NAXXAR, Malta
,
June 15, 2023
(press release)
–
Waste streams previously dumped at landfills will now be processed and reused thanks to the opening of WasteServ's €20 million Multi Material Recovery Facility (MMRF). The facility, partly funded by the European Structural and Investment Funds 2014–2020, was inaugurated today by Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise Miriam Dalli and Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett, in the presence of European Commissioner for the Environment, Virginijus Sinkevičius. Situated in Ħal Far, the MMRF is designed to accept waste streams such as wood, mattresses, polystyrene, tyres, and textiles. Through this facility, WasteServ will perform limited pre-treatment on certain materials for their reintroduction into the circular economy as well as allow for their export with a lower environmental impact. Additionally, the facility will serve as a storage facility for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) received through the civic amenity sites. Accompanied by WasteServ CEO Richard Bilocca, the European Commissioner, Minister Dalli, and Parliamentary Secretary Bonett toured the facility before addressing a media conference. "Today is a significant day for waste management in Malta, as we continue to establish a sustainable waste management system that promotes waste separation and encourages the reuse of materials. This government is committed to constantly working on our waste management systems as a priority, with the aim of achieving our targets to ensure a circular economy and reduce landfilled waste," stated Minister Miriam Dalli. Minister Dalli also explained that this investment complemented the €500 million investment currently underway at the ECOHIVE Complex. The complex will include new facilities for waste processing, which will further enhance the country's performance in this sector. EU Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius stated, "I am happy to see that EU funds are being utilised to help Malta transition to a full circular economy. This facility will return thousands of tons of good-quality recyclable material into the economy. I look forward to the realisation of further projects focused on diverting waste away from landfills." Parliamentary Secretary Bonett explained that this €20 million investment, partially funded by the European Structural and Investment Funds, is a demonstration of what can be achieved when innovation and responsibility are combined. "The MMRF is an investment in the environment, in our health, and in our future. It symbolizes the commitment that this government has, where, together with the use of the Cohesion Fund of the European Union, we invest in projects that pave the way for future generations. We are committed to keeping working hand in hand so that, with the help of European funds, the objectives of this project can reflect our efforts to be innovative and make great leaps towards a sustainable future," stated Dr Bonett. Following the press conference, the commissioner also visited one of the reuse centres. Through these facilities situated across Malta and Gozo, around 10,000 items have been diverted from the landfill and given a new lease on life by new owners.
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