Total generation of solid waste increased by 17.6% in 2024 when compared to 2023

The total generation of solid waste in Malta during 2024 reached 3.5 million tonnes, increasing by 17.6% over 2023, a statement by the National Statistics Office (NSO) read.

“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.