When referring to any of the results of our analysis and/or its concept and design, please cite us accordingly:
Global Plastics Policy Centre (2024) March A., Salam, S., Evans, T., Hilton, J., Fletcher, S. (editors). Global Plastics Policy Review. Revolution Plastics Institute, University of Portsmouth.
Malta Waste Management (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations
View the policy documentKey Findings
View the policy documentThis policy is a recycling programme and a deposit return scheme. Malta has the worst recycling rate in the EU recorded as 5% in 2014 improving to 19% in 2018.
There was no evidence the deposit return scheme had been implemented in the literature. The public had to purchase recycling bags which was a disincentive.
Producers are required to join a recycling scheme but no funding was available and only three recycling centres were set up and most plastic waste goes to landfill. The Government provided money for a waste to energy incinerator. Extended Producer Responsibility was only placed on Malta manufacturers not on imported goods, leading to 400 producers dropping out of the scheme. Malta was taken to court for not reaching targets placed by the European Waste Directive.
(Reviewed in Jan 2022)
Our methods
Through an analytical framework, we've reviewed over 100 plastic policies. These reviews determine the effectiveness of policies in reducing plastic pollution and we offer recommendations in light of this evidence, to enhance future policy making. You can find out more about our methods on our methods page.
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