Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1169316
19.09.19 TRENDSETTERS AN initiative which aims to turn Bir- gu into Malta's first zero-waste city has kicked off with a study of the type of lit- ter the town generates. e initiative, called the Zero Waste Future programme, has the goal of cre- ating a framework for Zero Waste Cities and Zero Waste Campuses in Malta, and will address the serious issue of land and marine litter through a waste character- isation study. Such a study focuses on finding out how much waste, such as paper, glass, and food, is discarded in a waste stream. e programme, which is being led by Cypriot NGO ATKI Project & Research Centre and funded by the Coca-Cola Foundation, will also involve on-the- go recycling, educational campaigns in schools, and the setting up of a mobile zero-waste stall that will engage citizens through an information campaign about the importance of responsible waste dis- posal and recycling. e Zero Waste Future programme is being billed as a true "golden triangle" programme, involving and engaging lo- cal authorities, environmental NGOs and businesses. e ambitious plan of action aims to ac- celerate the behavioural change required to make the circular economy and recy- cling part of people's hearts, minds and everyday routines. Birgu was identified as Malta's first po- tential zero waste city following a pre- liminary assessment. e Zero Waste Future programme kicked-off in Sep- tember with an ongoing characteriza- tion study of waste generated by Birgu's households and businesses. Birgu commercial establishments not separating waste e preliminary results of the waste characterisation study – which is the first of its kind in Malta – show that most households in Birgu are separating waste correctly, while on the other hand, most commercial establishments in the same locality are still not separating waste. AKTI chairperson Xenia Loizidou said that the NGO was impressed by the rate of recycling in Birgu households. "We selected Birgu to do the first waste characterization that was ever done in Malta. As for the results of inspections done in the waste of households we are really impressed," Loizidou said. "e households of Birgu are really re- cycling well, and we are looking forward to the upcoming waste characterisation will continue to confirm this trend," she add- ed. Birgu Mayor John Boxall said he was very satisfied with the waste separation results in his locality. However, taking heed of the study's initial results, Boxall stressed the need for action so that even business owners understand the impor- tance of the civic duty that is waste sepa- ration and recycling. "e notable efforts of households are being counteracted by the lack of similar legislation for businesses. is situation needs to be rectified sooner rather than later," Boxall highlighted. Stephen Bonnici from GSD Market- ing Ltd., local bottlers of e Coca-Cola Company described the project as an- other important investment by the Co- ca-Cola Foundation in Malta. "e approach of this project is a ho- listic one and is composed of a research aspect through the waste characterisa- tion, an intervention aspect through the installation of on-the-go recycling bins and frequent clean-ups, and finally an educational element which will be car- ried out by Nature Trust in Malta's pri- mary and secondary schools," Bonnici said. e Zero Waste Future programme will also be working towards the estab- lishment of Malta's first 'Zero Waste Campus' through numerous initiatives to reduce waste and increase recycling on the MCAST main campus. Besides the ongoing studies in Birgu, the Zero Waste Future programme will be present at Science in the City being held in Valletta on 27 September. Be sure to visit the stand to learn more about how you can contribute to a zero-waste future for the benefit of all present and future generations. Birgu could become first zero-waste locality Zero Waste Future program launched to study waste disposal in Birgu while promoting recycling and strengthening public knowledge