Local contacts Archives

Waste Management: Local contacts

From Macro to Micro Plastics – What happens to litter and debris?

Nature Trust – FEE Malta has embarked on a project to engage audiences to reduce plastic pollution and debris entering waterways and oceans is vital. This was done through funding in part by Ocean Conservancy’s Small Grants Program. The project aims to provide as many people as possible the opportunity the really see the extent to which plastic breaks and hence where it penetrates because of it’s small size and the related damage that is done. In order to continue and complement the work already being done through educational sessions both in schools and outdoors and coastal cleanups it is noted that for children and adults to understand better the effects of litter and what really happens to it they need to visualise better the micro plastics. Unfortunately marine litter and debris which has been some time in the sea starts to break up and hence becomes more dangerous. Microplastics have been noted in the sand, in seaweed and inside fish and turtles. It is our aim to be able to show the extent to which plastic breaks down and where it manages to go because of its small size through the use of portable devices and digital microscopes. Besides various cleanups, mostly in beaches, Nature Trust has provided for various educational sessions including the use of digital microscopes to show what microplastics really are, how small they can be and the damage done. An interesting development during the sessions was the lack of awareness and hence action was taken as regards fibres resulting from clothes washing, also depending on the materials used for the clothes we wear. It was also found important to raise awareness about the green washing of products including biodegradable balloons, and single use items advertised as eco-friendly which however still take a relatively long time to biodegrade and which is in fact enough time to cause injuries and kill sea birds, turtles and fish. Another section of the project involved a mini poster campaign competition for students. This was very well received. The aim was to raise awareness on litter, single use items, microplastics and the dangers they create, mainly on the following points of focus… Distinguishing between manmade and natural materials (example: seaweed, feathers, roots and twigs are not litter) Provide information on misleading advertisements and labelling (example: the true meaning of compostable, biodegradable, etc., what they are made of, how long they take to decompose and that they can still be dangerous to wildlife for example) Create awareness about “biodegradable” balloons, after effects of balloon releases and the true impacts these materials have on the environment. The top ten litter items found on local beaches and ways to control them – mainly: cigarette butts, single use cutlery, stirrers and straws (including bamboo), single use cups (including wax covered paper), bottle caps, etc. Below you can download and view the finalist entries, which posters were and are still being used during educational sessions. Winning entry by Logan Buttigieg and Ryan Vella, St Francis School, Victoria Winning entry by …

Eco-Hive

ECOHIVE IS THE LARGEST EVER INVESTMENT IN THE WASTE MANAGEMENT SECTOR THAT WILL DRIVE MALTA TOWARDS A CIRCULAR ECONOMY. Similar to the dual role of bees both as pollinators for flowers, fruits and vegetables, and as honey producers, this project will process waste in the most sustainable and resource-efficient way possible while also turning it into precious resources – energy and agricultural compost. Hence, the name ECOHIVE. “ECO” ties to the environment and sustainability, while “HIVE” reminds us of a beehive, constantly active and buzzing with energy. Four new waste management plants will form part of the ECOHIVE project. ECOHIVE KIDS is the section dedicated to students. Make the most of it! There are lots of resources and ideas… Have you ever wondered what happens to the things that we throw away each day? Where do they end up? You might be the one in charge of taking the rubbish bag outside your door…but what happens to it after it is collected by the garbage truck? It comes to us! As WasteServ, all waste is processed, treated and turned into resources at the complex facilities. To help us in our mission, the help of Commander Yellow and General Buzz have been engaged. With fierce determination and focus, our superheroes are committed to fight the Garbage Monster. Read their stories to find out how!

Food Waste – Mr Censu Caruana

Mr Censu Caruana B.Ed.(Hons),Dip.Pol.Stud.,M.Sc.Assistant Lecturer Centre for Environmental Education & Research Old Humanities Building (OH) University of Malta +356 2340 2558 Send Email

GreenPak Coop

GreenPak links industry and the community through promoting producer responsibility and recycling education.

Green Skip Services Limited

Green Skip Services Ltd is a family owned private liability company. It started operating in October 1992, and succeeded in giving the industrial and trade waste producers, alternative and more modern, and cost effective services for the management of wastes.

Green MT Limited

Waste management services Green MT GRTU, Malta Chamber of SMEs Exchange Buildings, Republic Street, Valletta, Malta 21232881/3 79002263

WasteServ Malta Limited

WasteServ Malta Ltd. was established in November 2002. The company is responsible for organizing, managing and operating integrated systems for waste management including integrated systems for minimisation, collection, transport, sorting, reuse, utilistation, recycling, treatment and disposal of solid and hazardous waste.

Cleansing Services Directorate

The environment is the common heritage of present and future generations and should be conserved and protected. The purpose of the Cleansing Services Directorate is to promote an environment free from refuse, rubbish, debris, litter, dirt or any other form of abandoned waste.