The Social Climate Fund provides significant financial support to EU Member States to finance measures and investments identified in their national Social Climate Plans, ensuring that the clean transition is fair and leaves no one behind. Running from 2026 to 2032, the Fund is expected to mobilise at least €86.7 billion, combining revenues from the new emissions trading system for fuel combustion in buildings, road transport and additional sectors (ETS2) as well as Member States’ contributions (at least 25% of the costs of their plans).

Malta’s plan will help vulnerable households improve the energy efficiency of their homes and renovate apartments in public social housing buildings, the statement said. It will do so through energy-efficiency upgrades, such as roof insulation, and the installation of renewable energy systems, including heat pump water heaters and photovoltaic systems with battery storage.

The plan will also expand sustainable transport options for more than 30,000 vulnerable transport users through door-to-door community transport services. In addition, it will support vulnerable micro-enterprises in transport-dependent sectors by improving access to affordable electric mobility and charging infrastructure, helping them transition to electric vehicles.

From 2026 to 2032, the measures will help to tackle energy poverty in the country and are expected to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 3,500 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.

The plan was developed in consultation with national stakeholders and the Commission and reflects the needs of the country. The Commission concluded that it adequately addresses the social impacts of extending GHG emissions trading to buildings and road transport under the ETS2.

Malta will be able to request a first payment to the Commission once implementation has started and the initial investment results have been achieved, the statement said.

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These works are being carried out in parallel with the plant’s detailed engineering and process design, marking a major milestone in one of Malta’s largest waste management investments.

The project represents a total investment of €75 million, including approximately €45 million in co-financing through the European Union Cohesion Fund. The new facility will more than double Malta’s capacity to treat organic waste and further strengthen the country’s transition towards a circular economy. This project is also part of the government’s electoral programme.

Minister for Energy, the Environment and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli, Minister for European Funds Keith Azzopardi Tanti, and WasteServ CEO Richard Bilocca visited the site to view progress on the ongoing works.

“The start of works on this new facility marks another important milestone in a project that will enable us to recover more resources, generate more renewable energy, and continue building a stronger circular economy for Malta,” said Minister Miriam Dalli.

Minister Keith Azzopardi Tanti highlighted the important role of European funding in delivering strategic national infrastructure projects. “Through a €45 million investment co-financed by European funds, WasteServ is implementing a crucial project that will bring our country closer to a circular economy. We are demonstrating in practical terms how European funds can be invested in Malta’s real needs, while treating waste as a valuable resource from which we can generate clean energy and compost.”

Once operational, the new facility will increase annual organic waste treatment capacity from around 36,000 tonnes to more than 74,000 tonnes. As waste separation continues to increase, this additional capacity will enable significantly larger volumes of organic waste to be converted into renewable energy and high-quality compost, while increasing electricity generation from the current 8.5 GWh to up to 20 GWh annually.

The facility will also incorporate advanced technology and higher levels of automation to maximise efficiency, improve operational performance, and further enhance environmental safeguards.

WasteServ CEO Richard Bilocca said the project is progressing according to plan. “Construction has now entered its first phase, with excavation works underway across the site. General excavation is being carried out using specialised surface planer excavators that are specifically suited to the scale of the project while helping to minimise environmental impacts, particularly noise and vibration. In line with WasteServ’s commitment to sustainability, excavated material is also being reused on site to backfill low-lying areas to the required design levels. Works have also started on the construction of the facility’s perimeter retaining wall, while detailed process and engineering designs are currently being finalised.”

The Organic Processing Plant is expected to be completed within two years and will become another key component of the ECOHIVE strategy.

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However, while welcoming several of the amendments it had advocated, the Malta Business Bureau cautioned that the reform still falls short of adequately protecting island member states from the disproportionate costs of decarbonisation.

This introduction captures the contrast between the two statements from the outset: the government’s emphasis on success and the MBB’s more measured assessment, setting up the story to present both perspectives.

The government said it is satisfied that the European Commission’s revised Emissions Trading System (ETS) proposal incorporates a number of key Maltese priorities, including stronger protection for Malta Freeport, continued safeguards for the country’s air connectivity and the retention of dedicated support for island Member States.

The proposal for the revision reflects several recommendations consistently advanced by the Government throughout the past years following the entry into force of the current system, which recognise the unique realities faced by island states whose economies depend heavily on maritime and air transport.

The ETS is the European Union’s carbon pricing mechanism, which places a cost on emissions from shipping, aviation and other sectors. While the system is designed to drive down carbon emissions across Europe, its implementation must also ensure that island Member States are not placed at a structural disadvantage simply because of their geography.

These results are the outcome of sustained engagement by the government at European level, backed by continuous consultation with Malta’s private sector, the government statement said. “Government worked closely with businesses, industry representatives and operators to understand the practical realities they face and ensure Malta’s position was firmly grounded in evidence, practical experience and economic realities.”

As a result of these efforts, Malta positively notes that a number of important improvements to the current system are being put forward by the Commission.

Under the proposed revision, transhipment operations involving cargo arriving from non-EU ports and not destined for the European Union will no longer be subject to ETS charges. This is a significant achievement for Malta Freeport, safeguarding its competitiveness against rival transhipment hubs outside the European Union.

The Neighbouring Port clause has also been extended to cover all competing North African ports. This closes a loophole that previously incentivised shipping operators to make an intermediate stop outside the European Union purely to reduce their ETS costs before entering EU ports.

The government said it also welcomes the proposed retention of a dedicated allocation of ETS revenues for Malta, Cyprus and Greece until 2038.

In aviation, the temporary suspension of full ETS charges on departing flights has been maintained until 2032, helping safeguard Malta’s connectivity while limiting additional costs for airlines, businesses and passengers.

Minister for Energy, the Environment and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli welcomed the revised proposal, describing it as proof that Malta can achieve meaningful results when it combines ambitious climate objectives with a strong defence of the national interest. “Climate action must be fair. Island states cannot be expected to carry disproportionate costs simply because of their geography. Throughout its active engagement with the European Commission ahead of this proposal, Malta consistently made the case that Europe’s climate ambitions must go hand in hand with competitiveness, connectivity and fairness. I am pleased that Malta’s realities are reflected in this revision, delivering tangible improvements that safeguard the competitiveness of our strategic maritime and aviation sectors.”

“We look forward to the negotiations in the Council where Government will continue working constructively to deliver further targeted support to our businesses and citizens. Our commitment to climate action is unwavering, but the transition must also be practical, equitable and leave no island state behind,” Minister Dalli stated.

For its part, the Malta Business Bureau (MBB) called for the re-design of EU ETS to deliver for all Member States, especially those in the periphery.

MBB said it has proposed concrete amendments to prevent disproportionate harm to Malta and other island Member States. In line with MBB amendments, the Commission has proposed a reduction in the transhipment activity threshold from 65% to 50% providing relief for Maltese transhipment against North African ports. The review was tasked by European Council conclusions of 19 March 2026, with reducing the volatility of the carbon price and mitigating its impact on supply chain costs, while preserving the ETS’s role in the climate transition.

It nonetheless falls short of proposing tangible measures which will reduce costs for maritime and aviation operators. MBB’s CEO Mario Xuereb said: “. MBB supports ambitious decarbonisation, but the structural realities of island states, higher transport and energy costs, limited economies of scale, and import dependence, must be reflected in the design of the EU ETS. Without targeted safeguards, the reform risks overburdening Malta with the costs of decarbonisation, without reaping any of the benefits.”

Malta, as an island Member State with no land connection to the rest of the Single Market, depends entirely on maritime and air links for the movement of goods and people. The MBB has repeatedly flagged that vessels carrying the majority of goods consumed in Malta return to the mainland more than half empty, meaning the full ETS cost is absorbed disproportionately across the round trip.

Decarbonisation measures in both sectors are far from being feasible to be implemented, and until then, Malta will be left to foot the bill. MBB has submitted concrete textual amendments to the Commission, including partial derogation from the maritime ETS surrender obligation for routes serving small islands with no fixed link to the mainland, and an equivalent free allocation for aviation to and from island airports of less than 10,000 km².

MBB said it had also proposed extending the definition of a “neighbouring container transhipment port” from 300 to 1,000 nautical miles, alongside lowering the threshold from 65% to 50%, which was accepted. While the Commission did not extend the radius itself, it introduced a further anti-evasion safeguard: any port within 150 nautical miles of an EU port with adequate transhipment infrastructure, will now qualify as a “neighbouring transhipment port” regardless of its transhipment share.

MBB welcomed this additional layer of protection against the relocation of transhipment activity to nearby non-EU ports. MBB’s Brussels-based Nigel Caruana said: “This ETS review is the first real test of the Commission’s commitment to tailor policies to island realities. The measures MBB has proposed would mitigate the impact on essential connectivity while preserving the environmental integrity of the system.” The European Commission published its EU ETS reform proposal on 17 July 2026.

The reform, the first legislative proposal shaping the post-2030 climate architecture, adjusts the Linear Reduction Factor, phases out free allowances, strengthens the Market Stability Reserve, and considers extending the system to waste and extra-EU/EEA flights. It also addresses revenue use and the potential inclusion of carbon removals and international credits. The EU ETS was extended to maritime transport from 2024 and reached full compliance from January 2026, with shipping companies now required to surrender allowances for 100% of verified emissions on qualifying voyages. Aviation allowances moved to full auctioning from 2026, following the phase-out of free allocation.

Malta, as one of three island Member States alongside Ireland and Cyprus, faces structural economic constraints recognised explicitly in Article 174 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which identifies islands among regions “suffering from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps.”

The Commission’s ETS 2021 Impact Assessment (SWD(2021) 601 final) recognised that extra-EU imports and exports transported by sea account for over 50% of the total value of traded goods for island countries such as Malta, Cyprus and Greece, and that these countries and regions are among those most exposed to changes in shipping activity resulting from the ETS. Transport costs can exceed mainland benchmarks by up to 300%, and geographic isolation imposes GDP per capita costs estimated between 7% and 36%.

BusinessEurope and several Member States have highlighted competitiveness concerns, while others have called for greater ambition. The MBB, marking its 30th anniversary this year, said it will continue to advocate the Maltese government, the EU Commission, MEPs and BusinessEurope counterparts to ensure the final text of the ETS revision take proportionate account of the structural realities faced by island Member States.  

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According to Brian Vella, CEO of the Malta Food Agency, entering the agricultural sector from scratch in Malta has become an impossible feat for those who do not inherit land. The barrier is primarily financial, driven by a real estate reality that makes soil in Malta the most expensive in the European Union.

While an average hectare of arable land across the EU costs around 15,224 Euro, in Malta, that same patch of earth fetches over 201,263 Euro. This staggering thirteen-fold difference means landowners often find it more lucrative to sell their plots for alternative uses than to till them, creating a structural crisis for the nation’s food security.

The demographic shift is equally concerning. In an interview with this media house, Vella notes that the traditional pipeline of farming families has dried up. Where families once had many children, ensuring at least one stayed on the farm, modern smaller families and a societal push toward high-skilled professions have left the fields empty of local youth.

Farming is no longer seen as an attractive career path, a trend Vella admits is global but felt acutely on a small island with limited resources. Beyond the human element, Maltese agriculture faces a trifecta of environmental hurdles: a lack of fresh groundwater, extreme land fragmentation, and the increasing volatility of climate change.

Despite these pressures, Vella is adamant that Malta must maintain its own production. He compares local food to oxygen, arguing that while the country will always need imports to survive, fully relying on overseas supply is a dangerous gamble. Recent storms in early 2026 proved this point when supermarket shelves went bare after supply lines from Sicily were severed. To counter this, the Malta Food Agency is working to modernise the sector’s infrastructure. They have already digitized the Pitkalija market, introducing barcoding and a mobile app that allows farmers to track sales in real-time and consumers to trace their produce back to the specific field where it grew.

A significant part of the strategy involves addressing market failures caused by Malta’s small scale. Vella highlights a 3% tax incentive for farmers selling directly to the catering industry and plans for a Food Innovation Hub expected to open in the second half of 2027. This hub aims to solve the problem of overproduction; instead of wasting surplus tomatoes when prices drop, farmers will be able to use the provided infrastructure to process them into value-added products like salsa.

However, Vella notes that for these efforts to truly take root, Maltese farmers must overcome their hesitation toward cooperatives. To compete in a fast-paced market, individual growers need to unite to achieve better economies of scale. While the contribution of agriculture to the national GDP may be small, its role in maintaining a functional ecosystem is irreplaceable. By shortening supply chains to just a few kilometres, Malta offers a level of freshness that larger nations can only dream of, provided the island can find a way to keep its next generation of farmers on the land.

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“Non-hazardous waste increased by 18.2% (519,503 tonnes), while hazardous waste decreased by 3.3% (2,392 tonnes). Taking into consideration the total waste generation, the mineral fraction increased by 21.8% (502,983 tonnes) while the non-mineral fraction increased by 2.2% (14,128 tonnes).”

In absolute terms the highest increases were noted for non-hazardous Mineral waste from construction and demolition (323,198 tonnes) and non-hazardous Dredging spoils (131,989 tonnes). On the other hand, the most notable decreases were registered for non-hazardous Sorting residues (25,935 tonnes) and hazardous Discarded vehicles (21,482 tonnes), it said.

Waste treatment

In 2024 the total waste treatment amounted to 3 million tonnes, increasing by 14.6% (386,840 tonnes) in comparison to 2023.

Increases were registered for Backfilling (385,533 tonnes), Other disposals (175,010 tonnes) and Landfilling (14,937 tonnes). Conversely, decreases were recorded for Recycling (186,385 tonnes), Energy recovery (1,711 tonnes) and Incineration (545 tonnes).

When considering the location of treatment, the 2024 figures show that for the amounts treated in Malta, Backfilling registered the highest increase (385,533 tonnes) while Recycling experienced the highest decrease (198,010 tonnes). Regarding treatment in overseas facilities, the main increase was for Recycling (11,625 tonnes) while Energy recovery exhibited the highest decrease in absolute terms (1,711 tonnes), the NSO said.

“During 2024, increases were registered for the waste input into the Għallis landfill (9,435 tonnes), the Tal-Kus (Gozo) waste transfer station (829 tonnes) and the Sant’ Antnin Waste Treatment Plant (276 tonnes). On the other hand, decreases were registered at the Malta North Mechanical Biological Treatment plant (13,111 tonnes), and at the Marsa Thermal Treatment Facility (118 tonnes).”

In terms of weight, inert mineral waste is the major type of waste undergoing treatment in Malta. In 2024 the backfilling of Mineral waste from construction and demolition surged by 58% (381,727 tonnes). In contrast, recycling for this waste category declined by 13.6% (197,255 tonnes). In 2024 disposal at sea and backfilling for the remaining mineral waste categories both advanced by 175,010 tonnes and 3,806 tonnes, respectively.”

Separate collection of waste

In 2024, the collection from civic amenity sites and bring-in sites went down by 5,346 tonnes and 18 tonnes respectively. During the year under review, increases were registered in the door-to-door collections from households for the organic bag (2,444 tonnes), the grey bag (834 tonnes) and glass (299 tonnes). An increase of 887 tonnes was also registered for plastic, metals and glass that were collected by the Beverage Container Refund Scheme, the NSO said.

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With over a third (34.7%) of the Malta’s population reporting that such problems have affected their household, Malta recorded the highest rate for this metric by over 14 percentage points in comparison to the next worst European Union Member State, Greece.

Following Malta for how widespread these natured complaints were, were Greece (20.5%), Germany (16.8%), and France (16%).

On the other end of the spectrum, EU countries that reported the lowest share of their respective populations noting such complaints were Croatia (4.2%), followed by Sweden (5%), and Slovakia (5.8%).

Across the entire Union, 12.2% of the EU population reported pollution in their area to have affected their household. This marks a decrease of 2.9% since this was last reported by Eurostat in 2019, where the Union-wide percentage was 15.1%.

Malta is one of just seven EU countries that reported a percentage of at least 15% or over.

Following Malta, the next smallest countries in the European Union – Cyprus and Luxembourg – recorded percentages of 10.5% and 9.5% respectively.

Eurostat published that at EU level, exposure to pollution, grime, or other environmental issues increased with the degree of urbanisation. In rural areas across the continent, just 6.8% were affected; meanwhile, this share stood at 10.5% in towns and suburbs and 17.2% in cities.

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Designed to reduce operational costs and improve sustainability, the Energy Audit Scheme, by the Ministry now offers grants ranging from €2,500 to €6,000, ensuring more businesses can benefit from tailored energy and water usage assessments. This grant will make it more feasible for companies to carry out Energy audits, across an increased number of sectors.

Minister for the Environment and Energy Miriam Dalli praised the initiative’s potential to accelerate Malta’s progress in sustainable innovation. “We are committed to continue guiding our enterprises toward a more responsible future. By making energy audits more accessible, we are paving the way for businesses to adopt cleaner practices, reduce their environmental footprint, and safeguard Malta’s resources for generations to come.”

Beyond facilitating efficiency gains, the updated Scheme dovetails with the Malta Engineering Excellence Award (MEEA), which celebrates outstanding achievements in energy and water conservation.

As part of the initiatives surrounding the engineering awards, a total of forty trees were planted in Milbrae Grove in Mosta, an initiative launched through EWA’s Energy and Water Sustainability in collaboration with the Chamber of Engineers. This award aims to recognise private enterprises that implement projects significantly impacting energy and water usage. The tree-planting initiative was attended by representatives from EWA. Also present were members of the Chamber of Engineers.

The winner for the 2024 Award was STMicroelectronics for its Implementation of Advanced Water & Wastewater Treatment, which introduced industrial wastewater recycling, reducing 52,000 m³ of imported water, equivalent to 32% of the company’s total raw water consumption for 2023. The first runner up were Eden Leisure Group and Second runner up were Crane Currency and Busy Bee LTD.

Over five editions, the Award has seen 22 nominations, reflecting Malta’s growing momentum in sustainable innovation.

Eng. Charles Buttigieg, Chief Policy Officer for the Energy and Water Agency, expressed his satisfaction with the increasing interest in the Energy and Water Sustainability Award, stating, “Year after year, it is truly rewarding to see a growing interest from companies in participating in these Awards and also in our Energy Audits Scheme. This not only fosters the adoption of innovative technologies and sustainable practices to reduce carbon footprint but also inspires more businesses to take part and contribute.”

For more information on the Energy Audit Scheme or to submit an application please visit the EWA website energywateragency.gov.mt/energyaudits/ or contact energyefficiency@gov.mt.

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Over the past five years, there has been steady and consistent growth in organic waste collection, thanks in part to several government initiatives, such as the launch of a new national waste collection schedule. With this investment, WasteServ continues to future-proof the country’s waste management infrastructure.

The new facility, expected to be commissioned by 2028, will have the capacity to process around 74,000 tonnes of organic waste annually. This waste will be converted into renewable energy in the form of electricity and high-quality compost, contributing to a more sustainable circular economy. In 2024 alone, 35,000 tonnes of organic waste were processed, marking an impressive 67% increase over two years.

WasteServ said it is already successfully processing organic waste into renewable energy and compost. In 2024, this process generated enough renewable energy to power 967 households for a year, and produced 2,701 tonnes of high-quality compost. The new facility will enhance these efforts, increasing both compost and renewable energy production.

“The Environmental Impact Assessment has already been completed, and it concluded that the project has net environmental benefits, with the site identified and cleared, ensuring that works can commence immediately once the tender is awarded. This investment underscores WasteServ’s commitment to advancing Malta’s waste management sector while supporting national sustainability goals,” said WasteServ CEO Richard Bilocca.

The design of the plant, which will be located within the ECOHIVE Complex, has also been carefully considered to integrate with its surroundings, with the overall structure designed to blend in with the landscape through the introduction of a curved architectural screen made of glulam, a sustainably sourced timber and landscaping. Additionally, the facility will include an administration block and a laboratory.

Bidders interested in this project have until 10 June 2025 to submit their offers.

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Addressing the conference’s opening, ATTO Chairman Joseph Bugeja highlighted the sector’s evolution over the years, noting ATTO’s critical role in shaping policy and advocating for industry needs. Recalling past challenges faced by Maltese international road transport operators, he underscored the importance of structured dialogue between the government, authorities, and industry stakeholders.

“Notwithstanding the unique challenges that Malta, as an island economy, continues to face, the haulage sector has come a long way through collaboration and perseverance. ATTO remains committed to ensuring that the interests of our members are safeguarded as we transition into an era marked by sustainability and digital transformation,” said Mr Bugeja.

He also pointed to ATTO’s recent milestones, including increased membership, stronger alliances with international organisations, and deeper engagement with policymakers. While acknowledging the sector’s resilience, he noted that adapting to complex EU regulations, improving infrastructure, and embracing sustainability remain ongoing priorities.

The conference was also addressed by Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett who reaffirmed the government’s support for the industry and commended ATTO’s role in ensuring that Malta remains competitive.

“The challenges faced by the transport sector require the united approach that ATTO has been showing through its commitment to dialogue and policy-driven solutions that push the industry forward. Investing in our country’s transport and logistics infrastructure is not a luxury but a necessity. This is why a stronger, more unified voice is essential for Malta to maintain its connectivity with the rest of the world,” Minister Bonett said.

The conference served as a platform for the signing of the first official Cooperation Agreement between ATTO and Transport Malta. The agreement, signed by Joseph Bugeja and Transport Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia, represents a significant step in ATTO’s efforts to continue strengthening Malta’s transport sector and fostering more dialogue with its main stakeholders.

Discussions at the conference focused on the EU’s decarbonisation targets and transport digitalisation, both presenting opportunities and challenges. While carbon neutrality is crucial, transitioning to battery-electric and alternative fuel vehicles requires significant investment and infrastructure upgrades. Digitalisation can enhance efficiency but demands robust regulatory frameworks and technological readiness.

Stakeholders, including the IRU, INAG, financial institutions, and logistics operators, stressed the need for pragmatic policies balancing sustainability and economic realities. Malta’s transition to carbon neutrality is complex, requiring multiple alternative fuels, greater efficiency, and multimodal cooperation.

In his closing address, Tony Mifsud, General Secretary of ATTO, underscored the transport sector’s vital role in Malta’s economy and the importance of a united front.

“As we navigate the challenges of decarbonisation and digitalisation, a strong, united voice is essential for Malta to remain connected globally and ensuring that the country’s needs are recognised internationally is key to the industry’s future. Together, we can advocate for tailored policies that address our unique needs and ensure our industry’s resilience,” concluded Mr Mifsud.

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Waste generation

The total generation of solid waste in Malta during 2023 amounted to 2.9 million tonnes, increasing by 7% when compared to 2022. Hazardous waste increased by 62.7% or 28,446 tonnes, while non-hazardous waste increased by 6% or 159,406 tonnes. Taking into consideration the total waste generation, the mineral fraction increased by 8.6% (178,621 tonnes) while the non-mineral fraction increased by 1.5% (9,231 tonnes).

In absolute terms the highest increases were noted for non-hazardous Mineral waste from construction and demolition (179,387 tonnes) and hazardous Discarded vehicles (17,204 tonnes). On the other hand, the most notable decreases were registered for non-hazardous Household and similar wastes (22,738 tonnes) and Ferrous metallic wastes (18,400 tonnes).

Waste treatment

In 2023 waste treatment totalled 2.6 million tonnes, increasing by 3.1% or 79,413 tonnes over 2022. Increases were registered for Recycling (123,333 tonnes), Other disposals (5,721 tonnes), Energy recovery (5,118 tonnes) and Incineration (1,194 tonnes). Conversely, decreases were recorded for Landfilling (29,979 tonnes) and Backfilling (25,974 tonnes).

When taking into account the location of treatment during 2023, the figures show that for the amounts treated in Malta, Recycling recorded the highest increase (108,818 tonnes) while Landfilling had the highest decrease (30,164 tonnes). Regarding treatment in overseas facilities, all treatment operations showed increases with the most notable being Recycling (14,515 tonnes) followed by Energy recovery (5,118 tonnes).

During 2023, increases were registered for the waste input into the Malta North Mechanical-Biological Treatment Plant (17,935 tonnes) and the Marsa Thermal Treatment Facility (1,141 tonnes). On the other hand, waste that was landfilled at Għallis fell by 30,164 tonnes. Decreases were also noted for waste input into the Sant’Antnin Waste Treatment Plant (23,949 tonnes) and Tal-Kus (Gozo) waste transfer station (1,601 tonnes).

In terms of weight, the highest amount of waste treatment taking place in Malta was recorded for inert mineral waste. In 2023 the backfilling of Mineral waste from construction and demolition went down by 4.7% or 31,551 tonnes. Recycling for this waste category went up by 7.9% or 109,934 tonnes. In 2023 disposal at sea of mineral waste and backfilling of Other mineral wastes both advanced by 5,721 and 5,577 tonnes, respectively.

Separate collection of waste

The collection from the grey bag and bring-in sites went down by 5,084 tonnes and 273 tonnes respectively, mainly in response to the implementation of the Beverage Container Refund Scheme which collected 9,909 tonnes of glass, plastic and metals in 2023. During the year under review increases were registered in the collection from Civic Amenity Sites (6,830 tonnes), the organic bag (6,468 tonnes) and the door-to-door collection of glass (146 tonnes).

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