Sunday, 27th April 2008

Packaging waste collection system

Chris Ciantar

In reaction to a statement issued by Friends of the Earth (The Sunday Times, April 20), the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs reiterates that the door-to-door collection of packaging waste is far from a half- baked measure.

The government, constituted bodies and the Local Councils Association have been working tirelessly to ensure that the collection system is an all-inclusive packaging system that is workable and suits everybody's needs.

The new scheme complements the bring-in sites and it is being implemented to make it easier for the public to separate their waste at source.

Such a scheme will also help to recover more packaging waste which would otherwise end up in the waste stream.

Households will continue to be encouraged to use bring-in sites, so much so that the increased number of bring-in sites in all localities is part of the agreement being finalised with local councils.

However, for families that have difficulties using bring-in sites (especially where they have to drive to dispose of packaging waste), an alternative set-up is being launched which should effectively reduce the emissions due to the consolidation of material collection.

Naturally some issues have been raised by local councils and these are being addressed effectively by the association. This has delayed the introduction of the system.

Regarding Sant'Antnin plant, this is a semi-automated sorting plant which can easily handle the extra workload generated by this new system. Once the material is deposited at the plant all items are hand-sorted, ensuring that the quality of the scrap material is optimal for recycling.

Rather than issuing statements, it is high time for Friends of the Earth to lend a hand in the implementation of national issues such as this.

Unfortunately, their presence was non-existent even when they were invited to attend.

FOE should also keep in mind that schemes are fully privatised initiatives. It is the market that decides how many schemes should be operational on the market. The government cannot restrict the enactment of these or further shcemes.

Finally, what is being implemented here forms part of 'Producer Responsibility', a principle upon which the 2001 waste management strategy was developed.

Now that producer responsibility is being put into practice, FOE is claiming that this waste collection initiaitve does not form part of the concerted waste management strategy. The separate collection of packaging waste and bring-in sites are both in the approved document.

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Comments

Charles Busuttil(on 27/4/08)

If anything was half-baked it was the comments made by Friends of the Earth regarding the garbage collection scheme. Although admittedly FOE and other similar NGO's give a sterling contribution to the preservation of the environment, sometimes they do rush into comments and opinions without informing themselves properly; - cheap self-publicity?

While on the subject a word of praise to the GRTU whose unstinted efforts were the determining factor in bringing about the final agreement between Wasteserve, garbage collectors and Local Councils. GRTU was instrumental in setting up the private company which is to implemment and manage the scheme. Public Private Partnership is the name of the game. GRTU was also heavily involved in the WEEE project which it is envisaged to bring to a successful conclusion soon.

The next item on GRTU's agenda is the environment problem created by animal waste - and this is perhaps the most crucial.

Oswald Tanti(on 27/4/08)

While congratulating WasteServ for their efforts in organising the collection of waste from our households, may I be allowed to draw their attention to the need for introducing a collection service or a central warehouse/depot where one would be able to dispose of clothing one no longer needs, which like all the other redundant waste are very much in demand and definitely most recycleable.

Abroad one can find specifically designed Bins for the collection of such clothing.

john fenech(on 27/4/08)

How is this scheme to reduce emissions? Are the waste carriers electrical driven? And have you considered that although 64% are at present using the Bring-in sites; this scheme will encourage them, for various reasons, to opt for the easy way out- that is leave the waste near the door to be collected!

Packaging waste collection system

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