International Day of Zero Waste

On the occasion of the International Day of Zero Waste, Momentum acknowledges that Malta has made progress in waste management, while stressing that the country still faces a serious and urgent waste crisis.

In 2024, Malta remained heavily dependent on landfill, with about 79% of waste still being dumped. Recycling rates remain among the lowest in Europe, at roughly 15%, far below the EU average of around 49%. At the same time, waste generation per person exceeds 570 kilograms per year, above the European average, while total waste continues to rise, driven largely by construction activity, reaching approximately 3.5 million tonnes.

Katya Compagno, executive member of Momentum, said, “These figures clearly show that Malta is still far from achieving a zero-waste society. More sustained, targeted educational campaigns are needed to ensure that waste separation becomes second nature for everyone. Particular attention must also be given to tourists, who may not be familiar with Malta’s waste systems”.

Momentum wants to see stronger enforcement of illegal dumping, which continues to harm our environment and towns and undermines the efforts of responsible citizens.

Compagno added, “Malta has shown that progress is possible. But unless we address the scale of waste generation and significantly improve recycling and enforcement, we will continue to fall short of our environmental responsibilities.”

Momentum remains committed to pushing for a cleaner, more sustainable Malta, where waste is reduced at source and resources are used responsibly for the benefit of present and future generations.

Cover photo: ©FAO/Miguel Schincariol https://www.un.org/en/observances/zero-waste-day

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