 2025, organised by APS Bank as part of the Malta Sustainability Forum.
But what does the management of waste entail? Does it start from collection, move on to treatment, and ultimately disposal? The Forum, which was mediated by , explored these questions and delved into the different approaches that organisations are embarking on to reduce waste generation and improve their management approaches.
The discussion flowed – Ms Kate DeCesare explained the initiatives their hotel chain is taking to reduce waste, which range from food to plastic bottles, while Ms Beth Fiteni described the work Friends of the Earth are conducting to curb the waste generated both through the infamous pineapple issue, together with the plastic waste mainly caused by food and beverage sales.
Ms Zen D’Amato Guatam pointed out that during the Eco-Market the use of plastic is banned. The CEO of WasteServ Malta Ltd (WSM), Mr Richard Bilocca, and the CEO of the Environment and Resource Authority (ERA), Mr Kevin Mercieca, pointed out how the quality of waste received has improved over the last years and debunked the myth that waste separated by households is mixed after it is collected. However, difficulties like finding repair shops and the ease with which items are discarded remain a challenge.
In conclusion, the commendable initiatives discussed the possibility of expanding on them. Ultimately, waste is no longer managed through an out of mind out of sight approach, but legislative, technological, and social efforts are required to ensure that waste is designed out.
