“Official data on waste indicates that the ‘civic amenity sites’ have a lot of potential to offer in order to be part of the solution on illegal dumping. The workers on site are doing an excellent job, but these sites have to be more accessible to the public,” stated Zminijietna – Voice of the Left.

“The Government’s strategy to work in cooperation with various NGOs to address the problem of illegal dumping is in itself positive. Local Councils should be onboard with this strategy,” said Left think-tank Organization Zminijietna

Zminijietna added that however, “this is also a national problem, thus there is the need for a reform on how the civic amenity sites are managed.”

The organisation pointed out that ”people using public transport or bicycles can’t enter these sites, as entry is only permitted if you have a registered vehicle.”

“Same is happening to those residents who own a commercial vehicle and a small business or are themselves self employed,” it said. ”These people are allowed to access amenity sites only 18 times during the year. This policy does not encourage a proactive approach to separation and proper disposal of waste.”.

Zminijietna went on to say that ”employees who are environmentally conscious and on their own initiative collect ‘low weight electrical and electronic devices’ and used batteries are finding it difficult to access these sites due to bureaucratic procedures.”

Zminijietna concluded by also saying that it ”believes that the Government should financially assist the Malta Rangers Unit. This unit is doing a good job against illegal dumping, educating people and protecting the natural environment.”

Photo: Tal-Klus site Gozo

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