Collection Systems in Malta 🇲🇹
About
Malta uses a color-coded bag system with White for organic waste, Grey/Green for recyclables, Black for residual waste, and separate glass collection in reusable containers. Collection is via kerbside bags rather than bins.
Collection Streams
Mixed Recyclables (Grey/Green Bag)
What goes in:
- Paper/cardboard: cardboard, paper, newspapers, magazines, notebooks, paper bags, toilet paper rolls, clean carton food boxes, milk/juice cartons (Tetra Packs)
- Plastic packaging: plastic bottles & containers (e.g., detergent/shampoo/shower gel/yoghurt tubs), plastic bags (clean), plastic caps, plastic food packaging; expanded polystyrene/jablo (as listed)
- Metal packaging: beverage/food cans, clean aluminium trays/foil, jar lids/metal caps, empty spray cans
What does NOT go in:
- Glass (bottles/jars go to glass stream), food leftovers/organic, sanitary waste (nappies & wipes), batteries and small electronic devices, clothes/textiles, dirty/soiled items like soiled foil or soiled food containers; 'take away food containers' (when not suitable/clean)
Notes:
- Packaging focus: WasteServ describes the grey/green bag as for packaging waste of plastic/paper/cardboard/metal; however, official lists also include paper items like magazines/notebooks/toilet rolls
- Clean & rinse recyclables to avoid contamination/odours
- Caps/lids: after rinsing, you can put plastic caps back on plastic items; metal lids from glass jars should be removed and placed in the recycling bag
Glass (Reusable Container)
What goes in:
- Packaging only: rinsed glass bottles and jars (e.g., water/wine bottles, food jars)
What does NOT go in:
- Not packaging / wrong glass: drinking glasses & plates, jugs, glass ornaments, glass cookware/pyrex, broken glass & mirrors, porcelain & ceramics, light bulbs & neon tubes
Notes:
- Put glass out for kerbside in a reusable container (not a bag)
- Only rinsed bottles & jars; remove caps/lids
- Typical schedule: every 1st & 3rd Friday of the month (confirm locally)
Organic Waste (White Bag)
What goes in:
- Non-packaging organic waste: cooked & raw food leftovers, meat/fish, dairy, eggs/eggshells, fruit & veg peels, bread/pasta/rice, tea bags & coffee grounds, rotten fruit/veg, flowers & leaves, food-soiled napkins/newspapers, expired food without packaging
What does NOT go in:
- Twigs, food wrapping/packaging (remove packaging first), coffee pods/capsules, batteries, dust, cigarette ash, wipes
Notes:
- WasteServ states: white bag = raw & cooked food leftovers
- Do not place twigs in the organic bag
- Bagging: organic waste is preferably put in a biodegradable bag
Residual Waste (Black Bag)
What goes in:
- Waste that cannot be recycled (and is not organic/glass/hazardous/medicinal). Examples include: soiled aluminium foil, baking paper, dirty food wrappers, dirty take-away boxes, snack packets, dust, labels/stickers, photos, wet wipes, nappies/sanitary items, pet litter, broken ceramics/pyrex, broken glass, small broken mirrors, toothpaste tubes, candles, etc.
What does NOT go in:
- Organic waste (white bag), clean recyclables (grey/green bag), glass bottles & jars (glass stream), hazardous waste (chemicals/paint/oils/batteries/bulbs), e-waste, medicines (pharmacy)
Notes:
- ERA reminder: black bags are for items that do not classify as organic, recyclable, reusable, hazardous or medicinal
- WasteServ's guide also flags do not place in black bag: batteries, electronic devices, expired medicines, gas canisters, syringes
What Gets Collected
Accepted Items
- • Packaging materials (varies by stream)
- • Empty and clean containers
- • Material-specific items
Not Accepted
- • Non-packaging items
- • Contaminated materials
- • Hazardous containers with contents
Regional Variations
Collection systems in Malta may vary by municipality or region. Local sorting capabilities, collection infrastructure, and acceptance criteria can differ significantly even within the same country.
Important Notes
Malta uses a bag-based collection system rather than bins—follow the color-coded bag system
Glass is collected separately in reusable containers on specific collection days (typically every 1st & 3rd Friday)
The grey/green bag accepts both packaging and some non-packaging paper items (e.g., magazines, notebooks)
Always check local guidance for collection schedules and specific requirements
Sources
Collection system information is based on national and regional guidelines. For the most current and location-specific information, consult local waste management authorities.