Material collected from bring-in sites doubles

The amount of material collected from bring-in sites has almost doubled over the last year, rising to 139,000 kilos from 77,000 kilos, Rural Affairs and the Environment Minister George Pullicino said.

Mr Pullicino was speaking at the distribution of waste separation bins to all the schools in Sliema by its local council. Smart Supermarket baskets made of cloth were also distributed to the students.

According to statistics, the amount of collected paper rose from 38,000 kilos to 68,000; collected plastic increased from 13,000 kilos to 20,000, metal from 4,200 kilos to 10,000 and glass from 22,200 kilos to 41,000.

Mr Pullicino said this time last year there were 25 bring-in sites in Malta and Gozo. There are now 68.

The figures showed substantial progress in the use of bring-in sites and the number of localities in which they are found. They also confirmed the level of environment awareness among the public, thanks also to initiatives like that of the Sliema local council. Mr Pullicino praised the private sector for its initiatives in this regard and encouraged others to follow suit.

He said the government was planning a number of activities to mark Environment Day on June 5. These will be spread over a week and will climax at the Independence Gardens, in Sliema on June 4 and 5.