Did COVID-19 pandemic change waste habits in Maltese towns?
Sharp increase in separated organic waste in St Julian’s and Swieqi, but nationally mixed-waste bags increase by 2% and at a higher rate in large urban centres
14 May 2021, 7:29am
by James Debono
In an indication of changing waste habits during the COVID-19 pandemic, residents in St Julian’s and Swieqi displayed greater dedication to waste separation.
According to data supplied to MaltaToday, more organic waste was disposed of in 2020 while domestic waste in black bags was reduced.
In contrast, in Valletta waste separated in organic bags decreased by a remarkable 62%.
Waste collection statistics for the three streams of domestic waste – organic, domestic, and recyclable – casts a light on the waste habits of the inhabitants of different towns and villages during the pandemic which saw both an increase in packaged food deliveries, and more time for people to dedicate for waste separation during the partial lockdown.