Half of Malta's waste separation fines come from just three towns

Gżira, Msida and St Paul’s Bay have recorded the highest number of fines for breaches of waste separation rules.

According to replies to a parliamentary question, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) issued a total of 2,095 fines across Malta and Gozo over the last two years for non-compliance with waste separation regulations.

The fines were issued for offences that included taking out the wrong type of waste and failing to separate the waste according to guidelines.

Of these, 383 fines were issued in Gżira, 379 in Msida, and 327 in St Paul’s Bay. They were followed by Pietà with 267 fines, St Julian’s with 181, and Birkirkara with 120. The localities with the highest number of fines are all densely populated urban areas.

The waste separation guidelines. Photo: ERA website

In Gżira and Msida, the number of fines dropped between the two years: Gżira saw a drop from 240 fines in 2024 to 143 in 2025, while Msida recorded a decline from 211 to 168.

In contrast, St Paul’s Bay experienced an increase, with fines rising from 146 in 2024 to 181 in 2025. St Julian’s also saw an increase, from 81 to 100. Meanwhile, Valletta recorded just 28 fines over the two-year period.

In Gozo, authorities issued 25 fines in 2024 and five in 2025. In Malta, the number stood at 1,042 in 2024 and 1,023 in 2025. The information was provided by Environment Minister Miriam Dalli in reply to a parliamentary question tabled by Nationalist MP Ivan Bartolo.

Waste separation rules

At the start of 2023, waste collection was standardised across Malta and Gozo, with responsibility for municipal waste shifting from a local council responsibility to a regional system.

Previously, households, businesses and government entities were not legally obliged to separate waste at source. Waste separation became mandatory in April 2023.

Following a six-month grace period, authorities began enforcing fines, initially focusing on the separation of recyclable materials such as plastics. The rules were expanded further in April 2025.

Under the enforcement system, first-time offenders receive a warning. A second offence by households carries a €25 fine, rising to €50 for subsequent breaches. For businesses, a second offence results in a €75 fine, while further contraventions carry a €150 penalty.

The Waste Management Plan for Malta 2021–2030 identifies mandatory waste separation as a key measure to improve recycling rates, enhance the quality of recyclable materials, and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, in line with EU environmental commitments.